Siding Replacement

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Depending on the material and quality of installation, your siding can last for more than 20 years. This is great news as siding can be a significant home improvement investment. However, with so much time in between replacements, homeowners can also take their siding for granted.

The reality is, all siding will eventually need to be replaced if you want to protect your home's foundation and interior. The good news is that a siding replacement can deliver approximately 75% return on investment (ROI) based on Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.

Choosing a siding replacement company is not an easy task. There are many factors to consider, both about the type of siding that is best for your home and who will be best to install it. Here, you will find everything you need to know before investing in replacing your siding.

Warning Signs that It's Time to Replace Your Siding

Siding typically lasts well over 20 years if it is well maintained. However, all siding materials will need to be replaced eventually. If your siding is over the two-decade mark, or if you notice the issues below, then it is time to call a siding replacement professional.

Discoloration on Finish

With vinyl siding, discoloration and fading can be a sign of excessive UV exposure. Vinyl that has been faded by the sun is also brittle and runs a high risk of cracking or breaking. While wood siding can be repainted or stained more easily, fading still shows the age of the siding, and it may be time to replace.

Increased Energy Bills

If you have noticed that your energy bills are much higher than usual or you feel drafts or hot spots in your home, then your siding may have lost its insulating qualities.

Plant, Moss, or Mold Growth

Mold and moss aren't just aesthetic problems. If you notice plant growth on your siding, then it is an indication that your siding is holding a lot of moisture. This can be an early warning sign before more serious structural problems develop.

Water Damage

If your siding has aged to the point that it is no longer a barrier to the outside elements, then it could be allowing rainwater to seep into your home, weakening your home’s structure and possibly damaging drywall on the inside of your home.

Bubbling or Warping

Bubbling and warping are signs that moisture has gotten trapped underneath the siding, or your vinyl siding has been exposed to extreme heat. Either way, it is no longer creating a sealed barrier and needs to be replaced.

Insect Damage

Check for wildlife damage from woodpeckers, squirrels, and insects. While all siding can fall victim to insects, wood siding is particularly vulnerable to termites.

Common Types of Siding for Your Home

When it comes to replacement siding, you will need to choose between a few different popular materials. Each material has pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your aesthetic, lifestyle, and budget.

vinyl-siding-1

Vinyl siding is the most popular option in the United States as it is virtually maintenance-free. The PVC resists water, mold, rot, and insects and comes in a variety of colors and shapes from traditional dutch lap to scalloped trim that has the appearance of historic wood.

cedar-siding

Cedar siding is comprised of light, low-density softwood. Because of its open cell structure and density, this material is a terrific insulator and acoustic barrier. Although cedarwood has many natural advantages, homeowners usually choose it because of aesthetics.

fibercement-siding

Fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie Board^TM, is constructed primarily of sand and concrete, which makes it fire, insect, and rot-resistant. Fiber cement siding is a long-lasting siding option making it an excellent choice for many homeowners.

foambacked-siding

Foam-backed siding combines the easy maintenance and cleanup of vinyl with the thermal benefits of foam insulation. If you have pricey electric bills or specific rooms in your house that are cooler in the winter or warmer in the summer, foam-backed insulation may be the right choice for you.

Key Components of a Siding Replacement

Most discussions about siding materials focus on the siding panels themselves. There is a lot of variation in lifespan, durability, and cost depending on the materials you select. However, it’s also important to recognize that siding replacements are systems. Your siding is more than just the top layer. In addition to the panels, here are the other aspects that go into your siding system:

Backerboard

The plywood or cement backer board that is nailed to the exterior wall with studs and lays underneath the external siding panels, which are fastened to it.

Batten

On wood siding, the strip of wood that secures joints, the spots where the siding panels connect. The modern board and batten style siding comes from this term for wood boards with battens that filled the gaps between the boards.

Channel

The part of the trim or corner post where the siding is inserted. Channel can also mean the trim itself.

Drip Cap

An L-shaped flashing that goes over windows and doors before the siding is installed to stop moisture from seeping in where the siding and doors or windows join.

Fascia Board

Fascia is usually wooden boards that are located directly below your shingles, along the perimeter of a building, that covers the ends of the rafters at the eaves.

Flashing

The thin material used to direct water away from where siding elements and roof elements intersect. Flashing is usually made of metal, such as galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper.

Lap

The area at the ends of two vinyl siding panels where they overlap, allowing for expansion and contraction. Modern vinyl comes in patterns such as Dutch lap, which refers to the pattern of overlapping panels.

Estimating the Cost of a Siding Replacement

Estimating how much it will cost to replace your siding can be challenging. You will need to factor in the type of siding, the cost of labor, and your unique home. To get started, consider how the following will affect the cost of your siding replacement:

Type of Siding

Different siding materials will cost vastly different amounts. Fiber cement siding will be the most expensive, followed by wood siding. Costs for wood vary based on the cut and color or stain. Finally, vinyl siding is typically the most cost-effective.

Additional Items

When replacing your siding, you will likely need to replace other pieces of your home's exterior as well. Replacement items can include the fascia, soffits, trim, and crown molding.

Size of Your Home

It may seem obvious, but the size of the area you need siding replaced will affect the cost. Siding is measured and priced by the square foot, so the more you need, the more it will cost.

Removal of Existing Siding

Your contractor will likely include the removal and disposal of your existing siding into their fee. Make sure this is included up front.

Permits and Inspections

Whenever major work is being done on a home, a permit is often needed, though not in every case or jurisdiction. A professional siding replacement company should pull permits for you; however, permits still incur a small fee. Additionally, you may need a city or county inspection once work is completed.

When trying to figure out how much it will cost to replace your siding, it is best to get an estimate from a professional. Unlike some contractors who will simply eyeball your home's exterior to give an initial quote—a method which regularly results in costly change orders once the project begins—Brothers expert siding consultants inspect and measure your home to give you a quote with the right information up front.

How to Maintain Your Home's Siding

Proper siding maintenance is essential to keeping your home safe and well protected. You can keep your siding looking great for years to come with these maintenance tips.

Clean Your Siding Regularly

Whether you have synthetic or wood siding, it should be cleaned every six months to a year. The good news is, siding is easy to clean with a soft bristle brush and mild soap. Gently scrub the siding, then rinse the area with water from your regular garden hose. You can also use a pressure washer on vinyl or wood but take extra precautions when doing so. Make sure you follow the instructions on your power washer, stand at least 6 feet away, and spray at a 90-degree angle, so you do not force water up between the vinyl or wood slabs. It is best to avoid power washing fiber cement siding as this is one of the few ways you can damage it.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

While regular cleaning is essential, some chemicals can damage siding materials. Solutions to avoid include undiluted bleach, liquid grease remover, and furniture cleaning agents. Keep abrasive scrubbers such as steel wool away from your siding as well. Both of these items can damage the surface, fading the color, and reducing the water-repelling qualities.

Spot Clean Mold and Mildew

If you find mold, take the time to clean it now before it gets any worse. Just as with regular cleaning, do not use chemical cleaners. Choose a cleaning agent specifically for the type of siding you have or make your own with a mix of 1 cup vinegar with 1 gallon of water. However, if you notice dry rot or holes when inspecting vinyl siding for mold, then it is time to replace your siding.

Repair Cracks and Holes Quickly

If your siding has gaps or cracks, it could let moisture into the walls and affect your home's ability to control the temperature. When moisture penetration goes untreated, it eventually causes mold and rot, which could even damage the structural integrity of your home. Call a siding professional to repair the damaged siding panels now to avoid a more intensive and expensive project.

Understanding Your Siding Replacement Warranty

Your siding replacement company should offer a warranty on labor. This means that if the siding is installed incorrectly, they should fix the issues at no cost to you. Additionally, if any damage occurs to the siding or your home during the install, that should also be covered. But don't be fooled into choosing a company just because their labor warranty lasts for an incredibly long time – like 50 years. If something is going to go wrong with your siding based on how it was installed, you will likely know within a few years, if not a few months.

The siding manufacturer will offer an additional product warranty. The manufacturer's warranty will cover any manufacturing defects and should pay back for the price of the product as well as the labor to install it. However, it will likely not protect against regular wear such as weathering and fading or damage from fire or vandalism.

Before work begins, make sure to ask your siding installer what kind of insurance they and the manufacturer offer before investing in new siding.

“Our Brother Services experience has been exceptional, from the design team to the carpentry team. Always respectful of our home, clean, trustworthy and expert craftsman. Highly recommend Brother Services.”

Petry Family, Reisterstown, MD

“We love dealing with Brothers. They remodeled our kitchen in Parkton in 2005. We were so pleased we had them remodel my in-laws kitchen in Ijamsville in 2016. Communication was fabulous - communication is key!! We are both thrilled with our new kitchens!”

“Brothers remodeled our kitchen in June 2016. From start to finish, they were the greatest. The designers were knowledgeable and efficient. The crew was professional, reliable, skilled, thoughtful and careful to protect floors keep the area clean. They finished the job in fewer days. I would recommend them without reservation for any job. 20 years ago, they put a new roof our house and we had the same experience. They are the best to work with.”

Rebecca S., Baltimore, MD

Choosing the Right Siding Replacement Company

When you've selected your materials, collected price estimates from contractors, and reviewed warranties, it's time to decide who you will hire. For many homeowners, this is the most challenging part of the process—how can you tell the good companies from the bad? Choosing a siding contractor is all about trust. Which contractor or remodeler is going to go above and beyond to provide transparency and take the time to walk you through the entire process to ensure you understand?

One way that good companies build trust with potential customers is to go through a highly detailed inspection process. If your contractor doesn't take measurements and inspect the entire exterior of your home, you can't truly know that the estimate or proposal you receive is accurate. Too many contractors will get by with low-cost estimates and win new business based on price alone. That may work for some homeowners, but the best option for your home's value and protection is to go with the most trustworthy contractor.

There is always someone who will do the project for cheaper. Put your siding replacement in hands you can trust.

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Ceramic Tile

When in doubt, homeowners can’t go wrong with ceramic tile for their kitchen floors. It comes in near-limitless style options and provides great resilience against normal wear and tear. At $3 to $8 per square foot, this is an affordable option if you can accept the potential for cracks and the need to reapply grout occasionally. Learn More »

Stone

Materials like limestone, slate, and granite are far less common for kitchen flooring, but they provide an elegant and upscale look. While different types of stone have their advantages and disadvantages, these floors generally have high durability. However, at $15 to $30 per square foot, it’s an upscale option that you may want to avoid. Learn More »

Hardwood

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Vinyl

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