10 Common Siding Questions Homeowners Ask
If you’re in the market for new siding, you should know what your options are. Since getting new siding can be a fairly large upfront investment, getting educated will help you feel more confident with your decision. Thankfully, once you get new siding your home’s aesthetics will transform and it’ll be decades before you’ll need another installation. To help you make your decision on materials and contractors, here are 10 common siding questions homeowners ask.
1. What Materials are Used for Home Siding?
There are a variety of different materials that can be used for your home’s siding. You have access to vinyl, pine and cedar, metal, brick, fiber-cement, and stucco. Each material comes with their own unique benefits and downfalls, so it’s important to do your research and talk to siding experts regarding which material will be best on your home.
2. Is One Material Better Than the Other?
While most siding professionals are experienced in installing a variety of different materials, almost every contractor agrees that vinyl is the best option. Vinyl offers long-term benefits to homeowners without an extreme upfront investment. Over time, your return on investment will likely reach about 75%, which is far higher than other types of materials. Vinyl siding is easy to maintain and requires only minimal long-term care. It never needs to be sanded or painted and it can emanate the appearance of real wood. Vinyl siding is versatile and comes in a variety of different colors and styles to match any home’s style.
3. Are Certain Brands Better Than Others?
At First Star Exteriors, we believe that using a high-quality brand is absolutely essential in siding installation. Premium siding options from James Hardie, NapCo, Mastic, LP, and more allow us to give you the best quality installation with longevity that’s not possible when using lesser quality materials.
4. Does Siding Fade Over Time?
The amount of fading that your siding experiences depends on the material and brand. High-quality brands like James Hardie, NapCo, Mastic, and LP, will last for much longer and maintain their original appeal. Low-quality materials will be more prone to sun exposure, fading, and damage as the years pass. Wood siding, fiber-cement, and stucco siding may be prone to slight discoloration over time. Good vinyl takes years to begin fading and many brands do not experience discoloration at all.
5. How Long Does Siding Last?
The lifespan of your siding depends on the materials you use. Some options last only 10 years while others can last a lifetime. When properly cared for, wood siding can last up to 100 years, metal usually lasts about 50 years, brick can last a while but may require tuckpointing as maintenance, and stucco can last up to 50 years. High-quality vinyl can last up to 50 years if installed properly but may need replacement in as little as 10 if subpar materials and installation is used. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment, it’s important to find a siding contractor with experience.
6. Are There Different Options for Color and Style?
With modern advancements, there are now hundreds of different options for both color and style of siding. Vinyl is one of the most versatile materials and can be painted in almost any shade. There are also options for soffit, scallops, and shakes in vinyl, which can create a unique texture on your home. Siding can be installed in both vertical or horizontal options to create a personalized appearance. There’s no shortage of options when enhancing curb appeal, so talk to a siding expert to learn more about how different options can transform your home’s aesthetics.
7. What is the Long-Term Maintenance of Siding?
The answer for maintenance requirements vary depending on the material. Wood and brick are amongst the highest maintenance siding materials and vinyl is one of the lowest. Aside from occasionally cleaning or power washing vinyl, you won’t need to do much else.
While there are plenty of low-maintenance siding materials, the exterior of your home takes a lot of stress. If you notice any signs of damage after a particularly strong storm, don’t hesitate to call your siding company. Nothing is 100% damage-proof but taking care of small problems early can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. To make sure that your siding is in the best condition possible, for as long as possible, always make sure that your gutters, downspout, and overall roofing drainage system is working as it should. This will help re-direct water away from the siding and avoid unnecessary strain or water damage.
8. Does the Type of Siding Affect Energy Efficiency?
Siding can help insulate your home if the installation process. It can work as an added layer to help keep the temperature in your home constant, regardless of what’s happening outside. This, in turn, increases the energy efficiency of your home.
However, the degree to which this occurs depends primarily on insulation. Thicker layers of insulation will give you better results. Some siding companies can add insulation during the installation process, while others may require you to use another company. Always discuss your options with your contractor prior to getting started.
9. Do I Really Need New Siding?
The answer to this really depends on your home. If you have some residual damage, repairs may be able to take care of the problem. However, you may not be able to tell on your own. Having a siding professional make an inspection is the best way to determine if the damage can be addressed by a repair or if you need to replace the entirety of your siding.
Another thing to consider is the age of your current siding. If your siding is decades old, it may be in your interest to replace it. This can help to increase the energy efficiency of your home, address water damage, and give your home a huge increase in curb appeal.
Is Siding Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Every homeowners insurance policy is different. Some plans cover siding replacement while others do not. If your provider does cover new siding, many times it’s only as a result of damage from severe weather. Always talk to your insurance provider to determine what is and isn’t covered before signing any contracts.
While it can be a large investment to replace your siding, choosing the right materials and the right company can give you a large return on investment. Make sure that you find the best option for your home and consider multiple companies. There are ways to lessen the initial financial burden, but you may find that it increases costs later on. Take the time to fully understand both short-term and long-term costs so that you can make an informed financial decision. To get a better idea of pricing options, always speak to your contractor directly.
When working with a professional siding contractor, make sure that you find a company that has the proper certifications, licensing, and experience. While using the BBB or Kelly Blue Book for references is a good place to start, always ask prospective companies questions prior to hiring them for a job. Ask about references and past jobs, areas of expertise, and the type of siding materials that they offer. Delve deeper into warranty opportunities or guarantees of workmanship for a better peace of mind and make sure that you fully understand each company’s working process. Prior to starting any project, ask about anticipated timeline of completion, how the payment schedule will look, and what kind of cleanup you should expect.
First Star Exteriors is a professional siding company that works with some of the best brands and architects in the industry. Our diverse options allow for unique customization and style, regardless of your home’s current aesthetics. We install a variety of types of siding to fit all of your needs and use materials from James Hardie, NapCo, Mastic, and LP. Our siding contractors are also experienced in installing shake, lap, Board and Batten, and any traditional siding style that you may like. For more information on our siding catalog, call First Star Exteriors today. Our professionals are standing by to answer any questions and provide clarification for pricing, materials, and more.
Whether you’re moving into a new home that needs an update or you’re looking to spruce up your curb appeal, First Star Exteriors can help. We work using a hands-on, personable treatment to ensure that each of our clients can transform their vision into a reality. We pride ourselves on taking the time to understand your needs and communicate effectively from the first quote to the last nail being placed. To learn more about our siding options or to get a quote within 48 hours, contact us at (479) 267-4800 or fill out our contact form here.
