All homes undergo a normal amount of wear and tear throughout a year. Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, we may get more than our fair share of harsh weather sometimes. Over time the weather conditions take a toll on your home’s exterior, so it is a good idea to give your home a thorough yearly inspection. For most homeowners, this is often done in the fall or spring, in between the extremely harsh seasons.
One of the most important aspects when examining the outside parameters of your house is to look closely at your siding. Siding is similar to shingles in that it protects your home from rain, dirt, bugs, winds, and noise, just to name a few. That’s why it is imperative that if your siding is damaged or shows signs of deterioration, it should be a top priority to get it replaced.
When inspecting your home’s siding, look especially for separation of seams, boards that don’t lay flush against the side of the house, paint failure, discoloration, caulking failure, or moisture on the inside of your house. If you find any of these issues, consider consulting with an expert for a replacement estimate.
If you decide that your siding is on its last leg and needs to be replaced, where do you start? Well, the three most popular siding choices are vinyl, wood, and cement fiber, although shingle siding, composite siding, and others are also available. You don’t have to be a home improvement extraordinaire to understand the in’s and out’s of different types of siding. All it takes it a little research and the experience and guidance of a local contractor.
VINYL SIDING
Vinyl siding has become increasingly technologically advanced in the past decade. Not only are there more choices regarding strength and durability, but additionally there are more choices for color and profile.
Vinyl siding is your lowest maintenance option. It is not painted. It is manufactured in the color that goes onto the side of the house. There will never be a need to repaint your home’s exterior again. For the most part, the only maintenance you will ever have to do for your vinyl siding is give it the occasional power-wash to keep it looking clean and new.
If you do choose vinyl, make sure to choose siding with a double nailing hem. This simply helps resist lifting of the siding in strong winds. Enduring as many severe thunderstorms as we do in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, resistance to high winds is a must. It is also recommended to add an insulated backing to vinyl siding as by itself, vinyl siding does not offer much insulation for your home.
WOOD SIDING
Just like all wood products, wood siding is porous and can absorb and give off moisture over time that can lead to deterioration. Properly maintaining, staining, and sealing your wood siding can reduce the deterioration process.
One of the main reasons that wood has remained a popular siding choice for decades can be attributed to its classic, sophisticated look. Even when customers decide on other types of siding material, most ask for a “wood” look.
If you are interested in painting wood siding, it is advised that you take into consideration re-painting your siding every 4-9 years depending on climate and how well the siding has been routinely maintained.
FIBER CEMENT SIDING
Fiber cement siding looks very similar to wood, however it has the added benefit of not being prone to rotting. It will far outlast the lifetime of a wood siding installation.
There is increased maintenance with the installation of fiber cement siding. It must be painted, although the homeowner has more freedom in that regard to choose any color they desire. Some siding makers are now manufacturing fiber cement siding that is pre-painted, therefore taking away some of the hassle for the homeowner of having to paint or hire someone to paint their house.
If you think you may be interested in having siding installed on your home or might be in need of a siding replacement, please visit Brennan Enterprises or call 817-860-9767 (Fort Worth), 972-660-3106 (Dallas), or 888-503-0044 (Toll Free) to schedule an estimate.
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