Everything You Should Know About Replacement Siding

You’re In the Right Place For Fast and Accurate Answers to Your Siding Questions

Siding protects your entire home from Mother Nature, so it’s important that yours is in good condition, insulated, and watertight.

But when your old siding can’t fulfill its promises, it’s time to look into replacement siding.

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a lot of questions about it. Keep reading for answers to common ones.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Siding?

Getting all-new siding and having it professionally installed is likely one of the most costly endeavors a homeowner can make, short of remodeling a kitchen down to the studs.

No one on the internet can give you an accurate estimate for the cost of replacing siding because it depends on the size of your house, where you live, what kind of siding you choose, and even the siding company you hire.

The best way to find out how much it costs to replace siding on your house is to request a siding replacement estimate from reputable home improvement companies in your area.

Can I Install Replacement Siding Myself?

It’s possible to install siding yourself, especially if you’re handy. But it is a time-consuming process that requires multiple people to help you. You’ll want to ensure your siding is level and properly attached. You’ll need to be comfortable on a ladder to safely install siding; if not, you’ll need to rent scaffolding. DIY siding installation could even require that you purchase specialized tools, which add to your cost. For these reasons, homeowners usually do not attempt replacing their siding themselves. And who can blame them?

When Is It Time to Replace Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is meant to last multiple decades, but that doesn’t always happen. Cracking, fading, warping or buckling, and even detachment are common types of damage that plague vinyl siding.

When you start noticing these issues, it’s a good indicator that you should consider replacing your vinyl siding with something more durable.

What About Other Kinds Of Replacement Siding?

You may need to repair or replace siding if you see visible damage, such as warping, bubbles or blisters that indicate moisture damage. In wood siding, watch for mold or wood rot.

Wood siding can also be prone to termite damage, which requires calling an exterminator and a siding company.

Stucco siding can also develop bubbles or blisters, which means moisture has gotten behind the layer of stucco.

Which Replacement Siding Is Best?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Some people claim vinyl siding as being the best, but it doesn’t perform as well as seamless polymer siding.

Wood siding makes for a natural look on your home’s exterior, but materials like cement board and, again, seamless polymer siding, can mimic that style.

Some people swear by stucco, but it’s prone to cracking if your house settles after it’s installed.

Learn more about choosing replacement siding in these helpful blog posts:

• Is Seamless Polymer Siding REALLY Maintenance-Free?
• Eco-Friendly Siding Options: Sustainable Choices For Your Home
• What Kind Of Siding Is Right For My Home?

Does Vinyl or Seamless Polymer Siding Look Fake?

It’s a fair worry: you’ll choose manmade replacement siding and your house will look like it’s covered in plastic. But you don’t have to worry about it.

Vinyl siding, and seamless polymer siding in particular, are often texturized to mimic the look of natural material. You can even get siding that looks like coastal cedar shake, modern board and batten, and traditional lap siding, and no one would be the wiser unless they came up and touched your house.

How Much Maintenance Does Replacement Siding Need?

The answer to this question depends on the kind of siding you choose. Let’s take a look at the common maintenance needs of different types of house siding.

• Wood siding products may need rot repair over time. You’ll plan to scrape and repaint every five to 10 years.
• Stucco siding may crack, necessitating both crack patching and repainting the area. If your paint has faded in the sun, you may need to repaint your entire house. You’ll also need to reseal it every five to 10 years.
• When vinyl is properly installed, it is a low-maintenance siding. But if there are any errors in the installation process, you may notice loosened siding or gaps that allow in moisture and pests. You’ll also need to replace any planks that warp or crack, which are common issues.
• You’ll need to clean and repaint fiber cement siding every 10 to 15 years. On the off-chance you do need a replacement for any reason, it will cost you up to three times as much as vinyl siding. Because it’s a heavy product, your home may develop structural issues that require repair as well.
• Brick siding will need to be tuckpointed every 25 to 30 years. If you choose to paint your brick siding, you will need to regularly repaint as the paint chips or wears away.
• Seamless polymer siding is the only replacement siding that doesn’t need traditional maintenance. It never needs paint, won’t rot, and stays watertight. You can clean it with a hose or power washer if needed. However, not every siding company can install this patented product.

Which Replacement Siding Is the Most Energy Efficient?

Siding energy efficiency depends on the specific product you choose and how well your house is insulated. In a house that is already well-insulated, adding an insulated siding product could slightly reduce your energy bills. If your house is not well-insulated, choose a siding product with form-fitted insulation to increase your energy efficiency by as much as 20%.

Does Replacement Siding Come With a Warranty?

Most modern siding products come with a warranty that protects against the manufacturer’s defects. The siding company you hire may also offer a warranty on labor. It’s never recommended to hire a siding company that cannot provide or fulfill the promises of a warranty.

How Long Does It Take to Install Siding?

The specific answer depends on the size of your house, how many stories you have, the weather, and the crew you hire. Most professionals agree siding can be installed in 14 days on average, from start to finish.

Does New Siding Increase My Home’s Value?

Yes! But by how much depends on the siding you choose. Market research suggests that new siding has a return on investment of as much as 80%.

How Do I Get a Siding Replacement Estimate?

Start by searching for local, family-owned siding companies near you. You can usually call or send a message online to request a no-obligation estimate. The siding company will need to visit your home to give you an accurate cost for replacement siding.