The Best Time to Replace Home Siding in The Pacific Northwest
Suddenly, many people analyzed their houses more closely and found projects to help keep them busy. Have you wondered about finding a contractor that will replace home siding?
Home siding provides insulation and gives your house a unique and modern look. Old and cracked siding can present many options, and you may wonder if you can simply repair it. We have put together a complete guide on why you should consider replacing your entire house’s siding this year, so keep reading on for more information!
Types of Home Siding
- Wood
- Metal
- Vinyl
- Fiber Cement
Weather and climate can play a big role in the siding you choose. Siding contractors in Seattle may recommend different options based on the climate seen in the Pacific Northwest, including heavy rains and cooler temperatures. Some of the pros of particular siding might weigh heavier in these areas.
Wood Siding
- Various styles
- Unique textures
- Quality finish
- Easy to repair
- Eco-friendly
- Customizable
However, wood siding is also very expensive, costing anywhere from $3 to $10 per square foot. If you want inexpensive wood siding, check out pine or cypress siding. However, cedar lap siding looks beautiful and gives your home a warm, comforting appeal.
It costs anywhere from $5 to $10 and is arguably the most popular wood siding option. If installed correctly, it can help provide excellent insulation and give you more customizable options than other types. What are some of the major cons to wood siding besides higher costs?
- Paint problems
- Difficult to install over the previous siding
- Warping under high temperatures
- High maintenance
While the installation is usually more complex than repairing, it still requires higher maintenance than other sidings. If you want to avoid wood prone to rot, bugs, and insects, pick a wood siding material that is long-lasting and bacteria or fungi-resistant.
Metal Siding
However, the cost of metal siding can fluctuate based on the availability of shipments and materials. You can also experience denting or chalking. Additionally, some homeowners may not like the visual appeal of metal siding.
Vinyl Siding
Other benefits of vinyl siding are:
- Various styles
- Different textures (e.g., wood shake, shingle)
- Low repair costs
- Cheaper installation
- It doesn’t need painting
You can see how vinyl siding appeals to those looking at saving a few dollars and want a quick and easy installation. However, there are usually better and more durable options out there. A few of the cons of vinyl siding include:
- Prone to cracking in cold weather
- Limited warranties
- Brittle
- Other maintenance problems
- Decrease home’s value
- Isn’t eco-friendly
If you opt for vinyl siding, make sure you go through a trusted Seattle siding contractor. While wood and other siding materials allow better ventilation, vinyl can trap moisture and water behind your walls. If moisture leaks into your walls, you can have a host of other problems like mold, rot, and termites.
Since vinyl is primarily known as a low-cost option, it could actually lower your home’s value if you are selling. Instead, there are other cost-friendly options out there.
Fiber Cement Siding
What are some other benefits of fiber cement siding?
- Low maintenance
- Recyclable
- Resembles wood
- Primed or pre-finished looks
- Various styles
- Durable
- Long warranties
It isn’t uncommon that some homeowners may never need their fiber cement siding replaced. On average, national costs are around $10 per square foot, but the higher cost is made up through its longevity.
While vinyl sidings can have limited warranties, fiber cement sidings typically come with a 50-year manufacturer warranty. It isn’t prone to many issues, making it a maintenance-free design.
Other Siding Options
Hardiplank siding can provide a more durable option than wood and is relatively equal to vinyl siding durability. Like other JamesHardie® materials, it boasts impressive fire-resistant properties.
Replace Entire House Siding
Why should you replace your entire home’s siding? For starters, it can be cheaper to entirely replace your siding, especially if you switch to a different material.
Benefits of Siding Replacement Seattle
- Boost curb appeal
- Increase home value
- Reduce the risk of mold
- Reduce the risk of water damage
- Reduce energy costs
- Save money in the long-term
New siding can be a game-changer for your house, especially if you spend a lot of time outside. Fiber cement siding options ensure you only replace your siding once for decades to come.
Dangers of Siding Damage
Once water sets in, you have a higher risk for termites, rot, mold, fungi, and bacteria exposure. It can exacerbate allergies and cause various illnesses. Other dangers of siding damage include:
- Poor insulation
- Higher energy costs
- Decreased home value
- High maintenance costs
If you are looking at selling your home, one of the sticking points could be cracked and broken siding. Like a roof, it provides insulation and protection to your home’s interior, and you should treat it just as seriously.
When To Replace Siding?
Switching out your siding can help prevent water from seeping into broken or cracked areas and causing a host of problems. If you wait to replace your siding, you risk further damage. Rather than replacing or repairing small siding segments, consider replacing your entire home’s siding.
Additionally, inflation and supply chain shortages could impact the future costs of siding. Last year, windows, doors, and steel increased by over 20%. Lumbar is still around 10% higher than the previous year, and other construction areas are seeing even more demand.
Rather than waiting and potentially paying more in the future, act now and get your siding replaced so that you can rest easy.
The type of siding material you pick makes a difference for installation. For example, vinyl siding doesn’t do well under extremely cold or hot temperatures. It does best during the spring and early fall months when Seattle siding contractors can install it without compromising integrity.
Winter is usually not ideal for siding installation, but you might find better luck getting an appointment when searching ‘siding contractor Seattle WA.’ Prices can also be cheaper since most major projects start dropping off.
Some materials you could have professional Seattle siding contractors install are:
- Cedar
- James Hardie fiber cement
- Wood
When looking at the best Seattle siding installation, most experts recommend fiber cement. It does well in the hot and cold summer months and is one of the more versatile siding options.