With the amount of time, money, and effort that goes into buying and installing your siding, you’ll want to make sure that you’re picking the right siding for your home, and that it’s installed properly. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

BUYING THE RIGHT SIDING

Consider the following carefully:

• What is your reason for buying new siding? Installing new siding has always been a good return on the investment, but what your new siding will be will depend on whether you’re installing it as part of normal maintenance, or if you’re looking to sell your home. Siding will always be a combination of form and function but some kinds will show off your property better while others will be putting a premium on being more practical and economical.

• What’s the climate like where you live? Depending on where you live, a particular siding material will be suitable for your home. Stone siding, for instance, is great for areas with hot weather because not only is it able to withstand the harsh rays of the sun, but it also cools down faster than other siding types. Choosing a siding specifically suited for your local climate is important because it will help prevent premature deterioration.

PART ONE: A GUIDE TO BUYING AND INSTALLING SIDING

• What is your home’s architectural style? Your home will have a particular style and character, and you don’t want siding that will clash with that. Cedar shakes, for example, will go really well with Arts and Crafts or Craftsman homes.

INSTALLING YOUR SIDING

It goes without saying that the best all-around option for installing siding is to hire a professional to take care of siding installation for you. Not only does this assure you that the siding is installed properly,but it also saves you the trouble of correcting costly mistakes. Aside from saving on costs by preventing a botched installation, enlisting a professional to handle your siding installation is also a great way to save on time. Professionals not only know what they are doing but are also equipped with the right tools to carry out siding installation properly and swiftly.

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What kind of siding options are available to you? Learn more about the different siding types in Part 2 of this e-book.

PART ONE: A GUIDE TO BUYING AND INSTALLING SIDING

There are different types of siding available in the market today, each one with something to offer you. Some of the options you can consider, in terms of material, include:

VINYL

Though typically the most affordable option on any list of siding types, vinyl is durable and lasts a long time, resisting weather effects, not rotting and staying impervious to insects and other pests. Lightweight and easy to install, this siding type can even be installed directly over older materials already in place. Vinyl is available in a wide variety of colors and textures and can convincingly mimic stone and wood. The material is also colorfast so it doesn’t need frequent repainting and can hide nicks and scratches well.

WOOD

Wooden siding has a particular charm and beauty, a traditional look and feel that many associate only with “real” wood, which also accounts for its price tag. For many, however, the cost is worth it. With proper maintenance, wooden siding will last a very long time. Unfortunately, maintenance is also wood’s greatest drawback as a siding material. As it is naturally weak against moisture, wood must be finished and painted to protect it from rot and moisture, regularly scraped, cleaned, and repainted keep protection levels high. To lower flammability, siding of this type must also be treated with a fire retardant.

PART TWO: A QUICK GUIDE TO DIFFERENT SIDING TYPES

FIBER CEMENT

A mix of wood pulp, cement, and sand, fiber cement combines the advantages of its components without their associated drawbacks. As siding material, it is fire-resistant, proof against termites, doesn’t rot, and can be made to look like wood and stone. Fiber cement is also low-maintenance, requiring little more than the occasional hosing down with a garden hose to stay in shape. If you’re going to be using fiber cement siding, be mindful of its weight. The heft makes it a bit difficult to put up so it must be installed by a qualified contractor specializing in that certain type of siding.

STONE VENEER

Even more so than wood, stone veneer is one of the most expensive siding options available. Still, it is also one of the most durable, often outlasting the house itself. Siding of this type is lighter than “real” stone, but it is just as resistant to fire and insects. Stone veneer can be made to look like any kind of stone, allowing a homeowner to enjoy the benefits of stone siding without the weight and cost.

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Found the right siding for your home? Great! Learn how to care and maintain your investment with some tips from Part 3. Read on for more!

PART TWO: A QUICK GUIDE TO DIFFERENT SIDING TYPES

While specific maintenance requirements will vary depending on the type of siding installed on your home, there are some guidelines that apply to all types. Keep in mind that no siding is truly maintenance-free; by taking the time to clean and maintain your siding, not only do you preserve its appearance, you also help to prolong it’s serviceable lifetime.

SOME CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE TIPS

• Clean your siding annually. Giving your siding a once-yearly cleaning helps to remove grit, grime, and mildew. With some help from homemade cleaning solution or any commercial cleanser of your choice, scrub down your home’s exterior with a soft-bristled brush on a long handle. Work from bottom to top to avoid streaking, and rinse the brush often.

• Removing mildew. Bleach will do easy work of mildew but make sure you use oxygen bleach, not the chlorine variant. Using oxygen bleach will not only remove mildew but will also ensure that any plants near your siding will not be harmed, keeping your landscaping in good condition. Don’t forget to give your siding a good rinse after spraying bleach solution.

PART THREE: SIDING CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE - SOME TIPS

• Inspect your siding regularly for damage. Look for cracks or gaps in the caulking or for any caulking that has been pulled away from adjacent surfaces in spots where siding meets windows, doors and corners. Check for dings, holes and fading as well. The sooner you spot damage, the sooner you can have it fixed to prevent it from worsening and causing you a bigger problem.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to do maintenance on your siding yourself, consider hiring the services of a professional cleaning team. Aside from having the tools necessary for the cleaning – tools you may not own, or have the experience to operate – the cost of the cleaning is well worth the savings you get in the extended lifetime of your siding.

PART THREE: SIDING CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE - SOME TIPS

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