9 Things to ask yourself when replacing your siding (1-3)

This is part 1 in a 3 part series about 9 questions to ask yourself when considering replacing your siding.  Customers have told us this resource has proven to be extremely helpful in their decision making process.

How long do I plan to live in this house?

A long time?

If you plan to be in your home for a long time, make a decision based on what you DO want not what a future owner MIGHT want. Choose the siding you and your family will enjoy for years to come. If you’d rather not be scraping and painting every 4-7 years, or hiring someone to do so, then wood siding is probably not the best choice and you should consider something that doesn’t require paint like Everlast Composite Siding or Vinyl. If you don’t want to make a permanent decision on color then you might want to avoid vinyl products which can’t be painted. Instead choose Fiber-cement siding or Everlast Composite Siding, which can both be painted.

Less than 5 years?

Those planning on moving within 5 years should consider what will help sell the house. A low-maintenance exterior is key. Most potential buyers understand and appreciate the initial cost of the property and the residual costs to come including future exterior maintenance.

Regardless of your decision, studies by Remodeler magazine show that your return on investment usually exceeds the initial cost, so consider this a value adding investment to your property.

How much maintenance am I willing to live with?

The real question here is what is important, ease-of-maintenance or traditional appeal?

Prefer traditional appeal over low-maintenance?

For some there is no substitute for real cedar clapboard or shingles, and the recurring maintenance and expense is worth the hassle. For that we recommend pre-primed CVG clapboard or Clear R&R Cedar shingles.  However, keep in mind these are the most expensive siding options especially when you factor in initial and future painting.

Would you like a good compromise: realistic looking, but also low maintenance?

In our experience, homeowners like the look and feel of wood, but are attracted to the ease of maintenance vinyl offers. The introduction and development of newer composite siding products such as Everlast Composite Siding, Cedar Style Vinyl Shingles, and Fiber Cement give homeowners the more traditional look they desire with much less maintenance down the road. PVC trim, such as Azek® or Trex®, are also a good compromise. Without close inspection most people cannot detect that these products aren’t wood.

Is my house in an area with high moisture?

Moisture-laden properties and those where snow is in direct contact with siding for extended periods are more prone to have issues with wood rot and peeling paint. Consider the use of vinyl or Everlast Composite Siding over wood or fiber cement products which are both prone to damage in moist areas. Also, mildew can grow on all siding products, but vinyl and Everlast are easier to clean or power wash without damaging.