Replacing Old Siding

For the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of a home, it is important to consider both when a home’s siding must be replaced and what material should be used as a replacement.  Not properly replacing old siding may be a costly mistake for a homeowner, requiring extensive repairs and possibly creating health problems that could be avoided with proper care.

One problem that often arises over time with old siding is rot beneath the siding, which may threaten the structural integrity of the house and thus drastically reduce its value.  Rot is common in homes made of wood and vinyl siding which was not installed properly.  Homes with moisture that seeps into the interior of the home may foster the growth of mold or mildew, which can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems for those living inside, especially children.  For this reason it is important to look at factors other than cost when deciding on replacement siding.

There are several main types of siding for houses that come with their own advantages and disadvantages.  Among the sidings are wood siding, metal siding, insulated siding, vinyl siding, masonry siding and composite siding.

Generally, wood siding leaves an appearance which many homeowners are willing to pay extra to have, though wood siding may need to be painted every four to five years due to the effects of weather, particularly in areas with extreme weather.  Wood is also susceptible to rot and termites.  Metal siding is durable, though aluminum siding may dent as a result of hailstorms, and steel siding may rust over time.  Insulated siding protects the home from extreme heat and cold, thus providing cost-savings in energy use, and is considered an improvement from traditional vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding is composed mainly of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and is more affordable than wood siding, but tends to be less attractive due to overlapping seams between panels.  It is also not recyclable.  Masonry siding, made of brick and stone, can be very expensive to install, though it is very durable, requires minimal maintenance, and offers good thermal insulation.  Composite siding, made of various materials which mimic the appearance of other sidings, offers a good combination of the benefits of other sidings, such as affordability, appearance and durability, and requires minimal maintenance.

When replacing old siding it is recommended that professionals do the job to ensure that the siding is installed properly to prevent problems from arising.  The old siding may need to be completely removed in order to be replaced with new siding.  Color and harmony with the rest of the house and neighborhood also must be considered to maximize the value of one’s home and provide the look to complement the replacement siding.

For installing new siding, whichever type one prefers, United Home Experts will meet and exceed expectations and do so at very competitive rates.  United Home Experts also offers a free estimate with scheduling flexibility to ensure convenience.