the basics of siding replacement

THE BASICS OF SIDING REPLACEMENT

WHEN DO YOU NEED SIDING REPLACEMENT?



PART 1WHEN DO YOU NEED SIDING

REPLACEMENT?

Your siding protects your home from the elements. As such, it is subjected to wear and tear day in and day out in order to keep threats at bay and ensure you are safe and warm inside. Unfortunately, your siding is not invincible. If you spot the following, you’re likely due for a siding

replacement.



ROTTING, WARPING OR BUCKLING

Which issue will be more likely to occur will depend on the kind of siding material you have. If you have wood siding, for instance, it will be prone to rotting. If you have vinyl siding, you’re likely to see warping or buckling, but these issues generally appear when siding is improperly installed in the first place. Improper installation compromises the quality of siding, preventing it from performing as it should. This makes siding likelier to fail sooner, prompting the need for a replacement.

CRACKED OR LOOSE SIDING PANELS

If large sections of your siding are cracked or have come loose, this can let water through and cause moisture-related issues. If loose siding panels can no longer be secured effectively, it’s time to replace them.



HOLES IN THE SIDING

Even small holes should be considered a problem because once your siding ceases to form a watertight envelope around your home, it’s only a matter of time before you start dealing with water infiltration and problems related to it.

FADED SIDING

Faded siding will not affect your home’s structural integrity, but it will have an impact on your home’s appearance. If peeling, chipping and cracking on your siding are excessive, they are better off replaced than simply painted over. Opting for replacement will also ensure your siding maintains its appearance longer.



HIGH HEATING & COOLING BILLS

Siding is meant to act as a barrier that slows indoor heat from getting out and outdoor heat from getting in. This helps stabilize temperature inside your home, preventing your HVAC system from working overtime. If you are experiencing spikes in your energy bill, it may be that your siding is no longer keeping air leakage at bay and needs to be replaced.

Siding replacement is a cost-effective solution. Make sure you choose the right siding for you by knowing your options. Read Part 2 for two of the

most popular siding options around.



PART 2VINYL & FIBER CEMENT -

POPULAR SIDING OPTIONS

Are you sold on siding replacement? There will be several options available to you. To help you narrow them down, it is a good idea to take stock of your needs and preferences. Another way to whittle down your list is to take a look at popular options. Certain siding materials are popular for a reason. And if those reasons coincide with what you’re looking for, then you have the ideal siding replacement material for you.


VINYL AND FIBER CEMENT - POPULAR SIDING OPTIONS

VINYL SIDING

Vinyl has been around for a while and it remains one of the most popular siding options today. According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show that homeowners have preferred vinyl over other materials since 1995. Why this preference for vinyl siding? It may have to do with the siding option’s many benefits, which include:

• Durability. Vinyl resists rain, snow and other threats well.

• Aesthetic appeal. Vinyl comes in a range of colors and finishes, allowing you to choose a siding option that will complement your home best.

• Installation ease. Vinyl is lightweight, making it easy to handle, which facilitates installation and cuts down on labor costs.

• Maintenance ease. Vinyl doesn’t require routine painting, making it easy to care for.


VINYL AND FIBER CEMENT - POPULAR SIDING OPTIONS

FIBER CEMENT SIDING

Fiber cement is a relative newcomer to the siding scene, and has become one of the most popular options today. This material also offers a number of benefits, which is why more and more homeowners are looking at fiber cement for siding replacement. These benefits include:

• Realistic wood appearance. Fiber cement can imitate the appearance of wood, making it an ideal alternative for anyone interested in the charm of wooden siding without the inherent weaknesses.

• Superior impact- and thermal-resistance. Fiber cement is tough and can withstand strikes and hits, as well as constant changes in temperature.

• Resistant to rot and insects. Fiber cement is not porous like wood, so it can handle repeated exposure to moisture without rotting. And because it cannot rot, the siding material does not promote insect activity.

• Holds paint well. Fiber cement siding features factory-applied colors and finishes that last a long time. It is likely a paint job will be needed only once every 10 years.

Siding replacement is an investment. Make sure you make the most of it by ensuring your siding is cared for.

Check out Part 3 for some maintenance tips.



PART 3POST-REPLACEMENT

MAINTENANCE TIPS

All siding will benefit from some TLC, so don’t ignore routine maintenance. What’s great about siding options like vinyl and fiber cement is that they are easy to care for, meaning maintenance tasks are

generally simple.


POST-REPLACEMENT MAINTENANCE TIPS

CLEANING

Whatever siding you have, it will benefit from an annual cleaning to remove dirt, grime and mildew build-up. However, you do have to be mindful of any particular cleaning instructions your siding’s manufacturer may have. If you’re going to be using a commercial cleaning solution, make sure that you follow package instructions as well. Other siding cleaning tips include:

• Cleaning in sections. Divide siding panels into 10-foot sections, cleaning one at a time.

• Using a long-handled soft-bristled brush. This makes sure all sections of your siding are cleaned.

• Rinsing after washing. This prevents streaking after the cleaning solution dries.

• Working from top to bottom. This prevents clean siding from getting soiled again by dirty water.


POST-REPLACEMENT MAINTENANCE TIPS

REGULAR INSPECTIONS

There’s a lot that a visual inspection will tell you about the state of your siding, but sometimes damage can be hidden so it is advisable to have a professional carry out an inspection. Make sure inspections are scheduled regularly to ensure small problems are caught before they worsen. When carrying out siding inspections, take note that:

• Siding is most vulnerable in places where it butts against doors, windows and corners of the house.

• Cracked or loose caulking around adjacent surfaces will result in gaps where water can seep through, if left unattended.

• It is important to check for siding damage after bad weather hits, on top of the regular inspection schedule already set.

CALLING A PROFESSIONAL FOR ASSISTANCE

Problems are easiest to deal with while they are small, so don’t hesitate to give your local contractor a call as soon as you spot any kind of damage on your siding. The sooner you address issues, the sooner your siding can go back to protecting your home as it should.



ALL STATES EXTERIORS776 N. West Street Wichita, KS 67203

WICHITA: (316) 444-122011152 Antioch Overland Park, KS 66210

KANSAS CITY: (913) 800-5211

www.AllStatesWindows-Siding.com

http://www.AllStatesWindows-Siding.com

the basics of siding replacement

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