Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Siding
Deciding when to replace your siding is challenging. You need to know your current siding’s condition, the optimal replacement material, and where to find a reliable siding contractor. Find out how to evaluate all three factors and make an educated purchase with these tips from Elite Remodeling Services in Farmington, MN.
Your Siding’s Lifespan
Your siding represents a significant investment. The last thing you want is to replace your siding in a couple of years because it didn’t hold up to the elements. Here are the average lifespans for common siding materials:
- Aluminum: 20 to 40 years
- Wood: 20 to 40 years
- Steel: 40 years
- Stucco: 50 to 60 years (if placed over wood)
- Stucco: 60 to 80 years (if placed over concrete)
- Vinyl: 60 to 100 years
- Fiber cement: 100 years
- Brick: 100 years
- Natural stone: 100 years
Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear. If you notice soft or spongy areas, you may have water trapped underneath your siding. The water pocket can cause rotting, warping, fungus, and water damage.
Your siding becomes more fragile with time, making it susceptible to cracks and breaks. You may see small holes with insects or higher-than-average energy bills due to inadequate thermal insulation. If you’re not sure about your siding’s condition, contact the professionals at Elite Remodeling Services for an on-site inspection.
The New Materials
The best siding should fit your needs and budget. Many homeowners in Minneapolis install vinyl siding, thanks to its robust exterior, a wide range of colors, and minimal maintenance. While vinyl excels as a user-friendly material, you’ll have visible seams due to overlapping.
Fiber cement siding, like Hardie Board, stands out as one of the most attractive and durable siding materials. It holds up well to different climates and is resistant to fire, pests, and rot. It also won’t break the bank. The material requires specialized equipment during the installation and has more visible seams that other sidings.
If you want a rustic aesthetic, consider wood clapboard or shake siding. The natural texture gives your home a welcoming appearance, and you can recycle it after it reaches the end of its usable life. Wood tends to be more expensive than other siding options, and you can’t use it to cover old siding.
Consider synthetic stone if you want to imbue your home with durability and grandiosity. The classic look delivers pest and fire resistance while costing a fraction of real rock. If you’re willing to put up with the above-average price tag, it may be the only siding you ever need.
A Siding Contractor
Before you commit to a siding contractor, have them perform an on-site review. The contractor will inspect your home and provide you with a detailed analysis. They should walk you through their findings, tell you whether they encounter architectural obstacles, and explain each expense in their siding replacement estimate.
Take your time to comparison shop. Getting estimates from at least three different vendors lets you compare competitors side-by-side. Don’t forget to look at each contractor’s past work and their references.
The best contractors will work with you on all your siding challenges. They can help you find creative alternatives to lower costs or offer an extended warranty for added peace of mind. Regardless of which contractor you select, make sure they value strong communication and transparency from start to finish.
Discover the difference that excellence can make by hiring Elite Remodeling Services to replace your siding. It just starts with a phone call to (952) 646-2480 today. We deliver outstanding craftsmanship and customer service, regardless of the size or complexity of your project. Join the thousands of homeowners in Farmington, MN, that have made us the number one choice in local siding replacement.