June 25, 2018
As homeowners in Washington, we are much too familiar with the toll inclement weather takes on our home siding. But here’s the scary part: having your siding installed by an unskilled or inexperienced contractor can cause serious damage to the interior walls of your home, slowly sucking money out of your pocket. Your interior walls could end up rotting right under your nose, going completely under the radar until when you least want to find out about it: Selling time. Choosing the right siding is a big decision, and we’re hoping to make it a little easier for you. Choosing A Siding You’ll Love Many homeowners choose to upgrade their siding because it’s an extremely simple way to make your home look much, much better. But they aren’t only in it for the looks (even though they secretly love their neighbor’s admiration.) Siding is incredibly versatile, and has a number of benefits including energy savings, durability, and reduced noise. But installing your siding incorrectly, or skimping on the maintenance, can come with some serious costs that aren’t immediately noticeable. The good news is that because of its massive versatility, you’re going to have a lot of freedom to be creative. But you’ll also have to make a lot of tough decisions. Do you know if you should go with wood siding? Synthetic stone? Clapboard? If you’re unsure about what type of siding you need, or what will fit your taste, hiring a professional may be the right move. You’ll be granted the creative freedom without the added pressure of doing the work yourself. Pro tip: If you’re going to venture out and install your siding alone, make sure your deeply educated on how it should be done properly. A lot of DIYers aren’t aware of the hidden mistakes they’re making, and skate over them without any consideration. That lack of awareness will cost them big bucks down the road. So, which siding is right for you? Wood Siding Wood siding is a western staple. With the ability to be painted or stained almost any color imaginable, your options here are virtually endless. But it’s versatility is also it’s biggest drawback. Although sought after for it’s beauty, wood siding requires a fair amount of maintenance. This means regular painting, staining, or varnishing, otherwise your siding could fall victim to cracks, warps, or rots. Not to mention those pesky termites! Synthetic Stone Siding Synthetic stone siding can give your house that beautiful, stone-covered look… Without the cost of actual stone! We’re talking 40% to %70 less. It’s the best of both worlds. And there’s a bunch of options to choose from in the synthetic stone realm as well. But, synthetic stone siding requires an experienced installer to avoid moisture problems. Mainly drainage. This is especially important here in Washington, because having even the slightest amount of moisture caught between the stone and wood means big rot and mold issues. There’s less maintenance involved with Synthetic stone than wood, but maintenance is still extremely important. Pro tip : Avoid applying any chemical or acid-based cleaners to your faux stone siding. These have a reputation of leaving noticeable stains. Also, when cleaning, try to stay away from metal or wire brushes, as these can scratch your beautiful synthetic stones. Clapboard Siding Clapboard siding, also called bevel siding, lap siding, and weatherboard, will gives your house an extremely modern, distinct look. Isn’t it beautiful? With proper care and attention, wooden clapboard can last the entire lifetime of your home. You’ll need to perform regular maintenance to make sure you’re not getting any cracks or broken boards, but most importantly, check the paint. If the clapboard was installed correctly, the paint is maintained, and you haven’t found any broken boards…. You’re in great condition. Consider Hiring A Professional With all of these siding options available, it’s important to do some research and discover which siding option best fits your needs and style. And while there are a lot of options, probably more than you want to deal with, bringing a professional onboard to install your siding will make the process a lot quicker and easier, saving you mountains of time and hassle.