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If you used to live in a condo or an apartment, it’s likely that siding has never really been one of your worries. For condo and apartment dwellers, the top priority is the interior of the home. Now that you own a home, however, you need to maintain not just the interior of your structure--but just as importantly-its exterior as well. You are responsible for maintaining your electric and plumbing systems, landscaping, roof, and of course, your siding. Here, we provide you with all the necessary information about your home’s siding, including the materials and styles you can choose from, as well as how to install it. After reading this piece, we hope you’ll be ready to make your home look its absolute best from the outside in.
PART 1: MATERIAL: INSULATED VINYL OR FIBER CEMENT?
Whether you’re installing siding on a newly built home or replacing old siding, your choices can be overwhelming. One of the most critical parts of siding installation is choosing the material. You need to make an informed decision, as mistakes can only extend your project duration and cost you more money in the long run. Today, there are numerous materials available on the market, each with their own pros and cons. Two materials remain the most popular among American homeowners, though: insulated vinyl and fiber cement. If you’re still thinking about which material to install, this is a great place to get started. Benefits of Insulated Vinyl Siding What is insulated vinyl siding? In a nutshell, it’s vinyl siding that comes with an inner polystyrene foam layer that acts as a barrier between your exterior wall and siding. Due to its composition, it provides high levels of insulation. If you’re contemplating your siding material options, do not overlook the many benefits of insulated vinyl siding, such as the following: • Energy-efficient • Insect-resistant • Durable • Effective sound barrier • Environmentally friendly • Mask for wall imperfections • Available in numerous styles and colors
PART 1: MATERIAL: INSULATED VINYL OR FIBER CEMENT?
BENEFITS OF FIBER CEMENT SIDING Some homeowners are hesitant about installing fiber cement siding because they think it’s primarily made of gray and unappealing matter. That’s a myth. Fiber cement is a composite material made of sand, cement and cellulose fibers. When used as a siding material, it commonly exudes the beautiful and timeless look of wood siding. It can also be manufactured in a variety of profiles, making it among the most versatile choices in terms of design. Below are some of its most notable benefits: • Fire- and insect-resistant • Easy to install • Low-maintenance • Aesthetically pleasing • Highly resilient and durable • Cost-effective unaffected by intense heat and cold When it comes to choosing a material for your new siding, both insulated vinyl and fiber cement offer a great balance of features. It’s only a matter of choosing which of these two complements your architectural style and climate in your area better. Don’t hesitate to ask your contractor for professional advice.
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Now that you have an idea as to what siding material to choose, you’re faced with the challenge of choosing the right style. We’ll be talking about your best style choices in the second part of this three-part blog series.
PART 2: STYLE: DUTCH LAP, BEADED, OR SMOOTH?
Once you know which siding material to install, it’s time to decide on the profile, or style, to use. Choosing the right profile for your architecture is important, as it will highlight the beauty of your exterior in the most exquisite way possible. This can be confusing though, as different manufacturers and suppliers often have different terms for the same profile. But don’t worry—help is at hand. Here, we list some of the most popular and recommended siding profiles, along with their unique features, to streamline your selection process. DUTCH LAP This particular profile shows off a distinctive shadowline, making it one of the most sophisticated and expensive style choices. This gorgeous shadowline is produced by a bevel cut into the upper edge of the horizontal siding board. Keep in mind, however, that these shadow lines will appear differently based on the sun’s angle, resulting in varying shadow appearances throughout the day. Since Dutch Lap is a traditional siding style, it works well with equally traditional architectural styles, such as Colonial, Cape Cod, Georgian and Victorian homes.
BEADED Wealthy property owners in the pre-1800 era first used the beaded siding profile to show off their wealth, as it was costly to produce back then. This style is known for incorporating a rounded bead detail on the lower, revealed edge of the clapboard. Like the Dutch Lap style, this profile exudes elegant shadow lines, creating a dramatic effect to any exterior. It works well with both traditional and modern houses, but is ideal for historic ones, including Cape Cod, Queen Anne, Greek Revival and French Colonial styles.
PART 2: STYLE: DUTCH LAP, BEADED, OR SMOOTH?
SMOOTH Also known as the clapboard style, the smooth profile is among the most-used styles in the country. When viewed from the side, each board looks like a thin bevel and slightly overlaps the one underneath. With this design, the boards effectively create a small air gap between the structure’s sheathing and the siding. Smooth siding is basically simpler and easier to produce than other profiles, which is why it can be seen in almost all kinds of traditional home styles, including Craftsman and Colonial houses.
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After choosing the siding material and style to use, you need to make sure your new siding is properly installed. Is it better to take the DIY route or to hire a professional? We’ll answer that in the last part of this ebook!
PART 3: INSTALLATION: DIY OR PROFESSIONAL?
When you’re considering a siding replacement, you have two choices: you can purchase the materials and install them yourself or you can hire an expert siding installer to do the work for you. While the right decision relies on your exact circumstances, you need to be sure to consider all factors that come along with each choice. Siding installation is not the cheapest project, and one mistake can turn your renovation dreams to a disaster. You need to consider the extent of the job, the budget required and your own ability. Before making a final decision, be sure to understand the work and the cost involved. WHY DIY INSTALLATION CAN BE PROBLEMATIC Today, plenty of DIY videos and blogs are available on the Internet, making it easier for homeowners to perform most projects on their own. What many don’t understand, though, is that not all home improvement tasks can be correctly done without the help of an expert. One of these projects is siding installation. There’s more to installing siding than simply buying the materials and nailing them onto the side of your house.
While DIY work can save you money and put you in control, this can prove to be problematic in the long run, especially if you’re not specifically trained to do this job. Aside from the actual installation, you also need to pull permits, rent a dumpster for the project and dispose of your old siding properly. The quality of your project is in your hands, so you have to be sure you have the right skills and tools for the job.
PART 3: INSTALLATION: DIY OR PROFESSIONAL?
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION If you hire a siding contractor, you’ll probably be spending more, but your involvement will be minimal. This means you still have the final say on the brand, material, style, and color to use, and the contractor will take care of the rest. Remember that you’re paying them for their expertise, and in return, they will handle every aspect of your project professionally, from obtaining the necessary permits to the actual installation of your new siding -- even down to the disposal of your old siding. By hiring an expert, all the headaches that can come up during the job will be properly taken care of.
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We all know that siding is among the most important parts of our home. It boosts our protection from the elements, as well as keeps our exterior attractive and our interior comfortable. That said, we need to be careful in our choices when it’s time to install new siding. When choosing the material, style and installation process, don’t hesitate to consult an expert to make sure your family gets the best siding you deserve for your home.
DryTech Roofing LLC 604 Mahan Road Aberdeen, MD 21001 240-491-5600 www.drytechroofingcompany.com