SIDING

Siding comes in several materials, styles and colors.  Cedar siding is the most expensive and requires the most maintenance, but does offer a unique and old-fashioned look to your home.

Aluminum siding was used most often on homes built before 1980 and is still a very durable yet costly application.  However, styles and colors are limited and it is usually not recommended.  Vinyl siding has been the main standard for 40 years and continues to be the best option because of the wide variety of styles and colors, and the ease of installation which all provides for the most cost effective application.

I'm often asked about adding insulation to the outside of a home after the old siding has been removed and before the new siding is installed.  The Styrofoam blue board is what most home owners ask about.  A 2" insulation blue board offers an R value of 10.  However, the insulation and siding will stick out beyond your windows and the fascia board on the gable ends.  Therefore, I usually recommend contacting an insulation professional and have any additional insulation blown into the walls. 

I'm also asked about house wrap. This product is used by builders to protect the exterior walls of the house from inclement weather until the siding or masonry is installed on the new home.  For an existing home, I usually recommend Dow fanfold insulation to be installed.  This product adds a small amount of insulation value (compared to paper thin house wrap), but more importantly, provides a clean, flat & rigid surface to install your new siding onto.

The majority of people asking for a siding replacement estimate want to change the look of the exterior of their home.  However, siding alone usually doesn't do enough to bring about the desired look.  The addition of soffet, fascia, gutters, shutters and capping (or wrapping) of your windows with aluminum are usually needed.  

A total “makeover” of your home will be far more satisfying and add more actual value to your home, as well as making your home completely maintenance free.