The Complete Guide to Siding Replacement

A guide to siding replacement can help refresh your home or building’s exterior and protect it from moisture, insects, and wear and tear. By improving the curb appeal, you might increase your property value. Plus, many people experience energy efficiency increases with siding upgrades.

Like any home improvement project, siding replacement can cause some disruption to your routines. Prepare for the project and learn what to expect within this complete guide to siding replacement.

Reasons to Replace Your Siding

First, you need to know how to recognize when your siding needs to be replaced. Here’s a look at some common scenarios that tell you that it’s time for an upgrade.

1. Warping

As your siding undergoes weather changes, it can warp. You’ll see this best if you go from one angle to another on your home. The siding won’t lay flat when you look at it in comparison to nearby panels. And because it doesn’t lay flat anymore, it can allow rot or insects underneath.

2. Rotting

Wood siding can rot even with the best care and frequent painting. Look for areas of the wood that look like they are crumbling or wearing away. They might also look dull even after you’ve painted them.

If you press on the wood, it might be soft or sponge-like, telling you that it is no longer sound and has deteriorated.

3. Cracking

No matter the siding material you have on your home or building, you might start seeing cracks. Those cracks tell you that the siding has lost its integrity and can no longer provide adequate protection to your home.

You should meet with a siding specialist to discuss whether small sections of siding can be replaced or if a full siding job is necessary.

4. Wildlife Disruptions

Insects, birds and other wildlife can damage your siding and be a real headache. As they make holes in your siding, dent it, eat away at it or make their homes inside, you will start to see damage.

5. Moisture on Indoor Walls

If you see signs of moisture on your interior walls, that tells you that your siding is not doing its job. Watch out for mold or mildew growth that could tell you that you have issues with the integrity of your siding.

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6. High Energy Bills Without Another Explanation

When temperatures have not been unseasonable hot or cold and yet you experience a large shift in your energy bills, poor seals in your siding might be at fault. Look into energy-efficient siding to reduce the amount of hot and cold transfer inside to manage your energy expenses.

Siding Material Options

Once you’ve determined that it is time for new siding, you need to select the siding material that is best for you. You have many outstanding options that can create a stunning exterior appearance while also making your home more enjoyable to live in thanks to reducing drafts and rooms that are hotter than you’d expect.

Vinyl: you can now get vinyl in a variety of styles to make any appearance come to life. Whether you want look-alike wood or traditional lap, you can find that now from the durable, low-maintenance and affordable siding material. You don’t have to do much to care for vinyl, other than monitoring it for damage and getting it repaired and power washing any mold or mildew off from time to time.
Fiber cement: this look-alike wood siding is more durable than wood and is lower maintenance. Enjoy less painting and less risk of wood rot. If well cared for, you can paint every 10-20 years and enjoy it on your home for up to 50 years.
Wood: people love wood siding because it is timeless. It offers an organic appearance and will never go out of style. However, maintaining wood is more complex and requires frequent care. You need to be ready to take that on.
Metal: much like vinyl, metal siding offers a modern appearance, especially if you want a more contemporary home appearance. However, it is costlier to install because it is heavier. It is noisier during storms, which can be a drawback in Washington where storms are frequent.

When selecting your siding material you have many factors to weigh. Those include durability, maintenance requirements, cost, ROI if you’re thinking of selling soon and curb appeal. The ease of finding a skilled contractor in your area will also be a factor.

Siding Replacement Cost

The size of your home and the materials you select will be the largest factor in how much your siding replacement project costs. Here’s a breakdown of the cost per square foot so you can make an informed decision about the best materials for the job.

Vinyl: $5-11 per square foot
Wood: $4-15 per square foot
Fiber cement: $5-$10 per square foot
Aluminum: $2-$8 per square foot

Installation for your siding can be an additional $4-$12 per square foot depending on the material you select. It’s best to get several quotes from local qualified installers to get real numbers and evaluate the best one for you.

Preparing Your Property for Installation

In the days leading up to your siding replacement, you should prep the area. This will help ensure the contractors don’t accidentally break an outdoor fixture that was close to your siding. Plus, siding replacement can lead to damage of items hanging inside on your walls. Here’s what you can do to ensure a smooth project.

Remove wall hangings: go through your home and take down all photos and decorations hanging on your walls. If you have shelves attached to the walls, remove items from those too to prevent them from falling and breaking.
Prepare the outside: walk around your home’s perimeter and look for items near the siding that might get damaged. Move patio furniture away from the home or store it if possible. Remove small landscaping decorations or other items that contractors might unsuspectingly step on or bump. Any potted plants should be moved away from the home if you can to avoid them getting spilled. Cover your shrubs that are close to the home to prevent them from getting harmed by falling debris during the replacement project.
Cut the grass short: even the best contractor who aims to leave the worksite in better shape than they found it can miss a nail or small piece of debris. By cutting your grass short, you’ll make it easier to find the debris and clean it up.
Plan to leave the home during construction: siding replacement is a noisy process. Plan to stay with a friend or neighbor while the installation is underway. You can stay close by but being inside might not be enjoyable. If you have pets, the sound might cause them severe anxiety so don’t risk it by keeping them home. You could need to be away for several days depending on the material you’ve selected and the size of your home.

Quality Siding Replacement in the Greater Seattle Area

2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing is a premier siding contractor in Seattle and the surrounding area. With experience in installing a variety of materials and skilled teams committed to the ultimate customer service, you won’t regret choosing 2FL for your exterior building upgrades. Schedule your estimate now.

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