Replacing siding on the front of your house can boost curb appeal and protect your home from weather. This project makes over the portion of your house that’s most likely to be seen.
Achieve a whole new look without the time and expense of a complete remodel! Whether you’re upgrading to contemporary materials or remaining loyal to traditional styles, this focused method provides a convenient and budget-friendly solution.
You’ll reap the rewards of a new look that enhances your home’s character and curb appeal.
Why Replace Siding on Your Home?
Replacing house siding—particularly on your home’s front elevation—can provide significant benefits that extend well past appearance, including improved energy efficiency, making it a wise choice for many homeowners.
1. Identify Siding Deterioration
First, you need to get a good idea of the state of your house siding. Look for any noticeable cracks, warping, or discoloration on the surface that may point to underlying issues. Whether due to exposure to weather or just the natural aging process, these signs are common and expected.
If your siding is approaching 10-15 years old, you need to get proactive. Replace it. Aging can compromise the performance of these materials.
Moisture intrusion is the other big, dangerous thing to look for. You might start to see signs of mold growth or peeling paint on your home’s exterior. These are all signs that water has breached the protective barrier of your siding.
Problems like these, if not addressed, can result in costly repairs down the road, even structural damage. Examine for any loose or missing panels, since these areas defeat the purpose, integrity and protective nature of your siding.
2. Explore Benefits of New Siding
If your siding is old or damaged, new siding will make a big difference in insulation and energy efficiency. Newer materials, like Hardie fiber cement, don’t fade, bubble up, and stand up to the worst weather.
This durability will go a long way toward adding years to your home. This means big energy savings, with improved insulation leading to lower heating and cooling expenses.
Beyond functionality, new siding dramatically improves the curb appeal of your home. Replacing old, faded siding with new materials can significantly increase curb appeal, creating a strong and positive first impression.
You can change the style and color to fit today’s trends or your own preferences. You can be sure this decision will result in a much-improved appearance of your home’s exterior!
3. Understand Long-Term Advantages
The long-term benefits of replacing siding are just as persuasive. Today’s siding materials are much lower maintenance than those of the past such as wood.
Wood siding requires regular maintenance to prevent issues like wood rot and insect damage. For instance, vinyl siding provides maximum durability, lasting 20 to 40 years with little to no maintenance.
In addition to improving your home’s curb appeal and maximizing property value, new siding can help you appeal to more potential buyers in today’s competitive real estate market.
In addition, new siding suggests a home that has been well cared for, which is an important selling feature. Finally, think about the warranties that come with today’s best siding products, giving you confidence that your investment will be protected for years to come.
Common Causes of Siding Damage
The siding on our homes, particularly the house siding on the front-facing elevations, takes a beating from various elements. Understanding these common causes of siding issues will aid many homeowners in maintaining their home’s exterior and ensuring it remains strong and visually appealing.
Weather and Environmental Factors
In general, climate and weather have a huge impact on your home’s siding. Extreme weather conditions like excessive rainfall, snow, and hail are well known for their propensity for siding destruction. Homes in states such as Colorado also deal with challenges brought on by their extreme climate.
Heavy snows and ice storms bring in moisture that can penetrate siding materials, causing them to bend or decay. The sun beats hard in these areas, with sunny weather nearly every day of the year. This unyielding sunlight leads to UV exposure that can quickly bleach and deteriorate the home’s materials.
Vinyl and wood sidings are especially susceptible, usually exhibiting damage within years of moisture and sun exposure. Heating and cooling cycles are another contributing factor that makes these issues worse. All siding materials expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall throughout the day, and this can cause something like cracking or splitting to occur.
Humidity and excessive moisture can be very damaging to wood siding, leading to rot and decay. Moisture isn’t the only danger to siding exteriors. This is because during storms, wind-driven debris can do physical damage, exposing your siding to even more environmental harm.
Poor Installation or Maintenance
Aside from the material itself, proper installation of siding is key to its durability. Taking the time to hire qualified contractors when installing siding will go a long way in preventing premature failure and costly repairs in the future. Poor installation practices are another way to allow water to infiltrate, and water is the number one enemy of siding.
If edges and gaps aren’t well-sealed, water may find its way behind the siding, damaging it from the inside out. Routine maintenance is just as essential. Putting off regular maintenance only makes pre-existing problems worse, causing more significant damage in the long run.
In addition, wood siding requires a considerable amount of maintenance to keep it in top shape. You will want to repaint and re-caulking it every 5 to 10 years.
Insect and Pest Infestation
Insect and pest infestations are more insidious, but just as destructive. Termites, for instance, can be extremely destructive pests, boring holes or tunnels in wood siding. In Colorado, inquisitive birds and small rodents quickly pick or burrow into exposed walls.
Such behavior can entirely destroy the integrity of the siding. Identifying the signs of insect damage early will help save you from costlier damage down the line. Preventative measures are key to keeping your siding safe from pests.
Preventative actions like routine inspections and treatments will ensure the quality of your siding and save you from more expensive repairs down the road.
Types of Siding Materials
When planning an exterior update for your home, choosing siding materials should be at the top of your list. Each material comes with its own set of advantages, so knowing the durability, price, and maintenance requirements of each can help you make an informed decision.
Here’s a quick overview of some common siding materials.
| Material | Durability | Cost per square foot | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | 10-15 years | $1 – $7 | Low |
| Wood | 10-20 years | $3 – $10 | High |
| Fiber Cement | Decades | $5 – $13 | Medium |
| Shakes/Shingles | Varies | $6 – $12 | Medium to High |
Vinyl Siding Features and Benefits
Vinyl siding is highly sought-after because of its low cost and low-maintenance needs. The material is impervious to fading and cracking, making it ideal for homeowners who live in places that experience extreme sunlight or weather.
Fortunately, this durability is a major benefit! Although sensitive to extreme conditions, it can last in color retention for 10-15 years. From a cost perspective, vinyl is very affordable, costing between $1 and $7 per square foot, so it’s a great value option for budget-conscious homeowners.
The wide variety of colors and styles available allows you to customize your home’s exterior to match your design taste, whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a more traditional appearance.
Wood Lap Siding Characteristics
Nothing rivals the beauty and warmth of real wood, which enriches your home with rustic elegance. That makes it a great environmentally friendly choice, especially because wood is a renewable resource.
To keep it looking its best requires periodic repainting or restaining at 3–5 year intervals, making sure that water doesn’t penetrate and cause rot. This constant maintenance is required to keep its life expectancy—between 10 and 20 years—on the higher end.
Real wood products have an outsized environmental footprint compared to synthetic alternatives. They do offer unrivaled beauty, especially with weathered cedar siding which can last a century or more.
Fiber Cement Siding Advantages
Quality Options Fiber cement siding, such as materials made by James Hardie, is a favorite for its incredible durability, fire resistance, and rot and pest resistance. It’s no surprise that this material can last for decades, even in extreme climates.
It further enhances wood’s beauty, all while removing fire risk from the equation. It’s easier to maintain than actual wood, providing the visual appeal of wood siding without the need for ongoing maintenance.
Fiber cement provides an expected life that too often is warranted for 50 years. It’s a smart, enduring, and sustainable investment for homeowners who are tired of having to repaint every few years.
Shake and Shingle Siding Options
Shake and shingle siding provides distinct visual choices. Shakes offer a more rustic, textured look, while shingles lend a smoother, more streamlined appearance.
Synthetic materials for these styles provide improved performance. They’re the perfect compromise for those who want the rich aesthetic of wood without the commitment to high-maintenance care and upkeep.
Installation can be a bear, but it’s worth it. You’ll be left with a beautiful, long-lasting exterior that’ll weather whatever nature throws your way.
Steps to Replace Siding
Replacing the house siding on the front of your home can be a fun and fulfilling DIY house siding project. If done properly, the new siding can easily last 20 years or longer! Here are the key steps to a successful sectional siding replacement project. If you pay attention to every step, you’ll be rewarded with a truly professional-looking end result.
Prepare and Plan Your Project
Preparation steps
Before you begin, make sure you’ve gathered all the right tools and materials. Collect all your new siding materials and pick up a hammer. You’ll want to have on hand 8D galvanized nails, paintable exterior caulk, utility knife, safety goggles, oscillating multi-tool, circular saw.
Establishing a timeline and budget in advance will prevent any surprise delays or costs along the way. Knowing your local building codes and regulations is key to making sure that your project is up to municipal standards. This early planning and preparation work lays the groundwork for a successful, seamless project.
For instance, selecting a new siding color that exactly matches the original, such as using wider panels instead of thinner ones, provides a good tenant.
Remove Old Siding and Nails
You’ll want to take precautionary steps so you don’t damage anything underneath your old siding. First, get out your safety glasses and wear them. Then, with a utility knife, cut out the old siding panels by prying them up — being careful not to damage the sheathing below.
Inspect the underlying sheathing for any damage or signs of moisture, which is important before placing your new siding. Appropriate disposal of old materials prevents excess waste and protects the surrounding environment.
For example, recycling facilities now commonly accept used vinyl siding, giving it one of the best life cycles of any building material.
Install New Siding Boards
Aligning and securing new siding boards takes time and precision. First, make sure that each board is level and tightly nailed down with 8D galvanized nails, spaced every 16 inches. Sealing and caulking are vital to keeping moisture from penetrating.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your vinyl siding for up to 30–40 years. When you use the manufacturer’s installation directions, you’re guaranteed to have the siding installed correctly, making it more durable and attractive.
For instance, a properly-installed vinyl siding panel can be removed and replaced in under 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy fix.
Detailed Replacement Guides
Replacing the siding on the front of your house might only need a couple hours planning. You’ll have to understand many different materials and go through a detailed sequence of critical steps.
Here’s a comprehensive replacement guide that will get you started, and help you avoid unnecessary bumps and bruises navigating this new process.
Vinyl Siding Replacement Process
Vinyl siding replacement presents an easy path with its interlocking panel configuration. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Use a zip tool to unlock the panels and gently remove them. Be sure each panel is properly removed so as to not destroy the support structure underneath.
- Check the wall for any damage or debris. If needed, make repairs to create a smooth surface for the new siding.
- Begin at the bottom and work upwards, locking each panel into the one below it. Install panels with appropriate fasteners (e.g., galvanized nails) without overdriving them to pinch panels and inhibit expansion/contraction.
- Leave enough space for airflow behind the siding to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to mold or rot.
One of the biggest issues is getting the panels to lock tight together, which needs exact and repeatable alignment.
Martha Stewart-dreamy straight, you’ll want to use a chalk line to keep your rows straight.
Wood Lap Siding Replacement Guide
For wood lap siding, installation practice is everything. Here’s how to tackle this task:
- Using a crowbar, gently but firmly pry any old boards off to limit the chance of splintering adjacent panels.
- Measure and cut the new boards to match the existing siding. Plan to make each element tight-fitting but with a bit of wiggle room since things will expand with seasonal weather shifts.
- Before installation, treat the wood with a preservative to fend off moisture and pests, extending its lifespan.
- Use a level to align each board horizontally. Proper spacing and alignment are essential to achieving a polished aesthetic.
Inherently, challenges like working with warped boards are an issue, with the fix for this being pre-soaking the boards to restore their pliability ahead of installation.
Fiber Cement Installation Steps
Fiber cement siding offers peace of mind and a beautiful look. Here’s a checklist to help with installation:
- That means you’ll need a saw with diamond blade, fiber cement board, weather-resistant barrier and caulking.
- Use shears or a circular saw with a diamond-tipped blade to achieve clean cuts without producing dust.
- Apply caulk to all seams and edges to prevent water penetration and enhance durability.
Because fiber cement is so heavy, it’s difficult to work with.
It’s nice to have a second person to help you lift and maneuver it.
Aside from improving your home’s curb appeal, new siding increases a home’s resale value, recovering approximately 90% of the cost of installation.
Vinyl siding costs between $5 to $8 per square foot, while fiber cement costs $3 to $6. The average cost nationally to replace outdated siding is $11,679 to $21,250.
This range varies greatly depending on what material you select and where you live.
Cost Considerations for Siding Replacement
Learning all of the associated costs with siding replacement can help you better prepare for your project. Understanding these costs will allow you to be most prepared. Each siding material and method of installation has different costs associated, and that can make a big difference in your budget.
Here’s a helpful table comparing the costs associated with different materials:
| Siding Material | Cost per Square Foot | DIY Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $2 – $7 | 25% – 40% |
| Wood | $2 – $10 | 25% – 40% |
| Fiber Cement | $4 – $15 | 25% – 40% |
| Stone | $30 – $50 | 25% – 40% |
Larger homes or those with complex architectural features will take more labor and materials and therefore cost more. For instance, a typical 2,500-square-foot home might average around $14,910 for siding replacement, yet costs can range from $8,420 to $52,250, based on material and labor.
These unexpected hidden costs usually take homeowners by surprise. These can range from structural repairs to upgrades that are required once the old siding is taken off and the underlying structure is revealed. Budgeting for these possible surprises is crucial to ensuring you don’t experience any financial stress while the project is ongoing.
Factors Affecting Replacement Costs
There are a number of things that affect siding replacement cost. Cost considerations include material choice, which will have a massive effect on pricing. In general, materials like vinyl will be less expensive than stone.
Labor rates, usually $1-$4 per square ft, increase total expense as well. Geographic location is another cost consideration, as prices and material availability can vary widely by region. Seasonal demand comes into effect as well, with contractors charging a premium during busy seasons and less during slower times.
Budgeting for Your Project
To manage your house siding replacement costs effectively, consider these budgeting tips.
- Do your homework and shop around to find the best materials that suit your financial plans.
- Obtain multiple quotes from contractors to ensure competitive pricing.
- Set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
- Plus, if you go the DIY route, you can save 25% to 40% of the total costs.
Understanding Warranties and Maintenance
Warranties are everything when discussing siding materials and installation. Each one is different in their coverage and length, so knowing the ins and outs can save you a headache down the road.
Routine professional maintenance such as cleaning and inspections are crucial to maintaining the warranty coverage and ensuring they last a lifetime. It can be tempting to invest as little money as possible on siding replacement.
It’s something that can save you thousands of dollars long-term by reducing your repair and replacement costs.
Conclusion
Replacing the siding only on the front of your house may seem like a good solution. It improves curb appeal by giving your house a clean, new appearance and increases your home’s defense against nature’s elements. By knowing the reasons that siding can be damaged, you can help ensure your home stays healthy for years to come. The right siding material ties your home’s style together with function. Adhering to a straightforward formula for replacement provides a path to make the process as easy and efficient as possible. Thinking through the costs allows you to budget appropriately and make smart decisions.
Want to learn more about your siding options? Learn the ins and outs and make the most of your home’s curb appeal. Keep reading, and let your home glow. If you have further questions or would like additional assistance, please contact us. We’d love to help you transform your home into something truly special!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I replace siding on only the front of my house?
Replacing just the front siding can significantly enhance curb appeal by 208%. This sectional siding replacement offers added protection from the elements, preventing costly expenses associated with a complete siding replacement, making it an ideal siding option for many homeowners.
What are the common causes of siding damage?
Siding becomes damaged from exposure to the elements, moisture, pests, and physical impact, making sectional siding replacement necessary. Even with routine maintenance, some damaged sections can’t be avoided, and materials will eventually reach the end of their lifecycle.
What types of siding materials are available?
The most common siding materials, including vinyl, wood siding, fiber cement, and aluminum, offer distinct advantages such as longevity, visual appeal, and affordability, making them ideal siding options for many homeowners.
What are the essential steps to replace siding?
Removing old siding, inspecting the underlayment, and installing new quality siding panels while sealing edges are key steps in the sectional siding replacement process. With the right installation, your siding will last through the elements, ensuring your Palos Heights home remains safe and sound.
How do I calculate the cost of siding replacement?
Estimate replacement costs for your house siding by measuring the square footage, selecting new siding material options, and estimating labor costs. Generally, expect to pay between $5 and $14 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Can I replace siding myself, or should I hire a professional?
While an experienced DIY-er could potentially tackle a sectional siding project, hiring a professional will guarantee quality and safety. Pros have the tools and experience to deal with any siding issues quickly and effectively.
How often should siding be replaced?
Siding has a long lifespan, usually 20-40 years, depending on the material, making regular inspection essential for many homeowners. Identifying damaged siding early ensures your home remains structurally sound and beautiful.
