Americans have clad their homes with siding since colonial
times. Siding affects the appearance of your home as well as the energy
efficiency. It’s one of the most important architectural systems on your
home.
So, how do I know when it’s time to replace my siding?
Most types of siding are durable and should last a long
time, but if you see evidence of fungus and wood rot, separated seams, warped
or split boards, missing shakes, or you find yourself painting the exterior of
your home every three to four years…it could be time to replace your siding.
What types of siding are available?
Wood siding was really the only option available until the
1920’s. Asbestos siding and asphalt siding became popular alternatives to wood
until the advent of aluminum and steel siding in the 1940’s. These systems all
had drawbacks and eventually fell out of favor with homeowners.
Vinyl siding and fiber cement board first became available
in the 1950’s and gained immense popularity in the decades that followed.
Significant technological improvements have made these systems the most
commonly used siding in new construction. Composite (or engineered) wood siding
has also become popular in recent decades.
Which type of siding is best for me?
Every siding system has advantages and drawbacks. It’s
important to realize the installation and maintenance costs before you commit. 
Wood
In my opinion cedar siding looks the best. Whether you
install clapboards, panels, or shakes, you will need to protect the wood from
the elements and from insects. You’ll likely have to repaint the cedar every
4-5 years. If you choose to go with a more natural look (i.e. clear sealer or
semi-transparent stain) you’ll still need recoat the surface according to the severity
of the environment you live in. If properly maintained, wood siding (cedar,
pine, spruce) should last at least 20 years.
Vinyl
However, vinyl siding is less aesthetically pleasing than other types of siding, and its color will fade over time. Even if installed properly, it doesn’t seem to hold up well on the OBX.
Fiber Cement Board (Hardie Plank)
Fiber cement board is relatively low maintenance and looks nicer
than vinyl siding. It’s available in a number of profiles. From a distance it
looks like wood. It’s fire resistant and is not prone to insect damage. It doesn’t require painting as often as wood, but the boards are heavier, which means they come in shorter lengths and are more difficult to install. Over time, fiber cement boards have a tendency to crack. They also have a tendency to wick up water if installed adjacent to a driveway or deck where water can pool.
Composite or Engineered Wood
Composite wood siding is made with wood fibers/chips and epoxy
resin. It is impervious to moisture and insect damage. It looks nicer than
vinyl siding. It’s also much easier to install and less expensive than fiber cement
boards. It appears to be the most durable siding option available today and has
become increasingly popular on the OBX over the last few years.
Installation practices
Regardless of which siding system you choose, the siding
must be properly installed. After removing your old siding, your contractor
should check everything visible before installing the new siding. Plywood sheathing should be checked for rot and insect damage. In most cases, house wrap should be replaced. We prefer to use 30-lb asphalt felt paper rather than polypropylene fiber. It is more durable and has no chemically adverse reactions to different types of wood or metal.
Flashing should also be inspected. During the building boom
on the OBX, there were a lot of slipshod construction practices. Step flashing and
Z flashing were often times improperly installed and sometimes omitted
completely. This is a huge factor in the amount of wood rot we are now finding
all over the OBX. The correct type of flashing with compatible fasteners and
back caulk is a crucial step. Any roof lines that terminate into the siding
MUST be properly flashed, as well as all sills, decks, and decorative trim
pieces (i.e. “beauty bands”).
Windows should also be sealed with window tape prior to
installing the siding. It’s an inexpensive step that is often overlooked. The
house will also need to be caulked at every joint and every trim piece. A
high-performance exterior acrylic latex caulk will outlast most paint jobs. Cheaper latex caulks are less resistant to UV
exposure and will yellow and crack.
As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. Take
your time and do your homework before committing to a major home improvement
project. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. We are more than happy to give a free
estimate and consultation on your siding replacement. Find out why Beach Painting Contractors is becoming the preferred siding contractor on the OBX.
800.663.4944
