Replacing siding on a house is a big step for any homeowner. It will change the look of your home for many years and can be costly to repair if not done correctly. We receive a lot of questions from residents wondering whether it’s time to replace their siding or just conduct a few repairs. So we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on when and how to put new siding on a house.
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How Long Does Siding Last on a House?
The lifespan of siding will depend on the type of siding that was purchased, its quality, the location of the home, and even the location of the siding on the house. For instance, siding that regularly faces the wind, rain, or sun will fade and deteriorate faster than siding on other parts of a home.
In many cases, how long siding lasts on a house will depend on how well it is maintained. Wood siding can last up to four decades, though it will require constant maintenance to do so. Aluminum siding needs to be painted every so often, but if it is properly maintained it can be expected to last around 30 years. One of the most durable types is stone veneer siding, which can last up to 75 years.
How Long Does Vinyl Siding Last?
Ideally, vinyl siding will last between 20 and 40 years, though some siding may need to be replaced after about 10 years. It’s a good idea to talk with your siding contractor about the lifespan of each type of siding that is available. Legacy Roofing & Restorations uses siding from Certainteed, Ply Gem, and Variform which are highly rated for their quality and durability.
Can Siding Be Repaired?
In some cases where the wear and tear are only in a specific area, siding can be repaired. Relatively new siding that has been damaged in a storm, or has a leak that is trapping moisture underneath, should be repaired quickly before the damage worsens. Legacy would be happy to inspect your siding and give you a free, in-person estimate on a repair or replacement of your siding.
How to Repair Vinyl Siding
Some minor damage to vinyl siding can be fixed with putty or caulk and some paint. It can be difficult to match the color and ensure that the repair will hold and that it will not turn into a leak in another year or two. A leak in siding can quickly turn into an expensive repair because the water damage can cause rotting and structural damage inside the wall of the house.
A Legacy siding specialist can walk you through the available options and find the most cost-effective solution for your situation.
How to Clean Vinyl Siding
Regularly cleaning your vinyl siding is a great way to keep it looking great and prevent the long-term buildup of chalk, stains, dirt, mold, algae, and mildew. Most unwanted materials can be cleaned off with soapy water and a brush. Tougher substances may require laundry detergent or a specific cleaning product to remove. If you’re using anything more than soap and water, always test it on a small, out-of-the-way area to see how the siding responds before fully cleaning it.
A pressure washer can be used to clean vinyl siding, but care must be taken to ensure that the angle and pressure won’t cause water to be sprayed underneath the siding where it can become trapped and cause mold or rot.
In cases where you are unable to fully clean vinyl siding or are unsure of how to proceed, an experienced Legacy siding specialist can help.
When to Replace Siding
One of the major obstacles to repairing siding that has been on a house for many years is the color will have faded from the sun over time. If you simply replace a few pieces of siding it will likely be immediately noticeable which siding is new and which siding is old. The new siding will eventually fade and blend in, but it will take years for that to happen. In these cases, it may make more sense to do a total replacement due to the aesthetic appeal.
Also, if you’re noticing that the wear and tear to your siding are occurring at multiple places, or if it has simply become too faded, it is likely time for a full replacement.
How Much Is New Siding on a House?
The cost of new house siding will vary depending on several factors, including the type of siding, the vendor, the contractor performing the installation, and the amount of work to be done. The staff at Legacy will be happy to work towards finding an option for new siding that will work for your budget.
Will Insurance Pay for New Siding?
Homeowner’s insurance will likely pay for new siding if it is damaged by a severe storm or similar event, depending on the policy. Insurance will not cover siding replacement that happens due to normal aging and deterioration.
Putting New Siding on a House
Replacing the siding on a house is a multi-step process. Homeowners should spend some time looking into the type, color, style, and warranties offered before choosing a new type of siding.
What to Know When Replacing Siding
It will take around one to two weeks to replace the siding on house, during which time parts of your home will be exposed. It is best to perform a siding replacement during a time of the year when there is not likely to be a lot of rain, wind, or snow. However, Legacy contractors always take the proper steps to ensure that a home is protected in case of precipitation.
Siding replacement is also a great time to assess whether you may need to perform other updates on your home. Since replacing new windows and insulation will require some or all of the siding to be removed, you can save money by combining multiple jobs.
Choosing New House Siding for a House
There are plenty of different options available if you’re putting new siding on a house. Legacy’s contractors are experienced with each option and will be happy to talk to you in depth about the pros and cons.
- Vinyl siding: One of the most popular choices for house siding, vinyl siding comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. It is also affordable and requires little maintenance in comparison to other siding types.
- Aluminum siding: While aluminum may need to be repainted every so often, it is affordable, durable, and resistant to fire.
- Polymer shakes and shingles: This type of siding can give an authentic and rustic look to a house, and comes in different textures and colors.
- Stone veneer siding: A siding option that can last for up to 75 years, stone veneer siding can provide the look of natural stone siding without the high price tag.
- Steel siding: A more unique option, steel siding has a strong visual style and long lifespan, but it can also be more expensive.
Trust the Michigan Siding Contractors at Legacy
Legacy is trusted throughout west Michigan for our high-quality and professional service. Schedule a free, at-home estimate on your siding project today.
