Vinyl siding is just one option to consider when re-siding your home
So you’ve decided it’s time for new siding. Whether out of necessity or preference, the home construction project is bound to be large and overwhelming. There’s a lot to decide and a lot to know, and not everyone around is going to be a siding expert. Luckily, we are, and we’ve taken the time to answer a few frequently asked questions about siding purchase and installation.
How Can I Prepare for New Siding Installation?
There are a few precautions that we recommend before your home construction project begins. The first step is actually inside, where we recommend removing any wall hangings or shelved items from the walls being worked on. Additionally, you might want to trim back any adjacent plants, giving the installers a more clear path to the side of the house and limiting the damage to the landscaping. It’s a good idea to keep plants trimmed back from your siding anyway, to reduce natural damage to the home.
What is the Best Siding Material for Me?
The three most common types of siding material today are wood (typically cedar), fiber cement, and vinyl. Each one has varying benefits, and it ultimately comes down to your budget and personal preferences.
- Wood: While natural wood is quite hearty and a good insulator, it also comes with vulnerabilities to dry rot, fire, and termites. A natural looking siding can be a nice touch to a home, but it requires the most frequent maintenance and can incur some unwanted costs.
- Fiber Cement: This is perhaps the “greenest” option, boasting a long lifespan; fire, water, and termite prevention; and the highest impact resistance of the three. However, it will require a fresh coat of paint every four or five years, and can add the most to your home construction budget.
- Vinyl: The most common siding used in home construction today, vinyl never needs painting or sealing, and is very low maintenance and low cost. It offers fire, water, termite, mold, and mildew resistance, and is easy to replace if a section or panel is cracked.
Should I Spring for Insulated Siding?
This initially depends on whether your home is already pretty well insulated without it. If you already have a newer house with good temperature control, then you might not need it. But if you notice air drafts or high energy bills, insulated siding may be a good idea. Typically a vinyl siding with a layer of foam insulation, it can cost a bit more, but your savings on energy will be enough to make up for it in time.
These are only a few of the most commonly asked questions about siding when it comes to home construction projects, and if your particular question wasn’t answered here, don’t hesitate to contact Topper for a more specific answer.
Ready to have new siding installed on your home?
Founded in 1988, Topper Construction has quickly grown to become one of the largest roofing and siding contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region thanks to our commitment to providing clients with quality work at a competitive price. We install the full range of vinyl siding from major brands, giving you a wide variety to choose from.
For immediate assistance or questions about siding, please call 301-874-0220. We are headquartered in Frederick, Maryland with a satellite office in Pittsburgh to help us better serve you, our customers. We proudly service areas throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.
