Siding is an attractive and durable material to cover the exterior of your home. Most siding comprises the very outside layer of your home's exterior and serves to effectively protect and insulate. There are a number of different factors that will affect the cost for the installation and repair of siding. Most installation professionals will not separate out the cost of materials from the cost of labor, but will instead quote the entire job as one price.

The size of your home and the type of siding you choose are the biggest cost factors. But there are other factors that may not be so obvious. The complexity of the shape of your home can play a part in the costs. A simple box shaped home is easier to side than a house with complex eaves, turrets or many stories. In addition, some types of siding can be installed directly over older siding, where others will need to have the old siding removed before a new installation can take place. If old siding must be removed first, this will also influence the costs. There are many types of siding, but the most common siding materials are wood, metal and vinyl.   Continue Reading

Wood siding

Wood siding is the most classic and traditional of all siding materials. Wood siding can be very expensive for a variety of reasons, but primarily because it requires the most maintenance and in many ways is the least durable of the siding materials. The best woods to use for siding are those that hold up well to weather and moisture such as cedar or redwood. Many people prefer wood siding because of its traditional look and feel.

Metal Siding

Metal siding is durable, long lasting, affordable and can be painted any color to match your home. Metal siding must be coated and treated correctly to be able to withstand the effects of weather. Metal siding can also get dented and therefore may need to have sections replaced in the event of damage.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl and other synthetics are great materials for siding because they are affordable, last a long time, and can be installed directly over other siding materials. The look of vinyl siding is not as versatile as wood or metal since vinyl only comes in a limited number of colors. In addition vinyl can also, at times be "too good" as an insulator and not allow your home enough circulating air. As a result there can be moisture and mold problems inside your home if not watched carefully.

No matter what type of siding you have installed, there are some methods to keep your siding in good shape. It is a good idea to have vinyl siding power washed either before or after summer to remove dirt and grime, as well as remove any insects that may have nested in your siding. Wood siding needs to be treated every 4-6 years depending the amount of snow and sun your area receives. Cracks and holes will allow moisture and pests to get in. You should always be sure the underlying problem is fixed before you repair the siding. Otherwise the problem may crop up again later. Repair methods vary depending on the type of siding you have, but most are fairly simple to fix. Nailing loose sheathing, replacing rotted elements and patching any holes or gaps on the underlying surface will help in maintaining your siding after it is repaired.