Updating your siding can benefit your home in many ways. Many homeowners enjoy this home improvement project because it enhances their exteriors, boosts curb appeal, raises ROI, and encourages people to find a perfect look for their homes. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about siding.
Benefits of Updated Siding
Siding is more than an aesthetic way to enhance your home. Siding materials offer a range of benefits for your home, including:
- Less maintenance: Although paint can offer a beautiful finish, it can peel in the hot sun or extreme weather. Even professional jobs will require a touch-up every few years. Paint jobs are expensive and can be time-consuming. Siding is an excellent alternative for a beautiful look while offering easy cleaning options.
- Long-lasting looks: On top of the elegant looks you can create, the long-lasting finish will ensure you love your exterior for years. Siding is resistant to discoloration, warping, and fading. If you ever need to replace a section, it will be much more affordable than requesting a brand-new service.
- Style options: Many homeowners love siding because this material offers versatility for creating your perfect look. You can accomplish a range of designs from contemporary to vintage to rustic and much more at a much more budget-friendly total.
- Durability: Siding is a durable material that can withstand cold, rain, heat, and other weather conditions. It can also repel water, protecting your home from compounds like mildew and mold.
- Easy installation: House siding is easier to install than some other materials. It offers easy maneuvering and is light to handle, allowing you to form it around unique corners and fixtures easily.
- Affordability: This housing material is less expensive than many other exterior options. This means you can save money on the initial installation and over time.
Is House Siding Expensive?
Average siding projects cost around $11,000, but you can typically expect a range between $5,000 and $18,000. Several factors will ultimately affect your total.
One of the most obvious impacts will be the material you choose. Siding is generally about 12 per square foot, but there is a significant range. Stone siding can be as much as $50 or more per square foot, and wood siding starts as low as $2 per square foot. Choosing a material will be the first step in establishing your total.
There are additional elements to consider. For example, the size and shape of your home will significantly impact your total. If you have a large home, you can expect to pay more to cover the additional space. Larger houses will require more labor and may require a permit in some locations. The shape also impacts whether your need custom shapes. Multi-story homes or houses with unusual shapes will need more labor and material.
Labor is another cost for your project. Your geographic location will determine the market rates for your home. Some businesses will charge by the job, while others will request hourly pay. If you want to work with more challenging materials, you can expect your labor costs to increase as workers navigate more complex processes. Additionally, if you need to remove old siding, you can expect to add to your total. Although you can sometimes install one material over another, you may need a clean base for your new look, raising your total cost.
Types of House Siding
There are many types of siding to choose from to enhance your home. If you have a certain look you’re going for, you can rely on the color and materials to bring your vision to life. Consider these materials:
- Vinyl: Vinyl is a popular siding choice because it offers a stylish and affordable look. Many homeowners choose this material for various color options, but this material is not as durable as some other options.
- Natural wood: This material is an excellent choice for many homeowners because it offers a rustic, natural look. This material is easy to change because you stain or paint it when you want something new. However, natural wood can experience rotting and warping and be a more costly initial investment.
- Manufactured wood: When you want the natural look of wood without the cost, manufactured wood is the way to go. This material is less expensive than natural wood and is easy to maintain.
- Metal: Metal siding is easy to maintain and is resistant to fire and bugs. This environmentally-friendly material offers durability and longevity. Although some metals can be susceptible to rust, you can feel confident that you won’t face mold or infestations with this material.
- Brick: For a traditional, elegant look, you may consider brick siding. This timeless material is durable, making your home aesthetic and stable. Brick is an eco-friendly material, and you can enjoy many years of life before needing to repair a section.
- Stone veneer: Stone veneer is an affordable, lightweight option. This material is not as environmentally-friendly as other options, but you can enjoy the look of stone with only a fraction of the work for installation, replacements, or repairs.
Choosing Siding Colors
There are several elements to consider when choosing a siding color. The material you choose will significantly impact the color options available, as some styles and colors will only be available for specific materials. You can expect to increase your project total if you have your heart set on a unique color or style.
Other considerations for your color include your lifestyle, neighborhood, and architecture. The color you choose should be one you enjoy and want to come home to every day.
You should also consider your neighborhood. You can pull inspiration from neighbors in your community and find new ways to make a traditional color unique. This can be especially helpful if you plan to sell your home in the future, as your house will look fresh and cohesive with those on the street.
Lastly, you should evaluate your home’s architecture. Some visual clues like columns, window shutters, or other design elements can provide inspiration for new colors. For instance, Colonial homes often feature neutral colors like white or cream with blue, green, or red accents.
Maintaining Your House Siding
Your siding requires attention and care. After choosing a new look for your home, it’s important to follow proper maintenance steps to ensure the integrity of your siding for years to come. Here are several ways you can maintain your side:
- Add a sealer to your siding to reduce damage from moisture.
- Use a sealer every couple of years for the most desirable results.
- Maintain vinyl longevity by avoiding cars and equipment near the walls.
- Avoid leaning items against your exterior walls.
- Clean your siding and remove debris, grime, dirt, and mildew.
- Consider hiring a professional for installation.
- Trim your shrubbery, trees, and bushes so they don’t rub against the siding.
- Repair any damages as quickly as possible.
- Use specific cleaners for your siding materials.
Find House Siding Solutions at Keystone
Whether you need house siding repair or want to upgrade your current look, you can rely on Keystone Remodeling & Construction LLC. With us, you can find the personal care and attention your home needs to reflect your lifestyle and preferences. Contact Keystone Remodeling & Construction LLC for more information about our services or a quote for your home.