A worn-out exterior not only has a negative impact on a home’s market value but makes it look shabby as well. If your home is due for an exterior update or you need a change, there are plenty of options to consider for siding replacement.

Siding, available in a wide range of colors, styles, budgets, and materials carries a good return in the renovation. The Remodeling magazine 2018 Cost vs. Value Report reveals that the ROI is approximately 76 per cent.

See below house siding ideas that will breathe new life into a tired exterior.

Siding Ideas for Home Exterior Makeovers

Vinyl Siding

Manufacturers offer many styles and color options of vinyl siding, and it is one of the low-cost types on the market.

Pros of vinyl siding:

• Provided the original layer is in good condition, vinyl siding can be installed over the existing one, making it an excellent choice for retrofitting.
• Once dirty, you can use a hose to wash off vinyl siding, while others require periodic maintenance, hence easy to maintain.
• New vinyl products maintain their original color even after years of exposure to the sun.

Cons of vinyl siding:

• When installed, the product may result in seams since the standard siding planks are 12 feet long. To avoid this, you will need extra-long planks.
• It is challenging to refresh or change the color of vinyl siding in the future. Some latex paints work on vinyl, but to get the best results, hire a professional painter.

Wood Siding

Cedar or redwood makes beautiful wood sliding for updating your house. Though it requires more maintenance than other options, when well looked after, wood siding is incredibly durable.

Pros of wood siding:

• Redwood and cedar resists insect infestation and decay naturally.
• It is easy to replace cracked or damaged planks and shakes.
• Based on your preferences, wood siding is easy to stain, seal, or paint.

Cons of wood siding:

• Compared to synthetic siding products, wood siding is more flammable. Look for flame retardant treated options.
• To protect the siding, you have to stain or paint a wood-clad house every three to five years.

Fibre-cement Siding

Due to its positive impact on home value and long life span, fibre-cement siding is popular among today’s homeowners.

Pros of fibre-cement siding:

• Fibre-cement siding is virtually maintenance-free, resists insect infestation and sturdy.
• Planks can be made to resemble different textures like stones or concrete.
• The fibre-cement products are ready for a custom paint color and pre-finished in a range of colors. You can paint the siding to the color of your choice in the future.

Cons of fibre-cement siding:

• Fibre-cement costs more than other products in the market.
• Compared to other products, this siding is heftier and can crack if dropped.

Metal Siding

Metal siding is not as popular today due to advancements in vinyl siding technology, but still an option if you are looking for low maintenance products that are durable.

Pros of metal siding:

• Aluminum siding is easy to install and lightweight.
• Since the pigment is applied and baked on during the manufacturing process, the products come in plenty of color options.
• Steel and aluminum siding are difficult to scratch or dent.
• The long lifespan of metal siding will last the life of your home.

Cons of metal siding:

• It is almost impossible to remove any dent in metal siding.
• When metal siding gets scratches, you need to cover them immediately with exterior paint to protect the metal as it will rust.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is a lower-cost alternative to traditional redwood or cedar siding, made of binding agents and wood fibers.

Pros of engineered wood siding:

• This wood siding is eco-friendly.
• Engineered wood sliding are ready to paint and primed or finished in a variety of colors.
• These siding planks are resistant to insect infestations due to the binding agents used in the manufacturing process.

Cons of engineered wood siding:

• To protect engineered wood sliding from elements, you will need to repaint it every five to ten years.
• Damage or cracks of the siding cracks will cause it to warp and deteriorate quickly.

Brick Veneer

A brick veneer will offer an excellent option for a sophisticated look if your house is not constructed with solid bricks. Though sometimes described as a thin layer of brick, brick veneer is a single layer of standard brick built onto a wooden frame, then mounted to the home exterior.

Pros of brick veneer:

• Compared to a solid brick exterior, brick veneer is much less expensive but looks just as lovely.
• This veneer has unparalleled resistance to fire and termites. It is also maintenance-free.
• Brick veneer is an eco-friendly cladding option due to its construction with salvaged brick.

Cons of brick veneer:

• Improperly installed or clogged weep drains can lead to moisture problems in a home.
• Soil level shifts can also cause cracks on the mortar.

Comparing Bids and Hiring a Siding Contractor

Leave all siding replacement and repair jobs to professionals as they have both the experience and tools for efficient, correct and safe execution of the tasks.

Take your time in hiring the right company to handle your home exterior work as it represents a significant financial investment.  Listen to your intuition, if something does not feel or sound right, heed to the internal warning.

How to Compare Bids

Get bids from several companies and compare them equally.

Insist on detailed written bids to make comparison easier. Be wary of extremely low or extremely high prices. A job incorrectly done will cost more in the long run.

How to Hire the Right Siding Contractor

Best Pick Reports makes it easy for you to get the right contractor by the annual vetting of siding companies for verification of insurance coverage and high-quality work.

If you are out of the coverage areas, here are tips to make your search as smooth as possible.

Ask friends, neighbors and family members for referrals.

Look out for companies with active policies on workers’ compensation insurance coverage and general liability.

Consider the company’s experience and if they are members of any relevant industry organizations.

Check online reviews of the company and note the negative concerns and problems highlighted.

Once you choose the company to hire, insist on written details of the work. Any adjustments in the future should be made in writing as well. Do not pay for the job upfront, only a deposit to finalize the contract.

The Bottom Line

Home exterior upgrades are vital. When you are planning for a siding replacement to improve its energy use or update the look, take time and consider all your options.

Check reliable sources for tips and resources on your preferred siding type. Good contractors will address all your questions and concerns promptly.

The right product and contractor will give you great results once the installation of the siding is complete.

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