Specializing in Painting, Drywall, Windows, Roofing and Siding

Alvarez Home Remodeling Blog

Specializing in Painting, Drywall, Window Replacement and Siding

Think House Siding Will Last Forever? Think Again

House siding can be a large investment for your home so you want to make sure you're investing in the best. From wood, to fiber cement to vinyl, siding comes with many options. Competent siding contractors can help narrow down your choices that are right for you. 
 
You know your house might need various repairs and you've probably contacted a number of contractors for advice and price quotes, but how do you know which type of house siding is best? From fiber cement, to real wood, to engineered wood to vinyl, choices are nearly limitless. If you're confused about which type is right for you, consider these factors.
 
Watch Out For Delamination 
Delamination is a serious that happens with wood composite materials like the LP SmartSide siding. When delamination occurs, moisture can actually creep inside and underneath the panels. This moisture can cause mold and eventually rot the panels, causing structural damage to the home, including flooring and framing damage, drywall deterioration and more.
 
If you notice the beginning stages of delamination, you're in luck. It's better and less expensive to catch it in the early stage. Early warning signs of delamination include fungus, swelling, separation, mold or mushrooms.
 
Potential Problems With Vinyl Siding
Vinyl can be a great product, as long as you buy it smartly. Builder's grade vinyl siding is typically sold with a 0.4mm thickness and is often used on newer houses. Builder's grade is less durable than thicker versions and can fade in the sun or crack and dent in a storm. Because of that, it's not recommended if you're redoing and upgrading your house's exterior.
 
However, if you choose vinyl that's thicker and fully insulated with a high Resistance (R) value and have it professionally installed, like Alside’s Prodigy siding you can enjoy a nearly maintenance free home exterior and save money on your heating and cooling bills each year.
 
Consider Fiber Cement Instead
Fiber cement house siding is considered to be one of the best values when it comes to a home's exterior. James Hardie Fiber cement is made up of wood or cellulose fiber, cement, sand and water. Although there are a number of companies that offer fiber cement materials, look for one that guarantees its products not to warp, delaminate or rot. This material can be five times thicker than vinyl siding and can withstand winds up to 150 MPH, hail and more.
 
Additionally, some manufacturers further customize their product for specific regions, ensuring homeowners are receiving the best for their specific home. Because a home that withstands the heat of Austin, Texas has different needs than a home that deals with extreme cold in Chicago, Illinois, some manufacturers have separate types of material, based on location. This allows a home's exterior to perform better, regardless of where it's located, while still allowing the house to have an authentic cedar appearance.
 
Finding Qualified Siding Contractors
Making changes to a house's exterior can be a big job. Some homeowners may be tempted to drive to a local big box home improvement store and complete the job themselves. Because so much is riding on this project, it's a good idea to instead find and interview contractors in your local area. Ask what types of materials they use and be wary of any siding contractors who only offer builder's grade vinyl or composite material that may delaminate. If you're spending the money on this type of project, you want to do it once and that means doing it right.
 

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Alvarez Remodeling

Exterior and Interior Remodeling
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404.781.6536

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Alvarez Home Remodeling
Commercial and Residential
404.781.6536
678.542.5973
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