What to think about when Replacing your Siding

The most dramatic change that you as a homeowner can make to your house, the one that will make your neighbors stop and do a double take, is to replace the siding. The color and the style of the house is determined by siding, and replacing it can transform a house’s appearance in a matter of days. Not merely aesthetic however, siding serves a functional purpose and is not exempt from the pressure the elements provide. By replacing your siding you are taking the opportunity to improve both the look and quality of your house. But before you rush out and start taking off the siding yourself, here are some things we encourage you to think through. 

 Why does my siding need replacing?

-Damage

Aside from wanting your home to masquerade as a “modern farm house”, siding replacement is most often spurred on by weather damage.

Hail Damage

-Sun

Sun damage occurs most often when bright lights, as reflected off of neighboring windows causes siding to ripple and warp.

-Water

Water Damage

Naperville Roofing and Construction specializes in siding replacement, and offers a free inspection to all of our potential customers. If you’re concerned about your siding, give us a call and we’ll quote you a fair price on repair or replacement.

 -Age

As is the case with most exterior materials, there is a lifespan to take into account. Depending on the siding’s material, the lifespan can range anywhere from 10-40 years. Also, dependent on the siding material is the amount of maintenance required to maximize the materials lifespan. Example: Cedar siding requires a fresh coat of paint approximately every 5 years in order to stave off color fading and structural damage. 

 

New vs. Aged Cedar

 How long does siding replacement take?

-Weather 

Given that siding is tasked with keeping the elements away from you and your possessions, we do not want to replace it when the weather is raging. Here in the Chicagoland area, the only predictable thing about the weather is the unpredictability. As a result, most siding jobs are done in the months between March and October but even in those months the weather can prolong jobs. When the weather does permit consistent work, siding usually takes two to three days to complete. 

 What does siding replacement cost?

-Retail

The price of a replacement siding job is dependent upon the size of the house, measured in square feet and the type of siding that is being applied. On the lower end, we have vinyl siding at $2-$7 per square and on the higher end there’s cedar at $5-$7 per square. 

 -Insurance

Since ageing and storm damage are possible ends all roofs may meet, most insurance companies factor in roof replacement cost into house insurance policies. If either event were to happen, we recommend you notify your insurance company immediately to determine what funds are available to you. 

 What material should I choose to replace my siding with?

-LP

At Naperville Roofing and Construction, we recommend LP siding to all of our customers.

LP SmartSide, is made out of engineered wood (aspen primarily) and is built to resist the elements.

Falling in between vinyl and cedar siding options in price, but not in quality LP really is the best of both worlds. In comparison to vinyl, LP is far more weather resistant and given world economic conditions is becoming increasingly less available. Then, when matched up against cedar, LP comes out on top again because it does not require nearly the amount of maintenance. LP can go without a coat of paint for 15 years after installation, while cedar would need new 3 coats in that same time. 

LP SmartSide Lap Siding

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Storm Damage

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What to think about when Replacing your Roof