Siding Contractors: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right One

Your home’s siding is more than just an aesthetic feature; it’s a crucial protective layer against the elements. It shields your home from rain, wind, snow, and sun, preventing water damage, mould growth, and structural deterioration. Choosing the right siding contractor is essential to ensure that your siding is installed correctly, functions effectively, and enhances your home’s overall value and curb appeal. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need about siding contractors, from understanding different siding types to selecting the best contractor for your needs and budget.

Understanding Siding and Its Importance

Before diving into the intricacies of finding a qualified siding contractor, it’s important to grasp the fundamental role siding plays in protecting your home. Siding acts as the first line of defence against the elements, providing a barrier against moisture infiltration, which can lead to costly repairs. Proper siding installation and maintenance can also significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, reducing your energy bills. Furthermore, siding dramatically affects your home’s appearance, contributing to its overall curb appeal and potentially increasing its resale value.

The Benefits of Quality Siding

Investing in quality siding and professional installation offers numerous benefits, including:

Protection from the Elements: Siding protects your home from rain, snow, wind, and sun, preventing water damage and structural deterioration.
Improved Energy Efficiency: Properly installed siding can reduce heat loss and gain, lowering energy bills.
Enhanced Curb Appeal: New siding can dramatically improve the appearance of your home, increasing its value.
Reduced Maintenance: Many modern siding materials require minimal maintenance, saving time and money.
Increased Home Value: Upgrading your siding can significantly improve your home’s resale value.

Different Types of Siding Materials

The market offers various siding materials, each with unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Understanding these differences is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the climate in your region.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular and affordable siding options. It’s made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is known for its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of colours and styles. Vinyl siding is resistant to rot, insects, and moisture damage, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective choice for many homeowners.

Advantages of Vinyl Siding:

Affordable: Vinyl siding is generally less expensive than other siding materials.
Low Maintenance: It requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean.
Durable: Vinyl siding is resistant to rot, insects, and moisture damage.
Variety of Colours and Styles: It comes in various colours and styles to suit architectural designs.
Easy Installation: Vinyl siding is relatively easy to install, which can reduce labour costs.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding:

Can Fade: Vinyl siding can fade over time, especially in direct sunlight.
Susceptible to Damage: It can be damaged by extreme weather conditions, such as hail or strong winds.
Not Environmentally Friendly: PVC is not a sustainable material.

Fibre Cement Siding

Fibre cement siding is a composite material made from cement, sand, and cellulose. It’s known for its durability, fire resistance, and versatility. Fibre cement siding can mimic the look of wood, stucco, or brick, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want a high-end look without the high-end price tag.

Advantages of Fibre Cement Siding:

Durable: Fibre cement siding is resistant to rot, insects, fire, and moisture damage.
Versatile: It can mimic wood, stucco, or brick look.
Long-lasting: Proper maintenance can last 50 years or more of fibre cement siding.
Fire Resistant: It is non-combustible, making it a safe choice for homes in fire-prone areas.
Low Maintenance: Requires less maintenance than wood siding.

Disadvantages of Fibre Cement Siding:

Expensive: Fibre cement siding is more costly than vinyl siding.
Heavy: It is heavy and requires professional installation.
Can Crack: If not installed properly or exposed to extreme temperature changes, it can crack.
Requires Painting: Needs to be painted or stained periodically.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is a classic, beautiful option offering a natural, warm aesthetic. It’s made from various types of wood, such as cedar, redwood, and pine. Wood siding requires regular maintenance to prevent rot, insects, and moisture damage, but it can last for many years with proper care.

Advantages of Wood Siding:

Beautiful: Wood siding offers a natural and warm aesthetic.
Sustainable: It is a renewable resource.
Versatile: It can be stained or painted to match any colour scheme.
Adds Value: Wood siding can increase the value of your home.

Disadvantages of Wood Siding:

High Maintenance: Wood siding requires regular maintenance to prevent rot, insects, and moisture damage.
Expensive: It is one of the more expensive siding options.
Susceptible to Damage: Wood siding is vulnerable to fire, insects, and moisture damage.
Requires Painting or Staining: Needs to be painted or stained periodically.

Metal Siding

Metal siding, typically made from aluminium or steel, is a durable, low-maintenance option resistant to fire, insects, and moisture damage. It is also environmentally friendly, as it is recyclable. Metal siding is available in various colours and styles, including profiles that mimic wood siding.

Advantages of Metal Siding:

Durable: Metal siding is resistant to fire, insects, and moisture damage.
Low Maintenance: It requires minimal maintenance.
Environmentally Friendly: Metal siding is recyclable.
Long-lasting: Metal siding can last for 50 years or more.

Disadvantages of Metal Siding:

Expensive: Metal siding can be more costly than vinyl siding.
Can Dent: It can dent if impacted by hail or other objects.
Can Fade: Some metal siding finishes can fade over time.
Potential for Rust: Steel siding can rust if the protective coating is damaged.

Engineered Wood Siding (LP SmartSide)

Engineered wood siding, such as LP SmartSide, is made from wood strands treated with resins and waxes for enhanced durability and resistance to moisture, rot, and insects. It offers the look of real wood with improved performance and less maintenance.

Advantages of Engineered Wood Siding:

Durable: Resistant to moisture, rot, and insects.
Affordable: Often more affordable than real wood siding.
Easy to Install: Lighter than fibre cement and easier to work with.
Consistent Quality: Manufactured for consistent quality and appearance.

Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Siding:

Not as Authentic as Real Wood: May not have the exact look and feel of real wood.
Still Requires Maintenance: Needs to be painted or stained and maintained periodically.
Can Be Damaged by Extreme Conditions: May be susceptible to damage from extreme weather events.

Finding the Right Siding Contractor

Once you’ve decided on the type of siding right for your home, the next step is to find a qualified and reputable siding contractor. Proper installation is essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of your siding.

Research and Recommendations

Start by researching siding contractors in your area. Ask friends, family, and neighbours for recommendations. Check online review sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and Angie’s List to see what other homeowners say about their experiences with different contractors. Look for contractors with consistently positive reviews and a proven track record of quality artistry.

Check Licensing and Insurance

Before hiring a siding contractor, verify that they are licensed and insured. Licensing ensures that the contractor meets certain standards of competency and professionalism. Insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage that may occur during the installation process. Ask the contractor for proof of insurance and verify their license with your local licensing board.

Get Multiple Bids

Obtain bids from at least three different siding contractors. This will allow you to compare prices, services, and materials. When reviewing bids, pay close attention to what is included in the price, such as the type of siding, the scope of work, and the warranty. Be wary of significantly lower bids than others, as this may indicate that the contractor is cutting corners or using substandard materials.

Ask the Right Questions

Before deciding, ask each contractor questions to assess their experience, qualifications, and approach to the project. Here are some important questions to ask:

How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
Do you have references from previous clients?
What type of siding do you recommend for my home and why?
What is the estimated cost of the project, including materials and labour?
What is the estimated timeline for the project?
What type of warranty do you offer on your artistry?
Will you obtain the necessary permits for the project?
How will you protect my property during the installation process?
What is your cleanup process after the job is completed?

Review the Contract Carefully

Before signing a contract with a siding contractor, review it carefully to ensure that it includes all of the project details, such as the scope of work, the materials to be used, the payment schedule, and the warranty. Ensure that the contract is clear and concise and that you understand all the terms and conditions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or negotiate any terms you are uncomfortable with.

The Siding Installation Process

Understanding the siding installation process can help you better prepare for the project and ensure that the contractor follows best practices.

Preparation

The first step in the siding installation process is preparation. This may involve removing old siding, repairing any damage to the underlying sheathing, and installing a moisture barrier. The moisture barrier is critical to the siding system, protecting the sheathing from water damage. The contractor should also ensure that the area around the house is clear of any obstacles, such as landscaping or furniture.

Installation

The installation process involves attaching the siding to the sheathing using nails or screws. The contractor should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the siding is properly installed. It’s crucial that the siding is level and properly aligned to prevent water infiltration and maintain a consistent appearance. Proper flashing around windows, doors, and other openings is also essential to avoid water damage.

Finishing Touches

Once the siding is installed, the contractor will add the finishing touches, such as trim, corner boards, and caulking. These details enhance the siding’s appearance and provide additional protection against the elements. The contractor should also clean up the job site and dispose of debris.

Inspection

After the installation is complete, inspect the siding carefully to ensure that it is installed correctly and that there are no defects. If you notice any problems, such as gaps, loose panels, or uneven seams, contact the contractor immediately to have them corrected.

Siding Repair and Maintenance

Even with the best siding and installation, occasional repairs and maintenance are necessary to keep your siding in good condition and protect your home from the elements.

Common Siding Problems

Some common siding problems include:

Cracks and Holes: Cracks and holes can occur due to impact from hail, tree branches, or other objects.
Loose or Missing Panels: Siding panels can become loose or missing due to strong winds or improper installation.
Rot and Decay: Wood siding is susceptible to rot and decay, especially in damp or humid climates.
Fading and discolouration: Siding can fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and weather.
Water Damage: Leaks around windows, doors, or other openings can cause water damage to the siding and underlying structure.

Homeowners can often make minor siding repairs, but a qualified siding contractor should handle more extensive repairs. Repairing cracks and holes may involve patching, caulking, or replacing damaged panels. Loose or missing panels can be reattached or replaced. Rotting or decaying wood siding should be replaced to prevent further damage.

Siding Maintenance

Regular siding maintenance can help prolong the life of your siding and prevent costly repairs. Here are some tips for siding maintenance:

Clean your siding regularly: Wash your siding with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, grime, and mildew.
Inspect your siding regularly: Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or loose panels.
Trim trees and shrubs: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your siding to prevent damage.
Caulk around windows and doors: Inspect the caulking around windows and doors and re-caulk as needed to prevent water leaks.
Address problems promptly: Don’t ignore minor siding problems. Addressing them promptly can prevent them from becoming more serious and costly.

Cost of Siding Installation and Repair

The cost of siding installation and repair can vary depending on several factors, including the type of siding, the size of your home, the complexity of the installation, and the labour costs in your area.

Factors Affecting Siding Costs

Here are some of the factors that can affect siding costs:

Type of Siding: Different siding materials are priced differently. Vinyl siding is generally the most affordable, while wood and fibre cement siding are more expensive.
Size of Home: The larger your home, the more siding will be required and the higher the cost.
Complexity of Installation: Complex installations, involving multiple stories or intricate architectural details, will cost more than simpler installations.
Labour Costs vary depending on the location and the contractor’s experience.
Removal of Old Siding: The cost of removing your old siding will increase the overall cost.
Permits: You may need licenses for siding installation, which can add to the cost.

Estimating Siding Costs

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of siding installation or repair, it’s best to get multiple bids from qualified siding contractors. Be sure to provide the contractors with as much information as possible about your project, including the type of siding you want, the size of your home, and any specific requirements you have.

Budgeting for Siding

When budgeting for siding, it’s important to factor in the cost of the materials and labour and any additional fees, such as permits, removal of old siding, and landscaping. Setting aside a contingency fund to cover any unexpected expenses is also a good idea.

Choosing a Sustainable Siding Option

In today’s environmentally conscious world, many homeowners seek sustainable siding options that minimize their impact on the planet. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a sustainable siding option:

Material Source

Choose siding materials from renewable resources, such as wood from sustainably managed forests, and materials like aluminium or fibre cement.

Durability

Opt for durable and long-lasting siding materials, as this will reduce the need for replacement and minimize waste.

Energy Efficiency

Choose siding materials with good insulation properties. This will help reduce your energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint.

Recyclability

Select recyclable siding materials at the end of their life cycle so they can be minimized or repurposed.

Low-VOC Products

When choosing paints and sealants for your siding, opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) products to minimize air pollution.

Conclusion

Choosing the right siding contractor is a significant investment in your home’s protection, aesthetics, and value. You can ensure that your siding project succeeds by understanding the different types of materials, researching and vetting multiple actors, carefully reviewing contracts, and maintaining your siding properly. Take time, research, and choose a trusted contractor to deliver quality artistry and exceptional service. Your home will thank you for it!