San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
Guide to re-siding
Pick the right material for when redoing home’s exterior
They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. And that’s as true of houses as it is of the people who live inside. If you want your residence to impress at first sight, its outward appearance matters. This is why many homeowners opt to swap out the siding on their home, often well before they have to.
“If you’re itching to update or upgrade your home’s exterior aesthetics, it might be time to replace your siding, which can make a big difference,” suggested Jeff Kisch, owner of Michaels & Marc Restoration in Lone Tree, Colorado.
But a cosmetic improvement isn’t the only reason why a residing is recommended.
“Some telltale signs that it’s time to re-side is if you notice your existing material bubbling, falling off, fading, deteriorating, melting or chipping or you observe interior damage on the walls behind the siding due to water leaks,” noted Andrew Prchal, co-founder of Greenwich, Connecticut-based Gunner Roofing.
There are plenty of siding materials to choose from, each having advantages and disadvantages. The most common replacement siding option is vinyl, which boasts an extremely long lifespan (often more than 50 years with little maintenance required) and lowest cost ($0.85 to $2.50 per square foot for materials alone). But vinyl siding is sourced from polyvinyl chloride, a non-renewable resource that can cause health problems in some, fades gradually over time, may crack easily, is susceptible to heat damage and is less aesthetically pleasing than other alternatives.
Brick has long been a trusted home exterior staple.
“It features a timeless and popular look and is an energyefficient, durable, and low-maintenance material,” said Eamon Lynch, director of Warranty Service for Power Home Remodeling headquartered in the Philadelphia region. But brick is more expensive (often $4 to $14 per square foot just for the bricks), “and is more labor-intensive to install than other choices.”
Natural wood siding provides a classic rustic appearance that many owners prefer.
“Wood siding materials can be easily shaped and cut to suit your individual design needs, and they’re typically very strong, durable and available in a wide range of colors,” Kisch said.
Wood is also sourced from renewable resources and available in various species — from cedar and redwood to Douglas fir.
But wood requires routine maintenance; you may need to
apply a clear finishing coat and re-stain the wood every few years. Plus, wood is more prone to warping and comes with a higher material price tag: often $5 to $14 per square feet, minus labor.
Alternatively, you could select engineered wood, a longer-lasting, lightweight, low-upkeep and cost-effective siding material.
“Unlike other products, composite engineered wood is often resistant to moisture, insects and fire; additionally, it doesn’t expand or contract,” said Matt Daigle, CEO of Rise, an online informational resource for sustainable home improvementa based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. “But it’s relatively new to the market, so there’s less information on return on investment. And you can expect to pay between $2 and $10 per square foot for materials alone.”
If you want a handsome, eyecatching look, consider stucco — a textured and tinted material that boasts tight sealing properties to reduce sound, prevent fires and insulate your home better to maintain warm or cool temperatures.
“However, stucco can be more easily damaged, is difficult to repair, requires expert installation, and is best suited for dry climates,” Prchal said. Stucco will also set you back $5 to $12 per square foot, on average.
Instead of stucco, consider stone veneer, available in a wide array of colors and profiles.
“It can be installed quickly and easily, is highly durable and scratch-resistant with little maintenance required, and is less abrasive than real stone or masonry,” Kisch said. “However, stone veneer isn’t as strong or long-lasting as real stone and may be subject to cracks and moisture problems if improperly installed.”
Count on paying $6 to $11 per square foot for stone veneer.
Lastly, fiber cement siding, comprised of wood pulp, cement, clay and sand, has been gaining traction in recent years, largely due to its lower cost (70 cents to $5.25 per square foot).
“It’s a great product made of a heavier material than most, and it’s quite durable and cus
tomizable,” L ynch said. “The downside is that it requires more skill to install than other materials, and there’s a smaller number of installers trained to work with it. Also, it needs to be painted and maintained every few years.”
To decide on the right material for your needs, shop around and consult different contractors, determine your return on investment based on how long you plan to remain in your home, give thought to environmental sustainability concerns and crunch your budget carefully.