Even the best siding doesn’t last forever. That’s why you need to keep an eye on the condition of your exterior siding. Once you detect signs of damage, it’s time to start planning for siding installation.
Here’s what you can expect.
Inspect Your Current Siding
Now that the snow has melted, take a good look at your house siding. Are there any holes or signs of insect activity? Has a section of vinyl siding melted from grilling too close to the house?
The sooner you spot damaged siding, the sooner you’ll be able to prevent water and insect damage. The last thing you want is for water to seep beneath siding panels.
Inspecting your home’s siding should be part of your routine maintenance plan.
Consider siding replacement if you notice:
- Melted or warped vinyl siding
- Mold and mildew
- Structural damage
- Insect damage
- Poor siding installation
Once you remove the old siding, you may need to fix any underlying problems. For example, you’ll need to repair any water damage before
.Choose Exterior Siding for Your Home
The siding you choose will depend on your budget and design preferences. But you should also consider the durability of the material.
For example, insulated vinyl siding is resistant to cold temperatures. If you’re looking for long-lasting options, consider steel or fiber cement siding. To learn more, be sure to check out our blog post on the different types of exterior siding.
Siding comes in a range of colors and styles. That way, you can match the roof, windows, shutters, exterior doors, and even landscaping.
If you aren’t sure what siding to get, we recommend taking a drive around your neighborhood. The houses in your neighborhood were most likely built around the same time. As such, you’ll be able to get ideas for your own home’s façade.
You may also check out our product gallery, as well as the siding brands we carry, for inspiration.
Hire a Reputable Siding Contractor
Siding helps protect your home from the elements. This is why it’s important you
. They’ll have the proper training and experience to install your siding the right way.Hiring an insured contractor means you won’t be liable for any injuries sustained on the job. A reputable contractor will always take necessary precautions to protect their workers.
Prepare Your Home Before the Crew Arrives
Do you have any shrubs or trees that touch your house? If so, you’ll want to trim or tie those back so your contractor and their crew can work without obstructions. We also recommend removing any loose items from your property such as bikes or potted plants.
While it may seem weird, we also recommend removing any interior wall décor before work begins. During siding installation, it’s not uncommon for the walls to shake a little. This movement could be enough to send picture frames and paintings crashing to the floor.
If you have children or pets, be sure to keep them away from the work site to ensure their safety.
Call Eikenhout to Get Started
Eikenhout is a building supply company that’s proud to serve 9 Michigan locations. To learn more about our siding products, please feel free to give us a call.
You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a homeowner, we’d be more than happy to help!
This blog post has been updated.