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Getting new siding for your home brings both good and bad news. The good news is that you have a lot of options to choose from. The bad news? The selection process might not be as straightforward as you think it is. There’s really no “overall best siding” since each house has its own specific needs based on a number of factors; you must know your home to know what’s best for it. To help you get started with getting new siding, this guide is here to walk you through the basics and give you a few tips to keep in mind.
PART 1: SIDING TERMS TO KNOW
When you go shopping for siding, you’ll encounter terms specific to the products you’re looking at. To better understand your options then, it’s important that you understand these terms. Some of the terminologies you should familiarize yourself with include: • Backerboard - A flat material fastened to the sides of the house serving as a surface for the main material to attach to. • Beveled - Tapered on the end (compared to having a rectangular tip).
• Caulking - Material used to seal up intersections, joints, or seams in the material, keeping moisture from penetrating the siding. • Channel - Area where the siding panels are connected to the trim or corner post. There are different types of channels depending on their appearance. • Clapboard - Horizontal planks that overlap each other. • Course - A row of siding (usually a single panel unless using smaller panels). • Cupping - A siding problem that causes panels to rise away from the wall (usually happens with wood siding). • Double Course - When a layer of siding tiles or shingles is covered by newer siding.
PART 1: SIDING TERMS TO KNOW
• Face - The visible side of siding. • Lap - The point where two siding panels overlap and leave room for expansion or contraction. • Nailing Hem - Part of the siding where nail slots are found.
• Single Course - When a layer of siding is exposed (no underlying siding panels). • Soffit - Underside space between the end of the roof and the top edge of the siding. • Square - Unit of measurement that is equivalent to 100 square feet. • Tongue and Groove - A way of connecting siding; Panels have a “tongue” (narrow indent) on one edge that fits the “groove” (a narrow channel) on the other edge of the panel it will be connecting to. • Sheathing - Sheets of wooden planks that covers the wall’s framework. • Weep holes - Openings found in a siding panel that allow water runoff. ooooo
Now that you know some sidingspeak, the next thing you should consider is what kind of siding to get. Head on over to Part 2 to learn about our siding recommendation.
PART 2: SIDING RECOMMENDATION - A LOOK AT METAL SIDING
You’re probably ready to look for the right siding for your home, but where should you start your search? Everything seems like a good choice! If you’re looking for siding materials to consider, however, metal siding is a safe first pick because it has plenty of good points going for it, like:
• It is Tough Metal (especially steel) is commonly associated with toughness and durability, so it goes without saying that metal siding is one of the toughest options you’ll find. Unlike other siding materials, metal is not porous so it doesn’t absorb moisture, making it impervious to rotting. At the same time, it’s smooth surface allows for easy shedding of rainwater and snow. Properly installed, metal siding will also resist strong winds, as well as fire, making it ideal in areas prone to wildfires. It is typically pre-treated to prevent rusting but additional coatings can be used, if preferred, prior to installation.
• It is Versatile Metal siding comes in different profiles to complement a range of home styles. The material also takes paint well so you can choose basically any color you want. Just make sure that you choose a color that complements your home and the right paint is used to ensure the finish’s longevity.
• It is Low-Maintenance
Since metal siding is so durable, it’s less likely to experience problems over time. Even the most common metal-related problem – rusting – is no longer a major issue, thanks to the presence of protective coating, rust-resistant metals, and production techniques such as galvanization that helps steel resist rusting. All metal siding will really need is regular cleaning and inspection and it’s good to go.
PART 2: SIDING RECOMMENDATION - A LOOK AT METAL SIDING
• It is Easy to Install
Despite its durability and ease of maintenance, metal siding is lightweight so it is easy to handle, making it easy to install. This not only speeds up the installation process but also takes away the need for additional construction as extra structural supports will not be required, allowing you to enjoy convenience and savings.
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Metal siding is a solid option but it has to be installed right to perform right. Head on over to Part 3 to learn about the importance of professional siding installation.
PART 3: THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL SIDING INSTALLATION
You already know some sidingspeak and have a good idea of what a certain siding option has to offer. The next thing you need to think about is the actual siding installation process. Some people swear by putting up their own siding, but professional siding services will always be the better option. Why is this the case? It’s because: Pros know what they are doing Inexperienced people going for the DIY approach are very likely to miss key details during installation, which later ends up causing a lot of mistakes and less than ideal results. Hiring a pro that has the right experience and training helps reduce – if not avoid – those mistakes, which can be inconvenient and costly. Pros have the right tools Installing siding requires the right tools if you want to ensure that they are installed according to manufacturer specifications. Any reputable siding pro will have the complete arsenal needed to put up siding properly so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
PART 3: THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL SIDING INSTALLATION
Pros have the time Installing new siding can take days – how much time do you have to take off work (or leisure) just for that task? By hiring pros, you can spend your time as you normally would while waiting for your siding job to be completed. It’s not just that pros have the time, they can also finish the job faster than the average DIY guy, so that’s less time your home is exposed to the elements and other outdoor threats. DIY is attractive to a lot of people because they feel like they can save a lot by doing the job on their own but many realize, usually in the middle of the job, that professional work offers benefits that are well-worth the added cost.
Getting the right siding and having it installed right is crucial in ensuring that a siding job offers desired results. Should you wish to learn more about your options or the installation process, don’t hesitate to give your local siding expert a call for assistance.
Jones & Associates 701 East 40th Street, Lubbock , TX 79404 (806) 686-1380 (806) 796-1913 1-800-658-2060 TheJonesBoys.com