A home needs various components and features to look beautiful and function properly. Siding completes the exterior, covering the exterior walls and making the building appealing and secure. If you do not have proper siding, The Roof Doctor says it is time to invest in it. What is siding, and why should you consider it for your Indianapolis home?
Like the roof, siding shields a structure from weather elements and also provides insulation to keep your living spaces comfortable, preventing moisture infiltration. Siding does all this while adding a touch of style and personality to your home’s facade. In Indianapolis, where the climate can be extreme and unpredictable, having a protective material that does not sacrifice aesthetics is a win.
The Roof Doctor, the most trusted among home siding contractors, puts siding installation and repair within your reach. Let us discuss all siding options and repair considerations so you can prepare for your next home improvement project.
Understanding the Types of Siding Available
If you have seen a house with a beautiful exterior featuring horizontal or vertical panels in colors and patterns that accentuate the structure’s shape, then you have seen siding. Any building without siding looks flat, with painted walls, windows, and roofs defining its shape. These are not necessarily unappealing, but they have limited design options and do not enjoy the same benefits as those with siding.
Siding comes in different forms and materials, promising various levels of protection and styles that can satisfy all tastes, preferences, and budgets. This material covers most exterior parts of the home, making the selection process crucial. Discover all your choices and say yes to the siding your property deserves!
Common Siding Materials
Homes with siding do not all look the same. Perhaps you have seen a house with brown, glossy stone walls or one with red wooden walls. These are all siding materials, and the one you choose makes your property look entirely different from the others on your block. Here are some of the most popular options for homeowners.
Vinyl
In the United States, vinyl siding is the most popular. You can find residential and commercial structures clad in vinyl panels almost anywhere! The popularity of plastic siding comes from its low cost, which allows installation for a 2,000-square-foot house to range from USD 6,000 to USD 16,000. However, the price does not compromise durability and aesthetics. Feel free to choose from various colors to match your house’s style and rely on the siding to resist fire.
Vinyl siding fades faster than other siding materials, so many homeowners reconsider it. It’s also sensitive to excess UV light and can promote mold growth and rotting without waterproofing. If this siding material is your top choice, make sure you also invest in other protective measures that can increase its longevity.
Wood
Homeowners who love the classic and rustic vibe of wooden houses go for wood siding. This option guarantees versatility that no other material can do! You can keep the natural brown shade or paint or stain the panels with other colors to complement your property’s look. Regardless of your finishes, wood will look stunning and make your house appear warm and inviting. You also get to help the environment as it is a renewable resource.
Wood siding is pricier than vinyl siding, with installation costs running from USD 7,000 to USD 23,000. It also requires more maintenance, such as sealing, repainting, or restaining the surface every three to five years. You must also regularly check for rotting or termite infestation and address them immediately.
Fiber Cement
If you want siding that can serve you for at least 30 years, fiber cement should be at the top of your list. This siding material is highly durable, even if harsh weather constantly hits your area. Like vinyl, it is fire-resistant and available in different styles. However, since it comprises wood pulp and cement, it is more robust and able to mimic wood and other siding materials. For a house that looks wooden but needs less maintenance, fiber cement may be your best bet.
The only setback of fiber cement is its price. The material costs USD 5 to USD 10 per square foot, and its weight makes installation tricky and time-consuming. It is impossible to properly install this siding without a team of experienced professionals; labor costs are always a substantial part of the total expenses. Some also find this option less energy-efficient than vinyl and wood.
Choosing the Right Siding for Indianapolis Weather
The best siding materials differ depending on the home’s architectural style, the homeowner’s preferences, and the budget. In Indianapolis, your choice of siding should consider local climate conditions first.
The city experiences long, warm, wet summers from late May to late September and short, freezing winters from December to March. Severe weather is also common throughout the year. As such, your siding should be able to brave these conditions while keeping the house looking great and well-insulated. How do you know which material will do just that?
- Durability: Think of the heavy rains, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures that your area in Indianapolis experiences. Fiber cement or engineered wood can give the durability and resilience your siding needs to stand the test of time.
- Insulation: Good insulation will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, especially during Indianapolis’s winters and summers. Check out insulated vinyl siding and its enhanced thermal performance.
- Moisture: Materials resistant to moisture save you from rot and mold growth. If your area goes through rainy spells, go for fiber cement and vinyl siding’s moisture-resistant capabilities.
- Maintenance: Some materials require regular upkeep, which may not be ideal for homeowners with busy schedules. Opt for low-maintenance choices if you prefer not to deal with frequent repairs or cleaning despite the demands of the weather.
- Budget: Factor in both the initial installation costs and long-term expenses. Some high-performance materials might be more expensive initially but save money in the long run due to their longevity and minimal maintenance needs.
The Roof Doctor’s siding replacement services include a wide range of siding materials, all with unique features and benefits. As a local company, we know the Indianapolis climate well, and you can count on us to install the perfect material based on all the above factors.
Siding Installation and Repair Process
Siding replacement is not the only solution. Unless you really want a complete makeover and have the money for it, repairing your siding is also an alternative. Generally, a siding repair involves fixing minor, isolated issues like cracks, holes, and loose siding panels. You can simply seal or patch up the affected areas and let the siding continue its service.
In contrast, a siding replacement involves removing all the existing siding and installing new material. Unsurprisingly, this project is more expensive and takes longer than a repair. The Roof Doctor is a team of experts in both; we can help you determine which service you should get.
When To Replace vs. Repair Siding
Just because a repair is more affordable than a replacement does not automatically mean it is the better choice. Affordable but frequent repairs, for example, can cost you more money than a single replacement in the long run. Also, affordable but inadequate repairs can lead to more significant problems that might require a replacement anyway.
Here is the correct answer: there are siding problems that make repairs the right solution, and there are those that only replacements can address. If you spot the following signs in your siding, prepare for a repair:
- Small cracks or splits in the panels
- Slightly twisted boards
- Isolated areas of mold, mildew, or rot
- Minor water stains or streaks beneath the siding
- Slight discoloration or fading in certain spots
- Loose or displaced panels
If your siding situation involves the following more extensive issues, then a replacement should be underway soon:
- Widespread cracking or splitting across multiple panels
- Significant warping or buckling of boards
- Mold, mildew, or rot affecting large areas
- Severe water damage or persistent leaks
- Fading or discoloration over large sections
- Panels that are too old or outdated
- Insufficient protection against weather
At The Roof Doctor, our siding inspection services include professional assessments. We will evaluate your siding’s health and explain why we recommend replacing or repairing it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Siding Installation
Should we deem siding replacement necessary, our experts will follow a process that ensures smooth, efficient, and long-lasting results. Here are the steps every siding installation includes:
- Step 1: Assess the structure and current siding and understand the homeowner’s preferences.
- Step 2: Select the siding materials, colors, and design.
- Step 3: Remove the old siding without damaging the underlying structure.
- Step 4: Prepare the surface by fixing any issues and creating a smooth, even base.
- Step 5: Install weather-resistant barriers and other recommended layers.
- Step 6: Install the new siding panels through precise alignment techniques.
- Step 7: Trim and finish the siding edges, corners, and other detailed areas.
- Step 8: Inspect the newly installed siding for quality and durability.
DIY installations are possible, but we strongly advise against it. Professional siding installers like The Roof Doctor have the right tools, methods, and expertise to deliver a flawless installation that lasts decades. Plus, we offer warranties to guarantee your satisfaction further.
How To Maintain Your Siding for Long-Lasting Results
Work does not end after siding installation. Expert installers may do a thorough job, but your siding’s health depends on how you care for it. For example, we may install wood siding with perfect alignment and secure fastening, but if you leave it unattended after a storm, it may warp, rot, or develop mold. Installation determines your siding’s quality, but maintenance determines its longevity.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Your siding is in action from winter to fall. Consequently, maintenance should also be year-round. Regardless of the season, you must schedule regular inspections, cleaning, washing, and painting. Cleaning and washing will preserve its appearance and function. Use a garden hose and wash your siding at least once a year with water and mild detergent.
For tougher stains, you can take a soft-bristled brush and scrub the affected area gently. You can also power wash on a low setting if the manufacturer recommends it. Rinse with clean water afterward, and make sure the panels dry completely.
Painting or staining, when fading and discoloration begin, will revitalize your siding’s appearance and protect it from weathering. If you have wood siding, seal any exposed edges or joints with caulk to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Adjust your maintenance efforts according to your siding material and the season. For instance, you may need to pay extra attention to caulking and sealing in the fall before winter sets in, as colder temperatures and harsh weather conditions can cause cracks and gaps to form.
Why Regular Inspections Matter
Besides yearly cleaning and washing and regularly scheduled painting or staining, annual inspections are your primary maintenance task. Visual inspections allow you to spot minor issues before they spread or completely break down your siding. You can also catch early signs of water damage or insect infestation early on, avoiding costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Walk around your home and examine each panel for cracks, chips, warping, deformation, and discoloration. Use a small flashlight to check darker or shadowed areas, ensuring no part of the siding is overlooked. Pay close attention to seams and joints and the areas around windows and doors where water intrusion is most likely to occur. Check for any cracked or missing caulking and observe if there are any signs of mold or mildew.
Professional siding inspections will dive deep into your siding’s condition, identifying problem areas that the untrained eye may miss. With extensive knowledge and experience, experts can recommend cost-effective solutions to prolong your siding’s lifespan and improve its overall performance.
Is the siding in your Indianapolis house showing signs of wear and tear? Do not leave it to chance — schedule a professional inspection with The Roof Doctor. We serve Indiana communities and are ready to take on any siding project. Let us get started on yours today!
