Hey there, homeowners! Ready to learn the process for full siding replacement? As a seasoned home remodeler and designer, you’ve probably seen some real eyesores—siding so dilapidated and damaged, it belongs in a horror movie. But don’t worry! You’re about to discover that even the roughest exteriors can transform into gorgeous ones with the right strategy. Follow these 5 steps, and you’ll give your home that modern, polished “wow” factor you’ve always dreamed of.
Step 1: Thoroughly Inspect Existing Siding and Check for Damage
As a starter step, do a meticulous walk-around inspection of your existing siding. Really get to know it! You’ll want to look for:
- Obvious damage like cracks, peeling paint, rotting wood, warped panels, etc. Use sidewalk chalk to circle any problem areas.
- Gaps or holes allowing insulation peek-a-boos. These create energy efficiency issues and certainly don’t enhance aesthetics!
- Discoloration or mildew indicating moisture intrusion behind the siding surface. This can lead to structural damage long-term.
While you’re poking around outside, also open up a few outlets on exterior walls and inspect inside the stud bays with a flashlight. Dark streaks, mold, or clumpy insulation are red flags for leaks or other problems behind the siding that need addressing before the process for full siding replacement begins.
It’s smart to conduct inspections after major storms as well to detect any wind or water damage early before it worsens. Ongoing vigilance catches small issues before they become costly headaches.
Once you’ve conducted your CSI-style investigation, you can determine whether spot repairs or a full process for siding replacement are the right solution. Here are a few clues:
Only a Few Minor Problem Patches? Go for Repair.
If it’s just a few isolated dents, surface cracks, or minor gaps, it likely makes sense to simply patch in fresh matching siding pieces vs. a whole replacement. This achieves a fix with minimal effort and expense.
Major Damage or Widespread Issues? It’s Time for The Process For Full Siding Replacement!
If large sections of your siding look like a chaotic jigsaw puzzle of ill-matched patches and repairs, a replacement can give you that seamless, uniform exterior you’ve been longing for.
Likewise, if multiple areas display excessive moisture damage, leaks, rot, or are clearly showing their age after decades of exposure, full replacement likely provides the most comprehensive long-term remedy. Out with the old, in with the new!
Pro tip: If you’re still unsure whether repairs or replacing your siding are best after inspecting, ask a professional siding contractor to evaluate. They can provide an expert assessment based on your home’s unique needs.
Step 2: Select Gorgeous New Siding That Flatters Your Home’s Style
Okay, time for the really fun part—choosing new siding styles, colors, and materials to give your exterior a fresh, eye-catching look that impresses, sourced from trusted brands such as James Hardie or Alside. Here are some top tips for selecting siding that flatters your architecture:
Complement Existing Architectural Features and Roof Lines
Choose siding dimensions and layout patterns that accentuate your home’s existing architectural traits in this process for full siding replacement. For example, wide horizontal siding can help elongate a ranch-style home, while vertical boarding patterns better suit multi-story houses.
Mimicking the lines of gables and roof edges creates cohesion. You want the siding to feel like an integrated extension of the overall design.
Seek Visually Interesting Textures and Contrast
Go for siding styles and trims that incorporate decorative touches like contrasting color patterns, faux wood grain textures, or staggered shingle shapes to add an eye-catching visual punch. This creates depth and makes a statement.
Avoid vast expanses of plain flat siding if possible – breaking it up with trim details and textural siding adds character.
Set an Overall Aesthetic Goal
Think about the mood you want your home’s exterior to evoke. Do you envision a crisp contemporary vibe, rustic charm, coastal cottage, regal traditional, or something else? This helps guide your siding color, material, and style selections cohesively.
Bring inspirational photos to your siding contractor to articulate the aesthetic you’re going for. Their expertise can then bring your vision and understanding of the process for full siding replacement to reality.
In This Process for Full Siding Replacement Factor in Durability and Climate
An important but often overlooked consideration is choosing siding engineered to withstand specific temperature swings, storms, sunlight intensity, and other climate factors in your region.
Select materials rated for resilience against those conditions—vinyl siding for instance withstands weather well in many areas. This ensures your facelift lasts beautifully for years.
Curb Appeal Matters – Choose Colors Wisely!
A lively, welcoming exterior color palette makes a stellar first impression on visitors and keeps your home looking fresh. Neutral siding with trims in bolder complementary hues adds a nice pop.
Just ensure colors coordinate well with your roofing and other exterior accents. Ugly color clashing will foil even the dreamiest siding material.
Get color consultation from siding experts if unsure—a small upfront investment that prevents costly do-overs from color mismatches.
Pro Tip in This Process for Full Siding Replacement: When selecting siding, don’t let budget be the sole deciding factor. While vinyl is affordable, it may not suit architectural styles as well as fiber cement, cedar shakes, or other premium materials that add character. Splurge if possible for the best long-term aesthetic value.
When selecting new siding for your siding project, there are a few main material options to consider, each with its own pros and cons:
- Vinyl siding is typically the most affordable option, offers easy maintenance, and mimics the look of wood quite closely. However, it can appear artificial upon very close inspection and does not stand up to impact as well as other materials.
- Fiber cement siding provides increased durability and will not warp or rot like wood. It offers visual appeal at a moderate price point, though not as budget-friendly as vinyl. Fiber cement siding weighs more than vinyl or wood.
- Wood siding adds natural curb appeal, customization options, and artisan visual texture, but requires intensive upkeep with staining/sealing. Wood siding can rot and warp over time in some climates. Cedar and redwood provide good longevity.
- Composite siding blends polymers and wood fibers for durability with less maintenance than real wood. Appearance and feel closely mimics wood.
- Brick is extremely durable but higher cost, very heavy, and tricky for DIY installation. Relatively high maintenance to repoint mortar over time. Excellent resale value.
Discuss these options for your siding project and their process for full siding replacement with your contractor to determine which siding type best fits your home architecture, climate, budget, and needs.
Step 3: Hire a Reputable Siding Company You Can Trust is A Big Part of This Process for Full Siding Replacement
Installing new siding is a tricky, detail-oriented business best left to seasoned professionals. Here’s how to thoughtfully choose quality siding contractors for flawless execution in the process for full siding replacement:
Ask Neighbors for Referrals for your siding replacement project
Speaking with neighbors about their experience with local siding companies can prove invaluable. Satisfied customers who happily vouch for a contractor’s work speak volumes.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
A very important part in the process for full siding replacement and reputable firms will proudly provide documentation of required state/city licensing and insurance including liability and worker’s compensation. Don’t get stuck footing bills for uninsured property damage or injuries.
Research Online Reviews Thoroughly
Don’t rely solely on company websites. Vet Google Reviews, Facebook, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau for unbiased commentary on work quality, service issues, pricing fairness, and how the company responds to problems if they arise.
Evaluate Their Portfolio
Ask prospective contractors to showcase previous siding projects and their process for full siding replacement through before/after photos, case studies, and past customer testimonials. This offers visual proof of their skills and experience with homes similar to yours showing their process for full siding replacement.
Meet in Person Before Hiring
Chemistry matters! A great siding contractor will listen closely to your needs and limitations during the process for full siding replacement, provide ideas tailored to your home’s architecture, and explain technical concepts in understandable terms. You should feel at ease with them handling this major home enhancement project before signing any contract.
Pro Tip: I’ll never forget the time a so-called “siding expert” tried charging me thousands extra halfway through a job for unnecessary repairs simply to pad his profits. Always vet contractors vigilantly before hiring to avoid headaches like this in the process for full siding replacement!
Step 4: Upgrade Other Facade Elements for a Cohesive New Curb Appeal Can Be Part Of The Process For Full Siding Replacement – Now Is A Great Time To Upgrade Other Things
For optimal aesthetics, it’s wise to coordinate other exterior elements with your new siding. This creates a holistically refreshed front face for maximum visual appeal. Ideas include:
Harmonize Colors
If your new siding will be a neutral tone, use trim, shutters, front doors, and other accents in bolder complementary colors to add curb appeal.
Replace Outdated Windows
New energy-efficient windows dressed in trim matching the siding instantly modernize the home’s look. Upgrade for synergy.
Improve Exterior Lighting
Well-designed landscape lighting and fixtures on walls or porches integrate seamlessly with new siding, adding warmth and shows off the work and investment in your process for full siding replacement.
Update Landscaping in your yard
Fresh plants, stone/brick accents, and lighting surrounding upgraded siding complete the transformation to wow-factor curb appeal.
Pro Tip: One client was installing gray siding, so I helped them choose navy shutters and the front door for a subtle yet striking contrast. It really tied everything together for maximum appeal.
Step 5: Maintain the Beautiful New Siding Long Term After The Process for Full Siding Replacement Has Happened
Preserving your investment through attentive care and rapid response to issues will keep your new siding looking pristine. Recommended maintenance tips:
Annual Inspections and Cleanings
Gently wash siding each year using mild cleaners and soft brushes/sponges to prevent buildup and mildew, taking care of delicate or easily damaged areas.
Conduct thorough inspections for any cracks, damage, or aberrations annually and repair immediately before problems spread.
Reapply Protective Sealants
Resealing wood, natural or permeable siding materials every 2-3 years replenishes water repellency and prevents moisture intrusion leading to expensive repairs later.
Keep Gutters Clear
Clogged gutters cause moisture runoff and ice damming against the siding. Routinely clear debris for proper drainage.
Prune Encroaching Vegetation
Overgrown trees/shrubs abrade and damage siding over time. Trim back anything touching the structure. This also reduces pest access behind the siding.
Pro Tip: When power washing vinyl, wood, or other delicate siding, first test an inconspicuous area to avoid surface damage. Use the widest spray nozzle, keep the nozzle perpendicular, and maintain adequate distance. Gentle pressure washing prevents premature wear.
You’ve Got This!
There you have it, friends—follow these 5 essential steps in the process for full siding replacement and you can transform your home’s exterior from frightening to fabulous in no time. No matter how weather-beaten and unappealing the current siding may look, strategic upgrades will work wonders. Just take it from me. Before you know it, your home will have that jaw-dropping, head-turning curb appeal you’ve always wanted! Wishing you the very best on your siding facelift journey.
