by Top Form Contracting | May 21, 2021 | Siding
Ready to replace your home siding? We’re happy to hear it!
Top Form Contracting helps homeowners in Albany and elsewhere in the Willamette Valley transform their home through professional siding replacements. Whether you want to upgrade outdated siding, or simply want to remodel your home’s exterior for a more modern look, we can help!
In this article, we’re dishing out the most important factors you need to consider before diving into your home siding replacement. First, we’ll discuss the most important thing you need to know before you start. Then, we’ll give you four factors to consider to help you narrow down the perfect siding choice for your home.
Let’s get started!
The #1 Thing You Must Know About Siding Replacements
If you consider a siding replacement, the number one thing you need to know is that replacements are not as simple as you might think. You can likely manage minor repairs on your own, but it is unrealistic to turn a complete home siding replacement into a DIY project.
Many homeowners get in over their heads when they decide to revamp their home exterior without prior experience or professional guidance. It can be easy to get ahead of yourself, especially with the prospect of a beautiful home exterior on the horizon.
However, if you need a siding replacement, working with a professional is an absolute ‘must.’ Read on to learn more about why we recommend teaming up with an experienced crew for your siding replacement.
Why You Need a Professional Siding Contractor
While you may luck out and know a family member or friend with some experience with siding replacements, most of us aren’t so lucky. Hiring a professional team is almost always necessary, especially if you are doing a complete overhaul of your home siding. A minor repair is manageable with a friend with experience, but it is always best to work with a crew for larger projects.
Our siding replacement contractors in Albany are insured, experienced, and able to assess a range of siding problems and recommend appropriate repairs. Going with an amateur contractor may leave you with a mess on your hands, requiring you to eventually hire a professional crew anyway. It is best to work with a team you know you can trust right from the start.
Ultimately, you’ll save yourself time, money, and a lot of stress and heartache by choosing an upstanding contractor. Before you get excited and begin tearing down your old siding, connect with a professional that has experience with home siding replacements. You’ll thank yourself (and us) later.
Siding Replacement Options
Now that we’ve gotten that important message out of the way, let’s discuss your options. Color, brand, durability, maintenance, and style should all factor into your final decision. Your siding, after all, is the wrapping of your home. Its appeal (or lack of) can make or break first impressions.
Not only that, but your home siding completely transforms your house, making you feel right at home — or not. Let’s jump into the main considerations you will want to discuss with your siding contractor to ensure your final result exceeds your expectations.
Style
The style of your siding will likely be your first consideration. Do you want a traditional colonial look? What about modern, sleek siding?
There are all different textures, designs, and styles to consider. Working with a professional contractor will give you the chance to consider the pros and cons of multiple siding styles.
Brand
At Top Form Contracting, James Hardie Siding is our preferred siding brand. Time and again, their siding increases curb appeal and home efficiency, thanks to their innovative materials and technology. It is easy to choose a James Hardie Siding that fits your preferences since they produce a variety of different siding styles.
Maintenance
Different siding styles and textures will require more or less upkeep. If you prefer minimal maintenance, there are plenty of options to choose from. If maintenance is an important factor in your decision making, get in touch with one of our experts for low maintenance, durable siding recommendations that will complement your home and lifestyle.
Color
Last but not least, and arguably the most fun part, is picking the color. Color selection is something homeowners look forward to the most. Whether you want to get ultra creative and add bright blue vinyl siding or stick with a timeless earth tone, the possibilities (as cliche it sounds) are endless.
How Much Will My Home Siding Replacement Cost?
So, how much will your siding replacement cost you? The total dollar amount may be your number one concern when it comes to your siding replacement. When you choose to upgrade your home’s exterior, always look at it as an investment. The ROI you gain from making periodic upgrades can dramatically pay you back in the long run.
The exact cost of your siding replacement will depend on the size of your home, the number of materials needed to get the job done, as well as the brand and style of siding you select.
Because project costs vary considerably, we encourage you to call our contractors for an estimate.
The Top 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Exterior Siding
1. How Should I Prepare My Home Before a Siding Replacement?
Removal of items from the home’s interior wall is a good idea, so our siding crews don’t knock things off the wall or damage items during siding installation and removal.
You might want to trim any overgrown shrubs to make it easier for the siding crew to work on your home without damaging the landscaping or shrubbery. Although we will be as careful as possible, sometimes some damage is unavoidable.
2. How Can I Choose the Best Color Siding for My Home?
The majority of customers choose a color for their exterior siding that suits both their home’s surroundings and their neighbors’ homes. We recommend that homeowners pick a color that reflects their aesthetic preferences.
3. What is the Typical Lifespan of Siding?
You can expect James Hardie Siding to last for at least 30 years, although it might outlive you. It is always a good idea to choose an exterior siding product that is best suited to your climate so that it has an optimal lifespan.
4. Does Siding Require Maintenance?
A home’s exterior is never maintenance free; however, exterior siding requires little to no maintenance. Vinyl siding requires occasional pressure washing to remove dirt and grime, and fiber cement exterior siding, like James Hardie, will need to be repainted every 15 to 20 years.
For your exterior siding to not age prematurely, it is crucial that your gutters work properly, and that they be pointed away from your home so that water does not puddle up on or penetrate your exterior siding.
5. Is it Expensive to Fix or Replace Siding?
The cost for exterior siding replacements may vary widely depending on the scope of the project and how much siding is required. A complete replacement is usually the best option for homeowners compared to replacing sections or bits and pieces. Complete replacements are pricey, but you get the best results both short-term and long-term.
6. Should You Replace Your Windows When Installing New Siding?
Replacement of siding at the same time as replacing your windows is best; this prevents water infiltration and allows the best flashing protection. Professional siding companies prepare your house for new installation by preparing your existing windows for new installation.
7. Is New Siding a Good Investment For My Home?
Yes! Siding is the envelope of your home and often the first exterior element that catches the eye. Not only does siding look nice, it protects your home’s interior from harsh elements and wear and tear. Siding is one of the best investments you can make on your home, whether you plan to sell it in the future or remain in place for several years.
Schedule Your Siding Replacement | Top Form Contracting
Ready to get started with your siding replacement? Top Form Contracting in Albany guarantees high-quality workmanship, professional services, and great customer services.
We understand that nothing means more to you than your home. As your most precious asset, we take the time and care required to listen to you and deliver a final result you will love, and your neighbors will envy.
Reach out to us on our Contact Page to tell us more about your siding replacement project, or call us at (541) 926-4597 for an estimate.
Visit our Siding Installation Page for more information!
by Top Form Contracting | Nov 20, 2020 | Siding
How to Repair Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most common exterior siding options that homeowners choose. The benefits of vinyl siding are nearly limitless, and it is no wonder why homeowners prefer this type of siding over most others.
Vinyl siding is low maintenance, durable, easy to clean, and adds an abundance of curb appeal. However, even with all of its benefits, you will likely need to repair vinyl siding at some point or another.
The extent of the repair will depend on why you need to repair vinyl siding in the first place, the age of the vinyl siding, and other factors. Most of the time, homeowners can perform minor vinyl siding repairs on their own without too much hassle.
In this article, you will learn:
- Signs you need to repair vinyl siding
- How to repair vinyl siding on your own
- Steps to take if you need help to repair vinyl siding
Signs You Need to Repair Vinyl Siding
How do you know if you need to repair vinyl siding in the first place? Here are some signs to look for that indicate it is time to get serious about a repair:
- Holes or cracks are present
- The siding is loose or peeling
- You notice signs of dry rot, fungus, or mold
- The siding is not maintaining its color
- The siding requires frequent repainting
- The panels are starting to warp
How to Repair Vinyl Siding on Your Own
Before you start to repair vinyl siding on your own, you will need to determine whether you want to perform the repair with caulking, a patch, or a new siding panel altogether. You will find the steps for each option described below.
Repair Vinyl Siding with Caulking
Caulking as a means to repair vinyl siding is best reserved for smaller holes and quick touch-ups. You can caulk any holes or punctures on your own to repair vinyl siding quickly and effectively.
- 1 – Clean the Area
Before you start, clean the siding with a sponge, water, and soap. Be sure to let it dry completely before you start caulking it.
- 2 – Prepare the Caulk Gun
Make sure to follow the instructions and prepare the caulking. A caulk gun is a great tool that will help make application easier and less messy.
- 3 – Fill the Hole
Insert the caulk gun into the hole in the siding and begin filling it carefully. Work slowly and methodically, so you don’t overfill the hole. The goal is to seal it enough to prevent water from entering.
- 4 – Let the Caulk Dry Completely
Caulking can take up to 24 hours to dry. Before you move onto the last step, you must give the caulk at least a full day to sit and dry.
- 5 – Paint Over the Area
After you have caulked the area, you can use matching paint to conceal the job and leave it looking as good as new.
Repair Vinyl Siding with a Patch
If the hole or crack in your paneling is too large for caulking alone, you will need to patch it. Although this step may require more work than simply caulking the hole, it is well worth the effort to fix the problem.
- 1 – Clean the Area
Use soap and water to clean the paneling, leaving it to dry in the sun for at least 2 hours or so.
- 2 – Cut the Patch to Size
Next, cut a patch of paneling that is slightly bigger than the hole or crack you are trying to cover.
- 3 – Test the Patch
Before you start application, test the patch to ensure it will fit nicely over the crack. If necessary, trim the patch along the edges until it fits correctly.
- 4 – Apply the Patch
Patch the damage by applying a small bit of caulk to the patch and to the paneling you are adhering the patch to. Apply an even amount of pressure to the patch to secure its position and ensure a proper fit.
- 5 – Let it Dry Completely
Let the caulk dry completely before removing any excess caulking and cleaning the area once more.
How Do I Know if I Need Professional Vinyl Siding Repair?
If at any point during the DIY repair process you find yourself frustrated, overwhelmed, or making things worse, don’t hesitate to call a professional! Quick fixes may suffice in certain situations, but a more complex repair or replacement may be required. Replacing the paneling on your own can be difficult without the right knowledge and tools.
It might be worth your while to call in a professional for an inspection at first to see what they recommend. An inspection will help answer right away whether or not you should attempt a vinyl siding repair on your own. Depending on the extent of the damage, a siding replacement may be on your horizon to fully remedy the problem.
Request Vinyl Siding Repair in Albany
Top Form Contracting is your go-to source for vinyl siding repair in Albany, Corvallis, and elsewhere in the area. You will love working with our team of highly experienced, professional contractors.
Let us know more about your vinyl siding repair needs by filling out our contact form on our Contact Page . Or, give us a call at (541) 926-4597 for immediate assistance.
Learn more about our home contracting services by checking out the following pages:
Siding Installation
Dry Rot Repair
Decking Installation
Commercial Services
Handyman Services
Get in touch with our team in Albany to get started with your vinyl siding repair: (541) 926-4597
