Choosing new siding for your home is a challenging task. You want to pick something functional, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, all while staying within budget. And in Austin, it’s especially important to pick siding that stands up to the scorching Texas sun, since UV rays can fade and warp your siding.
Austin Siding Services
Common siding issues
Your siding needs to be in good shape to protect your home from the elements, but there are a variety of things that can go wrong. Keep an eye out for these problems:
- Holes or gashes in siding
- Loose boards
- Warped siding
- Persistent mold or mildew growth
- Rotted areas, if you have wood siding
- Cold or hot spots inside the home
If you notice any of the issues above, call a siding professional as soon as possible. Damage to siding can lead to damage to other parts of your home.
Siding materials
Fiber cement siding is durable and noncombustible, and it resists damage due to extreme weather, rot, and pests. Low maintenance and made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, it is available in a wide range of colors. Fiber cement siding can also be ordered unpainted and painted at the time of installation.
Durable, cost effective, and resistant to UV damage and rot, vinyl siding is a low-maintenance option. It is resistant to high and low temperatures, moisture, and high winds. Vinyl siding can last for 30 years.
Wood siding is valued for its unique look and natural beauty. Traditional wood siding materials include pine, redwood, oak, and red cedar. Since modern synthetic siding materials are more durable and don’t need as much maintenance, wood siding isn’t commonly used for new homes. It can last from 20 to 40 years, if it is properly cared for and repainted or stained and sealed every 2 to 5 years.
Engineered wood siding is made of wood fibers and resins, creating a more durable product that resembles real wood. It is resistant to extreme weather conditions, rot, and insect damage.
Usually used for homes designed with a Mediterranean or southwestern style, stucco can last for decades when properly installed and cared for.
Brick and stone can last a considerable amount of time, if regularly maintained. These materials stand up well against extreme weather conditions. Cracks in masonry should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the structure.
Siding installation
The basic steps of siding installation include:
- Removal of existing siding
- House wrap installation
- Flashing installation
- Siding and trim installation
House wrap is a thin synthetic material that serves as a breathable barrier between exterior walls and siding. It helps protect your home from the elements.
Metal flashing keeps water from leaking in through joints at corners, windows, and door sills.
Even though siding installation is an exterior job, you’ll hear and probably feel the work being performed while you’re inside your home. It’s a good idea to move furniture away from the walls and take down artwork and wall decorations during the job.
Siding maintenance
Be sure to ask your siding contractor how to best care for your siding. Consistent maintenance is key to ensuring that your investment and your siding installation team’s hard work lasts for a long time.
Some materials just need to be rinsed off periodically, while others need more thorough care. If you don’t want to think about maintenance very often, ask your siding contractor for low-maintenance material recommendations.
The Best Picks for Austin Siding Companies
The survey team at Best Pick Reports contacts homeowners in Austin each year to find the best siding companies in the area. Every Best Pick company must adhere to our strict quality standards to maintain their status as a Best Pick, which is why we conduct our research annually.
We’re proud to present the findings of our objective research in a clear, easy-to-navigate format that helps you find the right siding contractor for your needs. Contact a Best Pick Austin siding company today to make sure that your siding replacement or repair is handled by a pro. You’ll be pleased with the entire experience—we guarantee it!