There’s no place like home, and when you’re there, you need to be protected from the elements. Siding that is installed correctly and cared for well—paired with other maintenance work, of course—will do that for you. In addition to protecting your house from moisture intrusion and efficiency-zapping drafts, siding will boost your home’s curb appeal and make it a place you’re proud of.
That being said, siding installation and replacement isn’t a small job, and it’s definitely not something you should even think about DIYing. Work with a Best Pick siding professional to choose the best siding option for your home and your budget.
Common Types of Siding
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is a popular option because it’s cost effective and easy to clean. Painting vinyl siding isn’t a good idea, but modern versions of vinyl siding are made with components and factory-applied paints that are less likely to fade in the sun (thus eliminating the need for repainting in the future).
Vinyl siding is available in a wide range of styles and colors, and it is both an eco-friendly and energy-efficient product. If keeping cool air inside your home during the hot Charlotte summers is at the top of your list of must-haves for new siding, ask your contractor about insulated vinyl siding.
Engineered wood siding
Engineered wood siding is a low-maintenance product that is not susceptible to rot or pest damage. This eco-friendly siding option is great for Charlotte homeowners because with annual maintenance, it can withstand decades of hot summers without warping or deteriorating. In fact, most engineered wood siding products carry a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty.
You can purchase engineered wood siding that has been factory finished or planks that have been primed for painting. This type of a siding is a highly customizable option and is available in many styles, colors, and textures.
Fiber cement siding
Fiber cement siding is strong, durable, and resistant to pests, rot, and fire. With few maintenance requirements—a yearly rinse with your garden hose, in most cases—it’s a popular choice for Charlotte homeowners wanting to see a good return on their investment in exterior home improvement.
Whether you prefer shakes, shingles, or planks, there’s a fiber cement product to suit your taste. Most manufacturers also offer factory-painted options as well as products that are primed and ready for painting. Depending on the product and manufacturer, fiber cement siding carries warranties of 30 years to lifetime.
Other siding options
Brick and stone can withstand extreme weather conditions, including the South’s hot, humid summers. If properly maintained, brick and stone will last a lifetime. Masonry siding options are strong, energy efficient, and great for dampening outside noises.
Stucco is made of Portland cement and sand mixed with water to make a thick paste. Wet stucco is applied to metal mesh on the home’s exterior. Because stucco application creates an insulating barrier from the outdoors, it does a great job of keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
If the maintenance aspect of stucco has you second guessing your choice, ask your contractor about EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finishing System, as an alternative. EIFS is essentially synthetic stucco, which isn’t as heavy as traditional stucco and requires less maintenance.
Metal siding like aluminum and steel is cost effective, low maintenance, and eco-friendly. Available in many textures and colors, metal siding is also resistant to insects and fires. If you decide to have your contractor install metal siding, talk to your home insurance provider about the possibility of a discount on your annual premium.
Replacing Siding
Fortunately, siding replacement is something you probably won’t have to do often. Be sure to stay on top of any maintenance items that pop up through the year. Small issues, such as a loose or damaged board, can likely be repaired, but there are circumstances that warrant a complete replacement. Keep an eye out for signs that siding replacement is your best bet.
Signs your siding needs to be replaced:
- You’ve had a professional painter paint the siding multiple times over the years, but the paint chips or peels quickly.
- More than a couple of siding boards are warped or damaged.
- Your heating and cooling costs are creeping up.
- The color in your siding is fading.
Siding Maintenance
The best way to prevent issues and extend the lifespan of your siding is to stick to a consistent maintenance schedule. This is a big job, especially when you have other home improvement tasks to keep track of, so work with a Best Pick siding professional.
Whether you need a few loose boards repaired or an entire replacement, Charlotte Best Pick siding installation contractors have experience in the services you need.
Siding services:
- Siding installation and repair
- Soffit, fascia, and trim installation
Other exterior home improvement services to ask about:
- Stucco work
- Exterior painting
- Roofing repair work
- Window installation and repair
- Carpentry
The Best Pick for Charlotte Siding Contractors
At Best Pick Reports, we take pride in our objective research that compiles information from homeowners surveyed in areas served by our siding contractors. Homeowner input paired with our rating system allows us to present the best professional siding companies excited for the opportunity to serve you—we guarantee it.
Call a Charlotte Best Pick siding contractor today to start your project!
