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Projects on Your Home: Five Key Points to Consider

Projects on Your Home: Five Key Points to Consider

roof installation

When we are faced with making a decision about doing projects on our property, there’s not always a lot of time to take action. But it’s important to find out as much as possible before starting any type of work, such as a roof installation project or siding replacement and installation. Consider these five key points before the professionals begin working on your property.

1. Find Out About New and Replacement Siding 

You already know that this siding repair service will install new and replacement siding. But you need to find out what kinds. Siding is available in an incredible variety of colors, styles and thicknesses. You can have cedar siding, for instance, clapboard, and more, to create the look that is perfect for your home. This may be a good time to consider making a change.

2. Find Out About Durability 

You want your new siding to last as long as possible. As projects go, replacing your siding is a big project. It’s not a project you want to tackle again any sooner than is absolutely necessary. Durability should be a key consideration in the selection of materials to use if you are doing a window, door, or roof installation project. For instance, only 4% of the construction market’s production energy is lumber. Yet, at the same time, lumber is quite durable. It is also minimally processed and actually makes up almost half of all building materials, actually 40%. So you may consider inquiring about it. 

3. Remember That Curb Appeal Matters 

If you’ve never installed siding, looks and curb appeal point might not be the first thing that comes into your mind. But looks count and the siding on your home needs to complement the look of your house. Ask the company to show you a portfolio of their completed projects. Remember, good curb appeal will add to the resale value of your property.

4. Find Out About Aluminum and Copper Gutters 

Sometimes the work done by a siding installation service has to extend beyond the siding itself to contiguous areas of your home, such as gutters and windows. Ask if the company handles roof installation, gutter installation and repairs, as well as installing new and replacement windows. Efficient gutter installation and proper gutter maintenance will protect other areas of the home such as custom windows and doors from being flooded with rainwater and debris, both of which are potentially damaging to your property.

5. Find Out About New and Replacement Windows 

If you need to replace any windows, make sure to ask if energy efficient windows will be installed. As a homeowner, you can reduce your home’s energy needs by choosing these types of windows. It has been shown that energy bills can increase when air escapes through drafty windows. 

For whatever reason, you are in a situation where you need to do work on the exterior of your property. You will need to find a professional company to do the work, but you want them to look at your siding, roof, gutters, doors, and windows too. Being informed is a key factor in not only finding a good company to do your project; being informed will also help you find the best value and lead you to a project that is completed to your satisfaction.

3 Reasons to Choose Cedar Siding

siding companies

Lumber makes up over 40% of all building materials used, and cedar is the number one kind of wood chosen for siding replacement. When you’re deciding on the best siding material for your greater Seattle area home, cedar offers distinct advantages over other materials. Because of this, doityourself.com offers three reasons to consider choosing cedar.


Cedar Siding Is Durable.


Cedar is much more resistant to splitting, rot, swelling, bending, and mildew issues than other woods. This type of siding also requires less maintenance, unlike other kinds of wood sidings. It’s much longer-lasting than woods such as pine as well. 


A layer of finish is recommended to protect your siding and keep it looking its best. It should be refinished or repainted every four to five years for the best appearance. Regular inspections for moisture build-up and termites are suggested, along with twice-yearly cleanings. When properly cared for, cedar siding can last up to 75 years. This gives siding companies like Side-Pro, who use the highest quality products, the confidence to cover their materials and labor on any product defect with warranties of up to 50 years.


It Is Eco-Friendly.


Surprisingly, cedar is an environmentally-conscious siding choice since it doesn’t require a great deal of treatment or processing. In addition, it’s a renewable product that’s entirely biodegradable once its purpose has been served. Choosing cedar for roof or siding replacement can also save you substantial amounts of energy during the year because it has excellent insulation properties. 


Cedar Siding Has Aesthetic Appeal.


The majority of homeowners choose cedar siding because of its beauty and its ability to blend in well with a home’s background. For individuals who love the look of natural cedar, simply apply a protective clear finish. Cedar can also be painted. Select from tongue and groove, bevel, and rough-cut patterns for your siding. White and red cedar is available, and the distinctive grain pattern of this wood greatly increases its aesthetic appeal. 


Siding companies like Side-Pro can replace or install your home’s siding or roofing with a variety of materials, and choosing the one that best meets your needs is an important decision. Cedar siding offers several advantages such as durability, environmental impact, and visual appeal. For these reasons, it’s a siding material well worth considering.

best roofing and siding company

Choosing the Best Roofing & Siding Company

roofing installationChoosing the best roofing and siding company can be confusing. Your roofing and siding can make or break your home’s protection from the elements as well as raise or lower its curb appeal. It can affect your home’s value, and insulates your home from the weather, and your bank account from high surprise energy bills.

Is there any rot, warping or cracking in your roof or siding?

If you have noticed any rot, warping or cracking in your roof or siding, or your utility bills rising, it may be time to consider repairing or replacing your roofing or siding. When undertaking such a significant project, there are many factors to keep in mind. Print out or jot down the list of basics below to have handy when you visit your siding and roofing company to discuss siding or roofing installation.

While vinyl siding has had a popular run, cedar siding is considered by many to be a superior option.

There are 15 different types of siding. Lumber constitutes more than 40% of building materials. Cedar siding can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. To maintain your cedar siding, it’s recommended to apply a new coat of paint, sealer, or stain every three to seven years. If your cedar siding is painted or stained, it’s recommended to repaint or re-stain the siding every 10 to 15 years.

Hardie Plank siding is the most favored type of siding in America

Hardie Plank siding is the most favored type of siding in America and is installed on millions of U.S. homes. Owing to its strength, beauty, and durability, Hardie Plank siding enhances the aesthetics and protection of homes in all manner of climates. Available in myriad looks and textures, all of which include PrimePlus sealer and primer, it provides an excellent painting surface and it creates an environment hostile to fungus and mildew. For your peace of mind, Hardie Plank offers a thirty-year limited warranty.

Bevel cedar siding is an option that provides both durability and beauty

Bevel cedar siding is another option that provides both durability and beauty. It is crafted by sawing lumber at an angle to produce two pieces that are thicker on one edge than the other. The result is siding with one textured side and one smooth side. When installed horizontally, it creates a handsome shadow line.

When choosing the best roofing and siding company for your roofing and siding installation, be sure to look for longevity, experience, and plenty of great customer reviews!

5 Tips for Getting the Right Siding for Your Home

siding companiesMany people all over the United States are looking to change the siding on their homes. Cedar, vinyl, and fiber cement are currently the three most popular choices for home siding materials. If you are talking to siding companies about redoing the siding on your home, you may not know which to choose, but it is important to get the right siding and siding insulation for your house and climate. Most siding insulation is able to handle winds with speeds that reach 100 miles per hour. Before you talk to any siding replacement companies, you should take some time to select the right siding for your home.

  1. Start by getting to know your options. Before you start dealing with any siding installation companies, you should know more about each of the options you have available to you. There are a number of options beyond the most popular three, including brick, plastic, stone, stucco, and aluminum. You need to think about the way the siding looks and how well it performs. Cost is also a factor that should be considered. For example, vinyl lasts a long time, is generally reliable, and can be cost-effective, but many homeowners do not like its artificial look. Cedar siding looks great but does need more care. Stone and brick cost a lot but they look great and can last a long time. Knowing what you want from your siding can make a big difference in which material you select.
  2. Research different looks and designs for your siding. When people visit your home, the first thing they see is the exterior. Before you start working with any of the siding companies in your area, it helps to know what kind of look you want for your home. The right siding design can do a lot to boost the curb appeal of your house. You should go with a color, style, and material that fits with the look of your property. You should also look at ways to make your home mesh with the others in your area.
  3. Take the climate in your area into consideration. When you talk to siding companies, you need to think about the weather your area experiences. You need different siding if you live in a region of the country that sees a lot of snow, hurricanes, blizzards, extreme heat or cold, extreme humidity or dry conditions, and the amount of sun your home gets. These weather conditions should be considered when you are looking at the different siding options you have available to you.
  4. Talk to at least two designers. When people are looking at hiring siding contractors to put in new siding, they often consult with home designers to get the right materials and styles for the siding. You can also talk to your friends, family, and neighbors to get their opinion. If different designers or people in your life come back with the same opinion, you know you are headed in the right direction.
  5. Hire the right siding installers to do the job. Anytime you hire someone to work on and around your home, you have to take care to get the right company. There are a lot of siding companies out there, so you should be able to get the right one to do the job on your home. They need to have the right license and insurance and come with good references. Make sure they only work with high-quality materials. Going with a company that has a track record in your area can be helpful in this area. It is never a good idea to go with a contracting company that arrives on your doorstep offering a special deal that is time sensitive.

Getting the right siding for your home takes time and effort. You need to work with are siding companies to get the right style and material. This is a big deal for the look of your home, and your siding also protects you and your family from the elements.

Cedar Siding 101: How to Inspect for Damage

siding installation

Siding is one of the central components of a home’s appearance. Aside from the windows, front door, and roof, it’s your home’s first impression on everyone who walks in. That’s why so many homeowners choose cedar siding. Not only is this type of siding beautiful, but it’s also sturdy and you can style it any way you like to fit your home.

 

But how do you know when there’s an issue with your cedar siding? Your siding installation may have gone off without a hitch thanks to your experienced siding contractors, but it’s on you to make sure your siding remains as good as new. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few essential signs of damage you need to be on the lookout for.

 

Warping or Rotting


Since cedar siding is a type of wooden siding, it’s important to perform regular maintenance checks for warping and rotting. Warping and rotting are especially common if you live in a wet, multi-seasonal area. Even more so, these issues are common in cedar siding that isn’t well-maintained. When your siding installers tell you to apply a new coat of stain or paint every three to seven years, this is why. Make sure you listen! If you do notice any warping or rotting, make sure you call for siding replacement or repair immediately.

Pest Damage

 

Like any other type of siding, cedar is susceptible to attacks by pests. Woodpeckers, termites, and carpenter bees are all critters you should be on the lookout for, as they can cause some pretty serious damage if left unchecked. If woodpeckers are your primary concern, consider installing accessories like windchimes around your home, which may help keep them at bay.

 

Cracks

 

Cracks are the gateway for warping and rotting. That means as soon as you notice a crack, no matter how small it is, you need to seal it up immediately. There’s nothing wrong with a temporary DIY patch, but it’s always best to call your siding company. This is an especially good idea if your cedar siding is getting up there in age and may need to be replaced in the near future.

 

There you have it! If you’re vigilant about your maintenance and keeping an eye out for these telltale issues after your siding installation, it should last you for many years to come.

Major Maintenance Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Spring

siding contractorsWinter is nearly over, which means it’s time to start fixing the maintenance problems the wind and snow have made for you. The good news is, once you get these early springtime chores in the bag your home will be all set for the season.

With that in mind, here are some major maintenance tips to help you on your way to getting your home ready for warmer weather.

Get an inspection for your home’s exterior

The most common housing problems you’ll experience after winter are roofing and siding problems. That’s because your roof and siding is what’s protecting the inside of your home from the chilly weather.

Have a professional take a look at your shingles and siding to determine if there are any repairs that need to be made or water damage that needs to be fixed. You might be able to spot these issues yourself, but a professional has a trained eye to spot smaller problems.

Clean your gutter system

Spring is known for its showers, which means you need to make sure your gutters are clear. A damaged gutter system can cough water back up onto your roof. The resulting water damage won’t be pretty.

Clear out any leaves and debris that might have made their way into your gutters during the winter season. You can also contact a professional if you don’t feel safe doing this project yourself. Either way, make sure your gutters are in great shape.

Clean your foundation vents

If your home has a crawl space, that means you have vents along your foundation walls to provide air circulation. This helps to prevent excess moisture from settling and growing mold.

During the winter months, the screens in your foundation vents will collect leaves and debris. Clean out these vents by hand or use a vacuum and repair any small holes you see to keep pests away.

Where can I find cedar siding contractors near me?

Cedar siding is the number one most popular type of wood siding and can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. That said, if you’re looking to make a siding switch away from vinyl, cedar siding is the material for you.

Side Pro offers high-quality cedar siding to have your home looking its best year-round. To learn more about our siding installations or siding replacements, contact the cedar siding contractors at Side Pro today.

Four Things To Ask Siding Contractors

siding contractorsTime and weather conditions take a toll on everything. And that especially includes your home. If you need to consider getting new siding for your home, here are four key questions to ask siding contractors before you start the project. 


Question 1. Ask About the Siding Installation Process

Siding is available in an incredible variety of colors, styles, and thicknesses. You can have the look of cedar siding, clapboard or dutch lap, to name just a few options, to create the look that is perfect for your home. Ask the siding installers about the installation process for the siding you select. How long does it take? Is it quick and painless? Is it a viable do-it-yourself project? What kind of complications could come up? It depends on the size of your home, but siding contractors can usually do the job in a week or two. 


Question 2. Ask About Maintaining the Siding

One big advantage to siding is that it is durable. Ask the siding contractors if it is easy to keep clean and easy to maintain. What does proper maintenance consist of, usually? Is it basically of soap and water, or is it more complicated? Can you do it yourself or do you need a professional to do it?


Question 3. Ask About Prices for the Siding

Some types of installed siding have a very low average price per square foot. This makes them among the least expensive materials used on the exterior of homes. Ask the siding contractors how much your siding will cost per square foot. Metal, wood, and stucco are relatively inexpensive, while cedar can cost a little more.


Question 4. Ask About the Warranty on the Siding

Be sure to ask the siding contractors and siding companies you talk to about the limited fade warranty, which usually applies to siding (except siding that is custom colored). Siding is a great choice for your home, because not only is it durable, it is also great for resale value. And this fact can go a long way in giving you peace of mind.


The good news from your siding contractors will be that siding is a great option to consider for your home. It is affordable, easy to install and available in a variety of textures and colors. Asking the right questions will ensure that you make a choice that will help maintain your home for years to come.

Replacing Your Siding? Don’t Forget To Factor In Your Climate

siding contractorsIt’s true that the aesthetic of your home’s siding ought to be something to consider when you’re having new siding installed. But it’s good to remember that siding isn’t just there to make your house look pretty. It’s also there to provide insulation.

You need to protect your home from the outside first. So it’s crucial to take the climate of your town into consideration when you’re replacing your siding.

How does climate impact my siding choices?

The elements can impact the materials your siding is made of in different ways. Storms can bring strong winds, so if your area is prone to wind gusts it would make sense to have siding panels that won’t fall off in the blink of an eye.

Fortunately, Seattle isn’t known for its harsh winters so you don’t need to worry as much about winter storms tearing your siding at the seams. Something you do need to consider though is the humidity.

Seattle is known for its oceanic climate. Summers are hot and dry, winters are temperate and wet. You need a siding that’s water-resistant.

What siding is great for wet climates?

You might think that wood siding is the last thing you want in a wet climate. But that’s not actually true. In fact, certain types of cedar siding are exactly what you want in an oceanic climate like Seattle.

Red cedar siding, in particular, is naturally water-resistant. This is because of its oils and tannins, which help to keep moisture at bay.

These oils have other benefits too. They give your home a wonderful smell while also making it unappealing to insects, fungus, and decay.

Just be sure that you give your cedar siding the proper maintenance it needs. Surface treatments every three years help to protect your siding from moisture, which protects you and your family from insulation problems and mold issues.

Where can I find siding contractors near me?

Lumber makes up 40% of all building materials, so it’s important that the lumber you choose for your home’s siding installation is high-quality and from a reputable source.

Side Pro has the high-quality cedar siding replacement you need to keep your home insulated and looking great. To learn more about our siding installation process, contact our siding contractors at Side Pro today.

Which Option Is Better: Cedar Siding Or Vinyl?

new siding

Owning your own home is great, but there are many things to consider when renovating or redesigning your home. Siding is a great way to change the look of your home and improve curbside appeal. Luckily, there are many different siding options available to choose from. The two most popular options of siding are cedar and vinyl. So, which siding is best for your home and what is the difference between the two?

Cedar Siding

 

Cedar siding is a natural insect repellent, making it a great option if you live in an insect-infested area. Keeping bugs out of your home is a necessity when it comes to living comfortably. If your home can naturally deter them, that’s a bonus.

 

Cedar siding has various styles and designs depending on your budget. Cedar siding is also a great insulator which is great for keeping your heating costs down. Of course, you will want to have proper insulation throughout your home no matter what, but cedar has an extra insulation aspect that synthetic vinyl does not.

Cedar siding is a great noise barrier as well. It blocks out much more sound than your average synthetic siding does. When deciding on new siding, cedar is a great option if you can afford it. Don’t forget you have to factor in the cost of installation, water repellent and primer, and decide on a stain or paint. If you do decide to paint your cedar siding it is best if you repaint it every ten to fifteen years to keep your house looking great.

Synthetic Vinyl Siding

 

Synthetic vinyl siding is a great option for those on a budget. They have hundreds of colors and designs available, leaving you with a million different options to customize your home. Vinyl siding is a very popular option as it requires a lot less time to install and doesn’t require any type of paint, primer, or water repellents. Vinyl siding lasts for years but can end up fading due to sun exposure. When deciding on new siding it is best to pick a color that you will love for years because it is not a simple paint-over process for a color change. You will need to reside your entire home to change the color of it.

The bonus to having vinyl siding is if you ever need to replace a section due to weather damage or wear and tear, it simply pops out for easy replacement. Vinyl is simple to care for since all you really need to do is clean it occasionally with a hose.

 

Choosing the right siding options really depends on what you’re able to afford and what you want out of your purchase. By buying cedar siding, you can change the look of your home anytime you like with a bucket of exterior paint. When residing your home with vinyl, you will have to do the whole home all at once. Both have a long life expectancy and are easy to care for. In the end, it comes down to what you prefer.

What Can I Do To Improve My Home’s Curb Appeal?

cedar siding

When you put your home on the market, you want to be sure that the exterior is as appealing as possible. This isn’t just because a good-looking house is memorable to potential homebuyers. It’s also because an attractive house can make or break a sale.

So what can you do to make your curb appeal stand out to potential buyers and guests? We put together some of the most common improvements homeowners invest in when putting their house on the market to boost their curb appeal.

Siding replacements

The three most popular types of siding materials include cedar, vinyl, and fiber cement. If you haven’t replaced your home’s siding in over 25 years, it may be a good idea to have new siding installed.

Cedar siding is a good choice if you’re looking to boost your home’s curb appeal. Not only is cedar siding long-lasting, but it also gives a face-lift to the houses it’s installed on. Many homeowners who choose vinyl siding end up switching over to cedar siding once it’s time for a replacement.

Landscaping updates

Landscaping for your home is like bangs for your hair. It’s what helps to frame the face of your house. If your home’s front lawn is looking a little plain, consider investing in some landscaping designs.

You don’t need to get too fancy. Some bushes and flowers may be all you need to make your home a happier looking place.

Driveway paving

Although your the exterior of your house is important when it comes to curb appeal, the appearance of the curb itself is also important. A driveway that’s bumpy, uneven, or has holes will need to be paved either by you or the next homeowners.

Potential homebuyers may not be willing to have their driveway paved as soon as they move in. It may be a good idea to have your driveway looking its best before you put it on the market.

Looking for a siding replacement?

There are up to 15 different types of siding and cedar siding is the number one most popular type of wood siding. If you’re looking for a new siding installation to boost your home’s curb appeal, cedar siding is a great choice.

Side Pro offers siding repair, replacement, and installation whether your home is newly built or needs fixing. To learn more about our repair siding and cedar siding installation, contact Side Pro today.

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