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What You Need To Know About Siding

What You Need To Know About Siding

Siding contractors can help you to upgrade your home instantly. Siding is the outer covering of your home. It is the first thing that people notice about your home. It has the important job of protecting your home from the elements.

Most people do not really think about their siding until it is time to replace it. There are some interesting facts about siding every homeowner should know.

Why Should You Be Considering New Siding?

Old worn siding dates your home, new siding can instantly transform the aesthetics of your home and improve curb appeal. It is easy to maintain and provides years of durable protection.

When the siding of your home starts to deteriorate because of age your home is at risk of water damage from the elements and:

  • Insect invasion
  • Losses energy efficiency
  • Can not protect your home

Worn siding is a risk factor for your home. Replacing your siding with new siding helps to protect your investment and creates the aesthetic that you are happy to come home to.

Things You Likely Do Not Know About Siding

Well-heeled siding contractors will offer a wide range of choices for your siding needs and have the expertise to make sure that you make an informed decision about your siding options. There are over 15 siding choices on the market that come in a rainbow of color, texture, and style options. Vinyl, cedar, and cement fiber are the top three options.

Professional siding installation will help to protect your home for years to come. Vinyl siding can come with lifetime warranties that can be transferred to the next owner of your home. New siding can be a one and done deal. You do it one time, and never have to do it again.

Siding companies Seattle WA homeowners have discovered work year-round, and you can find some of the best deals in the fall and winter. Upgrading your siding can give you an ROI of about 61%, it is usually considered a worthwhile investment by the experts.

Vinyl siding is typically rated up to 110MPH. Steel siding can be rated higher. In all cases, siding is manufactured to stand up to the worst that mother nature has to offer. Learn more about how new siding can transform your home.

Seattle siding installers

Where Can You Find Expert Siding Installers?

Talk with Trusted Siding Installers Today !

 Easily find trusted Seattle siding installers by talking with Side-Pro. We are trusted professionals working in the Greater Seattle area since 1995!  How do you know which siding installers are the real experts? Replacing siding can be a pretty big deal, and it’s important to get it done correctly. Knowing how to find expert siding installers who are good at what they do is absolutely essential.

 

When you need siding installers

Siding is one of the most versatile and popular building materials. It comes in a huge range of colors, sizes, and styles. Siding is very easy to clean. Siding is also a highly durable material that stands up well to weather and wear. The majority of siding that is installed on buildings is strong enough to withstand winds at 110 mph or more. Because of siding’s wide range of colors and designs, its durability, and its low-maintenance style, many homeowners and property owners consult with a company like Side-Pro!

Repair & Replace Siding with SIde-Pro

Siding may eventually be damaged and require replacement. No building material is indestructible. When you need to replace some or all of your siding, you need to know how to locate expert siding installers. Siding replacement is pretty tricky. The new siding must be matched precisely to the existing siding, and seamlessly integrated into the overall design. After all, you definitely don’t want your replacement siding to look like a siding replacement. Expert siding installers who have experience working with this material are absolutely essential if you’re going to get a great-looking finished product.

 

If your siding has suffered significant damage due to weather or some type of accident, replacement is probably necessary. If you see cracks or visible signs of damage, it’s best to get siding replaced. Even a small crack will end up growing and becoming much bigger over time. This leads to a much bigger home repair cost. The minute you notice something wrong with any part of your siding, you need to contact siding installers who can help you make the needed repairs. The sooner you act, the less you’ll end up paying for your home repair.

 

How to find quality siding installers

Siding installation is very precise. It’s important to know how to match siding and make it meet up with the existing siding so that it doesn’t look like a repair. If siding installers do their jobs correctly, you shouldn’t be able to tell where the repairs were made without a very close inspection of the existing siding. So how can you find high-quality siding installers who are going to do a perfect job with your home? Start by looking online, which is often the best place to find specific types of professionals. Roofing contractors and construction companies often have siding installers on staff, professionals who specialize in siding. In areas with large populations, you may also find siding installation companies that specialize in siding installation and replacement, such as Side Pro !

Side-Pro is the Best Choice for Siding Replacement or Repair

Look for siding installers, construction companies, and contractors online to locate skilled professionals. Usually, the siding installers you choose will come out to your property to look at the siding and the damage in order to give you an estimate on the project’s cost and the amount of time it will take to complete the repair. Good siding installers will offer you a contract or similar document to sign. They will also have all the necessary insurance to protect you and them from issues such as injury or accident. You can always ask your siding installers about the insurance. Get all your questions answered and make sure you feel comfortable with your siding installers. After all, they’re going to be working on your property. Take the time to find siding installers who communicate well with you, who conduct themselves like professionals, and who make you feel comfortable. When you do this, you’ll end up with a great-looking siding that you can live with and love easily.

Understanding Your Siding Options

sidingIf you are considering new siding in Seattle, your first step is to choose one of the siding companies Seattle WA trusts to deliver results as promised. Your next step is to learn as much as you can about your siding options.

Deciding which type of exterior you want for your home is a big decision. There are plenty of options out there. A trusted siding replacement specialist can help you to decide which option is right for your property.

It Adds Value to Your Home

Most people know the condition of their exterior adds value to their home, but they are not aware of just how many ways it adds value. Of course, it dresses your home and gives it a polished look but that is not all it does.

Exterior finishing protects every system in your home, and it can also reduce energy consumption. Not only does it add value, but it helps you to lower costs as well.

The Most Popular

There are three types of siding that are at the top of the list of choices. Vinyl, cedar, and fiber cement top the list of the most popular siding options, but they are not the only options out there.

There is an extensive list of options. Not all the options are as practical or cost effective as others. Your siding contractors can shed more light on the ins and out of each option. Here are some alternative options:

  • Stucco siding
  • Engineered wood
  • Metal siding

Choosing the right option largely depends on the design of your home and the aesthetic you are going for. Some options are simply cost-prohibitive for most homeowners, like glass panel siding. Other options are far more budget-friendly, like vinyl siding.

How Do You Decide Which Is Best for Your Home?

If you have siding contractors that are experts in their fields, then you can get the help you need to make the right decision for your property and for your budget. Each of the top three most popular choices is popular for a reason.

For example in the Northwest, cedar siding is popular because of its longevity, durability, and of course, it delivers a natural beauty that is hard to beat. Vinyl siding is less expensive and likely just as durable, but it does not afford the same aesthetic that cedar siding does.

Ultimately the point is there is something for anyone and for any budget. You just need to get help from a professional who can offer you a range of options to choose from.

Tips On Finding The Right Siding Companies

siding companiesYour home needs new siding, but you do not which siding companies to call. A job like this needs a reliable, professional, honest siding contractor. Normally, you’d ask a neighbor, but you are new to town or none of your neighbors have recently resided their homes. In any case, you want some ideas on how to find good siding companies.

In the following points, we’ll give you 7 questions to ask when talking to a siding contractor.

  1. Liability and Worker’s Compensations Insurance. Does the company have liability covered by their state? This is the first question you’ll want answered because this alone will filter out 90% or more of scam artists and bad actors. Also, and importantly, you do not want to be liable for any injuries your contractor’s employees may incur. If this happens, worker’s compensation will cover the medical bills.
  2. Warranties. Do the siding companies you contact offer warranties for the product and their workmanship? There may be a built-in manufacturer’s warranty and there may be an additional warranty coverage offered by the siding company you hire. There are over a dozen types of siding and each type has different lifespans. This will affect warranty length. Also, if there are any unintentional mistakes in siding installation, the product itself, or workmanship, you’ll want to be adequately covered so that these issues can be resolved within a reasonable amount of time. Be sure to check the conditions of the warranty because there are things not covered, for example, damage caused by the homeowner.
  3. Payment. How much time do I have to pay or finance the siding installation? This is another question that will weed out scam artists. Good siding installation companies will want a down payment but they will offer financing that will give you options on the length of time you have to pay. Weigh your options to see if payments with interest for paying in full will be best for you. A scam artist will ask for cash up front. A professional siding and roofing company will offer payment terms.
  4. Online reviews. Are there any online reviews I can look at? You may ask your potential siding contractors this question in order to ascertain their level of professionalism, customer service, and workmanship. Some companies are more online savvy than others, so you may need to ask for written customer referrals and reviews. Checking company references can be a powerful tool for the consumer.
  5. Project length. How long will it take the siding company to finish installing your home’s new siding? A professional siding company will be able to give you a timeline which will account for potential weather delays or other circumstances that may add time to the siding job. You can also ask the siding contractor for updates during the project. Whether they are ahead of schedule, on time, or behind schedule, you can have current updates to keep you abreast of time until the project’s completion.
  6. Clean up. Does the company remove all discarded materials and tools at the end of each day. Make sure that the company gives you this guarantee, so that you will not have to do any clean up. You can also ask which type of dumpster they will be using and its location, so that you can plan for parking alternatives. A good company will have a refuse container on the street in front of your house for ease of access.
  7. Office location. Where is your office located? This is a question that will filter out business scammers and others who are not legitimate. A place of business is a sign of a legitimate company that complies with its laws and regulations. Even if the company is a start up in the proprietor’s garage, they will not be afraid to have you visit, if they are regulation compliant. You can also look up the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has had any complaints and what has been done to resolve them.

These 7 questions will help you find the right siding companies for your beloved home.

Home Projects You Ought To Do Now To Avoid Costly Repairs

roof installationIt’s all too easy to forget about winter once the snow has melted and we’ve turned on our air conditioning. But it’s important to remember that winter always comes back. Today may be the best time to get in some home projects to avoid costly repairs tomorrow.

What types of home projects are ideal to work on when the weather is still ideal? Here we’ve compiled some of the most common home projects and installations you’ll want to address before the summer heat starts to cool back down.

Siding replacements

There are up to 15 different types of siding for your home, and it’s crucial to find a type of siding that not only works for your house aesthetically but also functionally. Your siding, like your roof, is designed to help keep moisture and other elements away from your home’s interior.

If you’ve started to notice your siding is damaged and needs more than a minor repair, it might be a good idea to consider a siding replacement while the weather is warm and dry. The last thing you want is to deal with drafts and wall rot during the winter months because moisture has made its way inside your insulation.

Roof installations

Speaking of keeping moisture and the elements away, you may have noticed that many homeowners have their roofs installed or replaced during the summer and fall months. This is because roof installations are less dangerous during this time and you don’t have to worry about snow, ice, and hail.

Roof installations and repairs are also best for the summer and fall months because it ensures your roof is ready to take on that snow, ice, and hail once winter arrives.

Exterior paint jobs

Have you noticed your home’s paint is starting to peel from age? Or the exterior color just isn’t cutting it for you anymore? Early summer and early fall are great for exterior paint jobs because of the ideal weather conditions.

There’s minimal rain and minimal fluctuations in temperature between daylight and evening hours. This ensures your home’s paint is applied smoothly and dries and cures properly.

Looking for siding installers or roof installation services?

Summer and fall are some of the best times of the year to have your siding replaced and new roofs installed. In fact, cedar siding can last up to 75 years if properly maintained.

If you’re looking to complete home projects this year, now’s the time to do it and Side Pro can help. To learn more about cedar siding replacements or for more information about our roof installation and exterior painting services, contact Side Pro today.

Signs you need a new roof

7 Signs You Need a New Roof

roof replacementAre you  seeing signs that you need a new roof? Many homeowners are accustomed to the interiors of their house to the extent that they don’t know how their house exteriors look like. This means that a house owner may not know whether their roof is damaged or not. 

Signs you need a New Roof:

If you are one of those homeowners, you need to read these signs that show your house needs a roof replacement:

1. Know the Lifespan of your roof

Every material that is used for roofing has a lifespan and the time it is supposed to serve. Tiles and metal roofs are known to serve for a longer period. However, typical roofing materials only serve for 12 to 15 years. If your roof has served for more than this period, know that you need a roof replacement. You are already enjoying bonuses and you are already compromising with the roofing safety of your house.

2. Missing Shingles

Missing shingles is a sign that all is not well with your roof. You need roof replacement experts in your home within the shortest time possible. Many people ignore missing shingles and they do not take it as a sign of an aging roof. However, if some of the roofing shingles start to fall from the roof, there is a possibility that most of the shingles on your roof are not intact. It is a clear indication that you need to know how you will replace the missing shingles or the entire roof.

3. Daylight through the roof boards

This is an obvious sign that you need a roof replacement. However, it is difficult to notice daylight through the roofing boards during the day when the house is filled with natural light and at night when you have already switched on your lights. However, a roofing contractor will be able to distinguish between light from the windows and the light passing through roof boards. You should know that daylight passing through the boards does not indicate that the entire roof needs replacing. Sometimes the problem could be originating from a single area, which needs to be repaired.

4. Roof Sagging

Roof sagging is a common danger sign that indicates there is something wrong with the underlying roof board. It is a clear indication that there is a fault line in the entire roofing system that is not holding its weight. This could explain why the weight has been directed to a particular area of the roof hence causing sagging. Roofing contractors Seattle are better suited to understanding why your roof is sagging and thereby offering a reliable solution.

5. Leaking

You will realize leaking on the first instant. If you realize that you are getting rainwater or morning dew in your house, know that your roof is damaged and needs instant repair. The problem with leaks is that they do not manifest during the day but only emerge when there is a heavy downpour. Roof replacement Seattle experts are accustomed to repairing leaking areas and they could offer a permanent solution before everything goes out of control.

6. Paint Damage

Paint damages are very common in houses, especially where finishing was poor or where the poor quality of paint was used. However, peeling of paints at critical areas of the house, especially near the roof edges indicates serious leakages. Paint peeling is seen on both the interiors and exteriors of the house. That is a clear indication that your roof needs to be repaired before the leaks can be catastrophic. You are advised to re-stain the sliding after a period of five or ten years.

7. Moss and Algae

Moss and algae are common in humid geographic conditions because they grow in wet areas. They do not necessarily indicate that your roof needs replacement. You can easily peel them off using a garden tool. However, consistent moss and algae even during the summer is an indicator that your roof is storing water. You need to do something before the roof board and the ceiling is damaged.

If you have already noticed one of these signs you need a new roof, or you have a feeling that your roof needs replacement, contact Seattle roofing installation experts for roof assessment and replacement if necessary. With the services of professional roofers, you don’t have to worry about your roof.

Cedar Siding For Your Home: Quality and Durability

siding replacementYou need siding replacement. What do you do? What are your options? Amazingly, there are 15 different types of siding for your home. The three most common home siding are cedar, vinyl, and fiber cement. Cedar is the most popular among these and for good reason. Cedar sided homes are beautiful, better protected, and offer increased value for the homeowner. Cedar is durable and resistant to various problems. Overall, it is an outstanding building material. Read on to find out more about siding replacement and which type of siding is best for you. Next, we’re going to look at the advantages offered by cedar siding.

Cedar siding lasts a long time.

Cedar has excellent resistance to rot, bacteria, different funguses, and mildew. This makes it a much tougher wood and it is more resistant to wood borne problems. If your cedar siding receives the proper care, it will enjoy a long life. It is also a low maintenance wood. It is recommended that your cedar siding receives a new coat of paint, sealant or stain every three to seven years. This will assist in the siding’s durability and long life.

There are an array of types and finishes for cedar siding.

Cedar sided homes are known for their rustic, natural look. This wood will age over time (it whitens), but this process will be delayed with the proper care and maintenance. Apply a clear finish to your cedar siding for a more natural look. 
Cedar siding can be used in its natural untreated form for a rustic, original look. Cedar siding is offered in a wide array of patterns, such as tongue and groove, bevel, rough cut, and board and batten to name a few. Also, cedar can be red or white.

Cedar has an inviting appeal.

Cedar siding offers warmth, naturalness, and beauty. Many homeowners prefer cedar siding due to its beauty. It also blends well with many backgrounds. Cedar has been used for centuries. It is considered a good choice if you’re looking for a traditional and time tested wood.

Cedar offers durability.

Cedar is a hard wood and therefore it is resistant to swelling in wet conditions, splitting with age, and it is resistant as well to rot and excess moisture. It is wise, however, to give your cedar siding a layer of protective finish so that it will continue to look beautiful and this will aid the aging process. Every wood is susceptible to some form of nuisance, such as termites, humidity and rot. Cedar is your best bet in preventing these type of wood nuisances.

Cedar is good for the environment.

Not every wood is a friend of the environment; however, cedar wood is an exception because of its minimal processing and treatment. Cedar is also 100 percent biodegradable. It is a renewable commodity and it outlasts its wood competitors, such as pine.

Cedar is an excellent insulator.

Cedar insulates really well and it is an energy saver for your home. It helps keep in the cool air during the summer and it keeps the warm air in the house in the winter. Cedar also protects your home against excessive heat, water and drying effects.

Find Siding Installation Companies In Your Area

You now need to find siding companies and siding contractors in your area. The next step in your siding installation or siding replacement is to research and contact siding installation companies.

How Can I Avoid Excessive Tannin Staining On My Cedar Siding?

siding companiesCedar siding is a great choice for your home’s exterior. It’s durable and naturally resists decay, which is why it’s one of the top three most popular siding materials.

However, a common problem homeowners have with cedar siding is tanning staining and extractive bleeding. Both cedar and redwood contain tannins and water-soluble extractives can bleed to the surface of the wood. This causes discoloration, which isn’t pretty.

The good news is you can avoid extractive bleeding when you paint your cedar by taking necessary precautions.

What causes extractive bleeding and how can I avoid it?

Moisture is the main problem that causes tannins to bleed to the substrate’s exterior. But it’s important to note that this isn’t something that happens naturally with cedar siding.

There are several reasons for why cedar paneling can become badly stained because of the tannins. These reasons include:

  • The cedar isn’t properly cured. Your cedar siding needs to have a moisture content of 15% or lower before it’s treated. If it isn’t cured, problems can arise with excessive staining.
  • The cedar isn’t adequately primed. Your cedar siding needs to be properly primed and sealed including all edges and cut ends before you do any staining.
  • The primer isn’t tannin-stain resistant. The primer you apply to your cedar siding needs to be tannin-stain resistant or else problems can arise with excessive staining.
  • There isn’t proper flashing prevention. Excess moisture can get behind your siding and cause more staining if the flashing or water infiltration prevention isn’t properly done.
  • The wrong nail type is used. When cedar siding is installed, it’s vital to use nails that are stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized. If the nails are the wrong type, it can cause bluish-black stains to appear where the nails are.

Where can I find siding companies near me?

There are up to 15 different types of siding you can use on your home, but cedar siding is the most popular type of wood siding for a reason. Cedar can last for up to 75 years when it’s properly maintained and only needs to be repainted every 10 to 15 years.

If you’re looking for siding companies for a siding replacement or a cedar siding installation, Side Pro has the siding contractors for you. To learn more about the benefits of cedar siding replacements, contact Side Pro today.

Out With the Old, In With the New — When to Replace Your Siding

siding contractorsIt’s easy to take your home’s siding for granted. It’s on the house, protects the house, and is just there — until there starts to be issues with how well your siding is holding up. If you live in regions where you get inclement or rough weather frequently, your house will probably take quite a beating, thanks to the wind, rain, snow, and other debris flung at your house as a result of the elements. At some point, you may need to get siding contractors in to help get your siding looking ship-shape again. Before you call siding contractors though, you’ll want to have an idea about what kind of siding you want to replace your existing siding with and what to look for in siding companies and contractors to begin with. And, of course, you should know the warning signs that it’s about time to call in a siding company for siding replacement. 

Types of Siding 
One of the first things you should know is that siding is measured in squares of 100 square feet (10 x 10 feet increments). There are fifteen different kinds of siding but the most popular types of are cedar, vinyl, and fiber cement, and a high percentage of homeowners have siding made from one of these varieties. 

Cedar is the most popular of these three types and can last up to 25 years with the right maintenance. “Proper maintenance” means that a new coat of paint, sealer, or stain should be applied on your siding every three to seven years, so it’s definitely not a set-it-and-forget-it type of siding. 

Vinyl, on the other hand, is extremely low maintenance. Good quality vinyl siding doesn’t need to be painted or caulked and cleaning is easy — all you need is mild soap and a garden hose. 

How Do I Know When I Need My Siding Replaced? 
Most of these cues are visual. It might start looking shoddy from the outside — cracks or gaps are evident in the siding or it’s starting to crumble and peel away. You might also consider changing to a different kind of siding (one that’s more low maintenance than your current choice) if you find yourself lacking the time and energy to conduct proper maintenance. Lack of maintenance will lead to your siding’s disrepair, so if it’s time for new siding installation, you might consider switching your type of siding entirely. 

Another tell-tale sign that it might be time to call in the siding contractors is if you see a substantial increase in your energy bills. Faulty siding is more likely to let drafts in and so you’ll expend more energy heating and cooling your home, raising your bills. 

And of course, if you see signs of rot or mold, it’s time to start looking for siding companies to come evaluate and make a plan for replacement. Keep in mind too, that replacing insulation when you replace siding is also a smart move. 

What Should I Look For In a Siding Company? 
Shop local. Find a siding company in your area who’s been around for awhile, has a good reputation, and who can direct you to other locals who they’ve completed jobs for successfully. You should always ask about what kind of warranties or guarantees they offer and what happens if siding needs repair after the initial installation. Make sure they have the right insurance, licenses, and certifications as well. 

Siding contractors should also be knowledgeable about the different kinds of siding, how they’re installed, and be able to offer you advice on what they think might be the best for your home, depending on your needs, the home’s appearance, and the area you live in. And of course, you’ll want to know how payment works — what the schedule is like, what you’ll be paying for, and so forth. 

Don’t let your siding slip too far into disrepair. It’s an important part of your home’s overall health and can wind up saving you money in the long run. Plus, new siding can have a positive effect on home resale value, if you’re considering that down the line. 

Be On The Lookout For These Common Winter Siding Problems

siding problems and maintenance

Are you experiencing siding problems on your Seattle area home? The majority of siding is capable of withstanding winds of up to 110 mph, but winter is a beast no homeowner can hope to tame. You can only prepare your house to the best of your ability and make the necessary repairs when you find any damage.

 

The good news is that winter causes many of the same types of problems for homeowners every year, so we know what kinds of problems you can expect this season. Here are some of the most common winter siding problems to give you a leg up on seasonal maintenance.

 

Warping in the wood

 

Cedar siding can easily withstand the elements like rain and snow. But if moisture happens to get beneath the siding it can seep into the wood and into your insulation.

 

This can cause your cedar siding to become warped from the moisture or even mold over time. If the problem is limited only to one area, you may be able to repair or replace the siding and your insulation.

 

Holes and cracks

 

Your siding is capable of withstanding strong winds, but debris is another story. Winter weather can bring hail and strong winds, which can pull branches from vulnerable trees.

 

This debris can smack into your siding, which can leave holes and cracks. Be sure to check for these damages after a storm (even a small one). You don’t want to let the problem become a major disaster later on.

 

Water penetration and moisture buildup can cause siding problems

 

Mentioned above in relation to warping, moisture buildup in your siding can be a sign of another common winter issue: clogged gutters. Leaves and debris from the fall can block your gutters, which keeps water from successfully running off from your roof.

 

Left on your roof, the water can seep into your shingles, insulation, and your siding. This can cause problems for your home’s foundation and can even form a dangerous ice dam. If you think you may have a blockage in your gutters, be sure to clear it out as soon as possible.

 

In need of a cedar siding installation?

 

Cedar siding is one of the most popular types of siding, and for good reason. With the proper maintenance, it can last for up to 25 years.

If you’re in need of a cedar siding repair this winter, or if you’re looking for a siding replacement, Side Pro has the professional siding contractors you need to get the job done. To learn more about our repair siding, contact Side Pro today.

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