Replacement Siding vs. Painting: Why Siding is the Better Choice
Your home’s exterior is a crucial part of its overall aesthetic and curb appeal. When it comes to improving your home’s exterior, you may be trying to decide whether to install replacement siding or simply paint it. While both options have their benefits, the team at Odyssey Siding strongly recommends replacement siding over painting if you plan on living in your home for longer than 10 years.
In this article, I’ll explain why replacement siding is the better choice and provide tips on what to look out for in siding installation companies and contractors.
Why Choose Replacement Siding?
While painting can provide a temporary fix for your home’s exterior, replacement siding offers a range of longer-term benefits that paint cannot match. Here are some of the reasons why we recommend replacement siding over painting:
Improved Curb Appeal
One of the main benefits of replacement siding is its ability to transform not just the look of your home but also the style. New siding can update the style and color of your home’s exterior, giving it a fresh, modern appearance – for example, by installing larger profile siding panels or vertical siding accents. This can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal as well as its overall value.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Old or damaged siding can lead to energy loss, resulting in higher heating and cooling bills. Replacement siding can improve your home’s energy efficiency by providing better insulation and reducing air leakage. When you undergo a replacement siding project, you have many insulation options that are not available by simple painting your existing siding. This can result in significant cost savings over time.
Enhanced Durability
Paint may look great initially, but it can quickly fade or peel, requiring frequent touch-ups or repainting. Replacement siding, on the other hand, is designed to withstand the elements and can last for many years with minimal maintenance. It is not uncommon in the Midwest to have to repaint your siding ever four to five years, leading to continued expenses that will only increase in cost as labor and material prices rise throughout the years. With quality replacement siding, the project is done once and will not have to be worried about for decades to come.
Better Protection
Siding is the first line of defense for your home against the elements, including rain, wind, and UV rays. Replacement siding can provide better protection against these elements, preventing moisture damage, rot, and other issues that can compromise your home’s structure.
Higher Resale Value
If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, replacement siding can significantly increase its resale value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. This can result in a higher return on investment and a quicker sale. Just make sure that a professional siding company that specializes in siding installation is doing the work so no corners are being cut.
Finding the Best Siding Installation Companies and Contractors
If you’ve decided that replacement siding is the right choice for your home, the next step is to find the best siding installation companies and contractors. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Research Online
Start by researching siding installation companies and contractors online. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers, as well as information on their experience and expertise. It is always a plus of siding companies have pictures of the work they have done, or are able to speak in detail about the different types of siding they install and why they chose them. If a replacement siding company does not stand behind their product, they are not the company you should be working with.
Ask for Referrals
Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals of siding installation companies they have worked with in the past. This can provide valuable insight into the quality of their work and customer service. A quality siding company should also be able to provide before and after pictures or addresses of projects they have completed.
Check Credentials
Before hiring a siding contractor, check their credentials and licensing to ensure that they are qualified to perform the work. Look for certifications and affiliations with reputable industry manufacturers and proper insurance (more than the minimum required in your state is a good sign that you are dealing with a serious siding company).
Get Multiple Quotes
To ensure that you get the best value for your money, get quotes from multiple siding installation companies and contractors. Compare the pricing, services, and warranties offered by each contractor to make an informed decision. Value and price are not the same thing, so be sure not to look out only for a cheap price as you may really be getting cheap siding material and cheap workmanship along with it.
Review Contracts Carefully
Before signing a contract with a siding contractor, review it carefully to ensure that all the details of the project are clearly outlined. This should include the scope of work, materials used, timeline, and payment terms.
Conclusion
When it comes to improving your home’s exterior, replacement siding is the better choice over painting. Not only does it provide long-term benefits like improved curb appeal, energy efficiency, durability, and protection, but it will also increase your home’s resale value. To ensure that you get the best results from your siding installation project, it’s important to find the best siding installation companies and contractors.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can find the right siding contractor for your needs and budget. Remember to research online, ask for referrals, check credentials, get multiple quotes, and review contracts carefully before signing.
At the end of the day, replacement siding is a wise investment in your home’s appearance and value. Not only does it provide long-lasting benefits, but it can also save you money on energy bills and maintenance costs in the long run. If you’re ready to explore your options for replacement siding, contact local siding installation companies and contractors to get started. With their expertise and guidance, you can transform the look of your home and enhance its value for years to come.
