Here’s How to Choose the Right Exterior Siding

New siding can improve your home’s curb appeal and protect its exterior against the elements. Over time, this can reduce maintenance costs, while boosting your home’s saleability. Here’s what you need to know.

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Materials Performance Tips & Tools

Exterior Siding Materials

There are a variety of exterior siding types to choose from. Ease of installation, cost, style, and weather conditions are all factors that will shape your home siding decision process. Explore your options.

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Here’s How to Boost the Performance of Exterior Siding

Once you choose your home siding, consider the following features to help maintain its appearance and durability. While these features may add to the initial price, they can reduce costs over the life of your siding.

Vinyl Siding Installation

Consider upgrading your vinyl siding with: a double-hem nailing area for stronger attachment and better wind resistance, extra-long panels for fewer seams and a cleaner appearance, and foam backing for added insulation against noise transfer and energy loss.

Fibre Cement Siding

Consider investing in a factory finish, which results in added durability and longevity, although you may pay more at the outset.

Exterior Wood Siding

Re-staining and re-painting wood will always be part of regular maintenance, but opting for a durable factory finish will gain you extra years in between.

Tools for Smooth Home Siding Application

For quicker and easier installation, browse these siding tools to help make your siding project a success.

Siding Removal Tool

Use this tool to safely remove damaged vinyl siding panels. Also called a zip tool, you can use it to cut away only the damaged portion of the siding and install a patch piece, rather than an entire panel.

Fibre Cement Siding Facing Gauge

Use this tool for fast and accurate installation of fibre cement panels. It can help prevent sagging to ensure a straight, professional look.

Snap Lock Siding Punch

This tool punches tabs into the cut edge of vinyl siding and aluminum siding panels to lock them into utility trim or finishing trim. It’s ideal for use at the top of walls and below windows.

Siding Mounting Blocks

Use siding blocks to mount exterior light fixtures, water faucets, electrical outlets, and more. They provide a neat finish and help to eliminate moisture and air infiltration.

Caulking/Sealant

Caulking can be used to repair small cracks and prevent leaks. It is especially useful with fibre cement and wood. Caulking comes in a variety of colours, so you can choose one to match your siding.

Wood Siding Stain

Clear and semi-transparent stains will highlight wood grain and are best used on high-quality grades of natural or engineered wood. Use opaque stains or paint with budget grades.

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FAQs

Can you paint vinyl siding?

Yes you can, although most vinyl siding is very durable and will not require repainting. If you do notice cracking or splitting, it’s probably a better idea to replace the siding instead of painting it. You may want to paint your vinyl siding for aesthetic reasons and to refresh the look of your home. Choose to a colour that is similar or lighter to the existing one. Darker colours and bright blues, yellows and reds can increase heat absorption and cause warping or buckling. Be sure to use an exterior paint designed for vinyl siding to avoid streaks, flaking or peeling.

How much does vinyl siding cost?

The cost vinyl siding can vary due to multiple factors, but overall it is less expensive than other home cladding materials. It’s also very long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free. Thicker, higher-quality vinyl is more expensive than thinner builder grade siding, as is insulated vinyl or profiled vinyl made to look like wood brick, stone, or wood shakes. The size and design of your home also plays a role. A small bungalow will cost less than a large two-story home where installers will need ladders and safety gear.

What is board and batten siding?

This type of siding refers to the style vs. the material. Board and batten siding includes thin strips of wood moulding or “battens” that are placed over the seams of panel boards. This creates a look that is both rustic and chic, with the strong vertical lines adding shadow and textures to the exterior of your home. Originally a wood-only style, board and batten is now available as durable vinyl siding and other materials.

What is stone veneer siding?

Stone veneer siding is a manufactured form of stone that offers some unique advantages over natural stone or other types of siding. Design choices run from rough, rugged looks to elegant, refined textures. It’s also lightweight and easy to work with, which makes for DIY-friendly installation. In addition to withstanding harsh weather and extreme temperatures stone veneer is also fire-resistant, which makes it a safer option than wood siding.