Upgrade House Siding

A neat and attractive siding goes a long way in creating a positive impression about your house. Most often, the siding is damaged or rotting due to exposure to the elements. Don't be put off by the job of upgrading the house siding. It's not as bad as you expect. Armed with a few helpful tips, you can get the siding and trim boards upgraded without spending too much!

Repainting is one way to tackle a worn out siding. It's the simplest method that gives a dramatic effect. You can choose to repaint the trim with a contrast color.

To change or not to change

It is often a dilemma whether to change the entire siding or not. If the damage is restricted to a small area, you can be content with a patchwork repair. You need to first figure out how the siding has been installed. While some siding boards are fastened to the wall frame, others are sheathed with nails. These could be with tongue-and-groove joints. You have to remove the damaged piece without ruining the rest of it.

Remove all nails and then slide out the damaged piece. You need to cut the new siding sheet to suit the dimensions. Use the same nail holes to fasten the new siding piece in place. Ensure that exterior primer is applied. See that the replaced piece blends with the joint offsets. In areas where the damaged board is difficult to replace, consider carving out the rotting siding and fill with wood filler.

Different types of cost effective siding

Fiber cement siding: Fiber cement siding imitates wood siding however requires much lesser maintenance. It is a composite material made of cement, sand and cellulose fibers. It can be painted post installation or can be pre-stained pre installation.

Vinyl siding: Vinyl siding is the most economical siding that replaces the conventional wood, stone and fiber cement siding. The durability and life expectancy is also longer when compared to the other options. Vinyl siding offers the look of wood siding but is maintenance free. Colors can be bright, subtle or of any tone to suit your individual taste.

Veneer siding: Few people may not be wiling to spend a lot on stone and brick siding as it may turn out to be an expensive refurbishment. For such homes the best alternative can be veneers as they strike a close resemblance to the expensive stone and brick sidings. You may choose between stone or brick veneer depending on the requirement of your home and individual choice.

Engineered wood siding: Plywood is a cost effective siding options. Installation is simple but maintenance can be exhaustive when compared to other siding options. Apart from plywood, one can choose to use engineered wood products.

Stone: As the siding of any home does take up too much area, you can think of investing in better choices. Using stone for a small area is not very expensive. But it can bring about a transformation to the entire facade of your home.

Stucco: Stucco is a combination of cement, water and sand/lime. However these days synthetic stucco is also available and is easier to maintain than the conventional one. It is easy on the pocket too.

Aluminum: A cost effective alternate, aluminum does not find many takers. Chances are that aluminum may fade and dent but it doesn't crack.

Cost effective trims

Don't neglect the trims outside the windows. If the windows look plain then it is high time to work on the appearance of the window. Trims should be replaced to match the siding of your home. While choosing to remodel the trim, keep the following in your mind:

• Choose materials that can be attached to stone, brick or stucco walls
  
  
• Wood may not be the right choice as it can be infested by bugs, mold, rats, etc
  
  
• Azek trims are available in a variety of colors and need not be painted very often. They appear new for years on end.
  
  
• Fiber cement trims may be used when the color of the siding and the trim needs to be matched.
  
  
• Aluminum trim is cost effective and also low on maintenance. However it might not be very appealing as far as aesthetics go. Unlike interior trims where brushed metal look can be so appealing, metallic look on the sidings may not be all that enticing.
  

Repainting the trim is a great way to upgrade and protect it. Gloss paint or enamel paint is a good choice for durability and washability.

Repairing the house siding

Brick wall siding can be spot-repaired, if the crack is not too large. Fill in fresh mortar at the joints and try to match the mortar tint to that on the wall. You can use mortar mixed with acrylic or latex concrete fortifier for additional strength and better adhesion.

Damaged vinyl siding is a danger due to exposure to moisture and insect infestation. If you have vinyl siding, it's easier to repair when compared to wood or brick. Depending on the extent of damage, you can choose to either replace or patch it up. Use a vinyl siding removal tool to carefully dislodge the damaged siding. Cut a new piece and attach it with nails. Interlock the bottom part and position it alongside the existing siding.

House siding maintenance

Metal Siding Maintenance: If you notice damage to your metal siding such as rust, scrape it off and apply a sealant coat. Repainting the siding helps you to extend its life.

Vinyl Siding Maintenance: Ensure that it is not subject to significant heat and keep away from barbecue grills. Fix loose flaps soon so as to prevent it worsening.

Wood Siding Maintenance: Like most wooden articles, wooden sidings must be treated every few years. Wooden sidings need more maintenance as they are exposed to the elements. Replace rotting parts, patch gaps and fix loose sheaths in time.