Maryland Siding Replacement
The purpose of siding is to protect and cover your home. Many owners of historic homes in Baltimore County have realized the benefits of new siding installation. The condition of a home’s siding offers insight into the internal quality of your home. A musty odor inside a house or apartment is likely the result of cheap, old, or improperly installed siding that’s allowing moisture to seep into the walls, creating issues with mold and mildew. The most cost-effective solution is to undergo a home improvement project before this becomes a serious issue. New siding can solve so many household problems, but when it isn’t installed properly, moisture entering from the outside will cause your house to rot from the inside.
If you’re looking to replace your siding near Catonsville, Ellicott City, and Arbutus area, it’s important to find a home exterior specialist with decades of experience in our climate. It’s also important to find someone who uses the best-quality siding materials. In our opinion, CertainTeed consistently produces the best vinyl and wood siding in the country. While we cannot overstate the importance of avoiding low-grade siding materials, it’s also important to be aware of how your siding has been stored. Siding materials should never be kept outdoors or on an uneven surface. Cartons of both vinyl and wood siding materials must be kept on a surface that supports the entire length of the cartons (with no overhang). Failing to care for siding materials can seriously affect their longevity and appearance. Siding should be manufactured under a quality-control program with regular inspections.
Everyone wants to cut costs when building or maintaining a home. When considering new siding installation, it’s important to find a specialist with knowledge and experience who knows the best materials with the lowest pricing. At EC Roofing, the two main types of siding we generally recommend for the Maryland & Virginia climate are vinyl and cement fiber, as these offer durable options at an affordable price.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding was first introduced in the 1960s. Since then, manufacturers made improvements to make vinyl siding more durable, versatile, and easier to maintain. Vinyl siding is the most popular, affordable, and longest-lasting option. Insulated vinyl siding requires very little maintenance and typically costs between $4 and $12 per square foot installed. Every home has different requirements to get the best results. Remember to look for insulation, fade-resistant colors and a lifetime warranty when considering new siding for your home.
Cement Fiber Siding
Cement fiber siding began replacing asbestos cement in the 1980s. Cement fiber siding can resemble wood, brick, or stone. It typically costs between $5 and $13.50 per square foot to install this new siding. Cement fiber is heavier and more difficult to maintain than vinyl siding, but it provides the unique curb appeal many homeowners are looking for, especially in upscale neighborhoods.
Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home
The installation and quality of your home’s siding affect drainage and your home’s ability to withstand wind and water damage. We cannot overstate the importance of proper installation when it comes to siding (both vinyl and cement fiber). In order to pass inspection in Maryland, a water-resistance barrier must be properly installed before replacing the siding on your house. You will need to apply a minimum 6” vertical overlap. The barrier must be pulled tightly and properly fastened. Flashing must also be installed around all windows and doors. This must extend to the surface of the exterior wall finish or to the water-resistant barrier.
The condition of home’s siding offers insight into the internal quality and condition of your home. In order to pass inspection, vinyl siding must adhere to both the manufacturer and state requirements.
We would be happy to discuss home siding questions with homeowners in our community. Contact us online or give us a call at 410-455-9880 so we can talk through your options and provide an estimate for new siding costs.
