Many of today’s standard exterior finishes have been protecting walls from the weather for centuries. Other exterior finishes, such as plywood, vinyl, and hardboard, have been developed in recent years. Regardless of their history, each is capable of protecting the building for as long as the finish material lasts, but only when applied properly. If possible, the best way to protect the exterior finish and the building itself from the weather is with proper window installation, adequate overhangs, and seamless gutters. But even the wind-driven rain will occasionally get the building wet. Therefore, it is important to detail the exterior wall finishes carefully at all but the most protected locations. EC Roofing offers siding installation and replacement services in central Maryland.
Keeping Water Off Your Walls Starts With Siding Installation
Introducing effective moisture barriers under your Howard County’s home’s siding can potentially prolong the life of walls beyond the life of the siding alone. Siding installation and roofing provide the first line of defense against Maryland weather. One of its other functions is to keep sunlight from causing deterioration of the moisture barrier, ultimately protecting the building walls. Where the moisture barrier stops–at the edges and openings through the wall–special attention should be paid to the detailing of exterior wall finishes.
Types of Siding for Your Home
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding installation allows your home to look great and perform better. This most widely used option is affordable and aesthetically pleasing for your home. Many different styles are available using vinyl from straight board to cedar shake.
Cement Fiber
Cement fiber siding can create the appearance of natural wood without the usual maintenance required. It is naturally bug, rot, and water-resistant. As with vinyl, there are many customizable options for color and style.
Metal Siding
Metal siding tends to lend a retro or modern style to a house. Common materials include aluminum and steel. This siding option does not mold or rot, and when sealed properly won’t rust or discolor.
Brick Siding
Brick siding is attractive and can last a lifetime when properly installed and maintained. With all of the different sizes and textures of genuine brick, you’re sure to find a siding you love.
Vertical Wood Siding Installation and Replacement
Vertical wood siding falls into two main groups: The first group, such as the tongue-and-groove and channel patterns, has its side edges rabbeted or grooved. This type of siding lies flat on the wall, one-board thick. The second main group, including board and batten, has squared edges. It uses a second layer to cover the edges of the first layer. The denser patterns in the second group may require careful coordination with castings and trim. Both groups need 5/8-inch (minimum) plywood sheathing or horizontal nailing strips to strengthen the wall. Siding is sealed where end joints occur and joined with a scarf joint or a miter joint sloped to the exterior.
Horizontal Siding Replacement and Installation
Horizontal wood siding is common in both modern and historic buildings. Horizontal boards cast a horizontal shadow line unique to this type of siding. Cedar, redwood, and pine are most commonly used for horizontal siding. Some profiles are also made from composite hardboard or cement board. This material is much less expensive than siding milled from lumber and is almost indistinguishable from it when painted. Siding joints may be tongue and groove, rabbeted, or lapped. Horizontal siding boards are typically applied over the moisture barrier and sheathing. It should generally be back-primed before being installed. After that, boards are face nailed with a single nail near each board’s bottom but above the board below. This allows for necessary movement. Siding is joined end-to-end with miter or scarf joints. Many Catonsville homeowners paint or stain their siding after this step. Clear lumber siding can also be treated with a semitransparent stain.
Vinyl Siding Installation and Replacement
Vinyl sidings were developed as an alternative to the maintenance-heavy requirements of wood sidings. Most aluminum-siding manufacturers have now moved to vinyl. There are several shapes of vinyl siding available. Most resemble horizontal wood bevel patterns, but there are some vertical patterns as well. Vinyl as a material is structurally weak, so most vinyl sidings need to be installed on top of the solid sheathing. Corrosion-resistant nails and proper nailing practices are essential in order to allow for natural expansion and contractions over time. Because vinyl trim pieces are narrow, many architects choose to use vinyl siding alongside wood trim. Let the experts at EC Roofing help with any of the following home improvement projects:
- Roofing services and repair
- Vinyl window replacement
- Seamless gutters
When Is the Right Time for Siding Replacement?
Knowing when to replace old siding can save your house from further damage and save your pocketbook from unnecessary expenses. Although siding replacement is needed when there is damage, it is also useful to spruce up your home’s look. If you’re tired of the way your house looks, there are many colors and options for siding to choose from.
Dry rot in or around the framework from the wood being exposed to moisture over an extended period of time is a sign you need siding replacement. The result is that you will have to repair your home’s framework and remove the dry-rotted areas. Once repaired, the new siding will keep your home protected and prevent further dry rot.
If you keep repainting your house, it means the siding is old and losing its resiliency. When you find yourself repainting your house every two to five years, then that is an indication that the siding is wearing down. A replacement of durable materials lets the siding retain its color and surface for several years.
Old siding becomes warped or rotted when continuously exposed to outside elements. This leads to a wide range of problems such as low efficiency, lack of outside protection, and a lackluster design on your home’s exterior. Siding replacement is the only solution to this issue.
Increased heating or cooling costs can point to a few problems, one of which is worn or damaged siding. Once the siding is installed on your home, you should start to notice a decrease in your bills instantly. You will also have greater control of the climate inside your home.
Ask an expert whether or not a siding or window replacement will decrease your utility bill.
Roofing, Window, and Siding Installation and Replacement in Howard County, and Baltimore County, MD
Contact EC Roofing with your home siding installation questions. Instead of looking for “home improvement near me,” contact our team. Our experts have been helping Maryland homeowners with construction projects for decades. Call us at 410-455-9880 to get started.