Guide to Siding Replacement for New England Homes

If you live in New England, then your home’s siding is not only important in terms of curb appeal but also plays a large part in your home’s energy efficiency and protection against the elements. The local climate can punish the exterior of your home, so you have to be sure that your siding is up to the task.

If your current siding is nearing the end of its lifespan and you’re starting to research your options, this comprehensive guide should help you choose the best siding for your New England home.

Is Siding Replacement a Wise Investment?

If you’re thinking about making a home improvement investment, you’ll probably want to know if the upgrade will raise the value of your home. According to Remodeling Magazine, siding replacement is one of the projects that offers a strong return on your investment. In fact, if you have vinyl siding installed, you can expect a 70.8% return on investment (ROI), and for fiber cement siding the ROI jumps to 71.2%.

Signs That You Might Need New Siding

So how do you know for sure that it’s time to consider a siding replacement project? Siding issues might not always be readily apparent, but here are some signs to look for:

Cracking

If your siding has developed visible cracks, it will be easy for moisture and pests to get behind it. Patchwork repairs might be possible if the cracking is limited to a small area.

Rotting

If you have natural wood siding on your home, you should check regularly for sections that have become brittle or have begun crumbling. This is a sign of significant moisture penetration, and a cue to start looking at new siding options. You should be able to identify areas that are rotting by tapping lightly on the siding.

Warping

Warping might not seem like a major issue, but it’s often a sign of more serious problems developing under the siding. You can use a screwdriver to poke behind the siding and determine the condition of the material and substrate. If you find areas that are soft or crack easily, it’s a sign that your siding needs to be replaced.

Moisture Intrusion

If you find mold or mildew growing on the walls inside your home, it could be a sign that moisture has penetrated the siding on adjacent exterior walls. Crumbling drywall, peeling paint, and sagging wallpaper are other signals to look for.

Holes

With wood siding, you need to check regularly to see if birds or insects have created entry points. Small holes might not seem like a big deal, but they could be a sign of bigger issues behind your siding.

What Type of Siding Is Right for You?

Once you decide that it’s time to replace your siding, you’ll have plenty of material options to consider. Choices include:

• Vinyl – Vinyl has become the most popular option because it’s economical, easy to install, and available in a wide array of colors and styles. It also requires minimal upkeep.
• Composite – Recycled wood is mixed with other durable materials to produce siding that looks like natural wood but doesn’t require the regular maintenance.
• Fiber cement – Fiber cement is a more costly option that is exceptionally durable and able to withstand the elements.
• Natural wood – Wood siding is beautiful and energy efficient but needs to be repainted every few years and is susceptible to moisture damage.
• Metal – Metal siding resists insects, mold growth, and fire but is susceptible to rust.
• Stone veneer – Stone veneer is often used as a unique accent for a home’s exterior, though it’s susceptible to moisture intrusion.

You’ll also need to decide which styles are right for your home. Some of the more popular options include board and batten, clapboard, shake, vertical, traditional lap, and Dutch lap.

Choosing the Right Siding Color

Once you’ve settled on the type and style of siding you want for your home, it’s time to channel your inner interior designer. Today’s siding products come in a wide array of colors—from the subdued to the striking—so you’ll have no shortage of options. When deciding which color or colors are right for your siding, you should consider:

• The color of your roof, as your siding will need to match or complement it
• The style of your home, as it’s generally accepted that subtle colors like white and gray are best for colonial homes while bolder colors are okay for Victorian homes
• Your neighborhood, as you’ll have to decide if you want to blend in or stand out from the crowd
• The latest design trends—perhaps you want to consider color combinations such as dark on dark and natural with neutral, or you can always choose a tried-and-true option like beige or yellow

Additionally, if you live in a neighborhood that has a homeowners association, you’ll need to check and see if there are any deed restrictions that could limit the colors you can select.

Maintaining Your Siding

If you’re hoping to keep your siding looking like new, year after year, there are a variety of maintenance tips that you should be aware of. If your siding is made of natural wood, then you’ll need to repaint it every few years to counteract any fading and make sure that the wood stays protected against moisture and insect intrusion. It should be easy to tell when it’s time to repaint, as you’ll notice paint that is cracking or chipping away.

Other siding products, such as vinyl and fiber cement, are easier to maintain and usually only need to be cleaned about once a year using a hose and a cloth or sponge. Be careful not to use abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

NEWPRO Siding Is Engineered for the New England Climate

If you want to protect and beautify your home with siding that will perform reliably in the New England climate, then look to NEWPRO. We’ve been providing home improvement solutions to local homeowners since 1945, and we offer high-performance siding products that consistently exceed customer expectations.

When you partner with us for your siding installation project, you’ll be able to choose between our SuperMax Vinyl Siding System and UltraMax Siding System—both of which provide the look of natural wood without any of the maintenance headaches. Additionally, we install insulation behind our siding products, so you can expect superior protection against impacts and moisture intrusion and improved energy efficiency for your home.

Would You Like to Learn More?

If you’d like additional information about the exceptional siding options we offer to homeowners throughout New England, contact NEWPRO today to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. We look forward to adding you to our long list of satisfied customers.