New siding on WNY Home

Types of Siding to Consider for Your WNY Home

When properly cared for, your home siding can last anywhere from twenty to over forty years -- depending on the material, installation quality, wear and tear, and other factors. It's a good thing siding improvements are ongoing, too. There are some excellent types of siding out there now!

Siding materials and installation can be a significant expense. So, you need to give some dedicated thought to selecting your materials and the contractor who will install them. Doing so could save you a lot of money, time, and frustration over the long term.

When Is It Time for New Siding?

Many homeowners "inherited" their siding when they purchased their homes; some don't have any idea how old the siding even is. Unfortunately, if you didn't have your siding installed yourself, you'll need to figure out when it's time to replace it.

Here are some signs to watch for when you suspect your home siding might be failing:

  • Your siding is seriously faded and appears to have been painted more than once in its lifetime.
  • The siding is cracked or coming loose in multiple places.
  • There are multiple holes in the siding.
  • The siding is bubbling. Any visible wood pieces are soft or show signs of rot.
  • Your energy bills have increased.
  • You notice signs of water damage on the inside or outside of the house.
  • You should regularly inspect for damage on or beneath the siding. The inspection should go inside the walls too -- as much as possible.

Evidence of water-damaged siding could include stains near breaks in the siding, peeling paint or wallpaper inside the house, and wood rot and mold in the walls (which can be detected from inside by moist patches, a musty smell, or signs of insects or rodents).

What Are Today's Choices in Siding?

If you purchased home siding in the past, you'll be delighted at the different types of home siding materials available today. We'll look at these by category here since that makes comparisons easier.

Polymer and Vinyl

These are prevalent materials for siding, especially those available today -- some of which capture the look of natural materials perfectly, only without the meticulous maintenance.

Graves Bros. offers several different brands and types of vinyl and polymer siding. We consider these materials to be outstanding at holding up through the harsh winters in our region. If you're thinking about new vinyl siding, click here to get more information about vinyl and how we can help with your next project.

Hardwood and Manufactured Wood

Hardwood has been used in home-building for centuries, especially in North America. It's a sturdy, environmentally-friendly material that will last for over a century if maintained properly. The key is maintenance, though. Especially in the cold and fickle climate of Western New York.

Manufactured wood, if it's of good quality, offers a very viable alternative. Although it might be less expensive and better for our forests, it nonetheless requires excellent care if you want it to last.

Metal

The most common metal for siding is aluminum. It's lightweight and durable, even though it dents easily. It's easy to manufacture and blocks much of the sun's radiant heat. Plus, aluminum siding doesn't degrade and is recyclable at the end of its lifetime.

Other metals used in home siding include steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. The average cost to install metal siding runs from $8.50 to $15.00 a square foot. The total price per sq. ft. (installed) depends on the metal selected, how hard it is to install, and the home's location.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding is a composite material made from wood pulp, fly ash or silica, and water, with cement binding these materials. Its main benefit is keeping costs down while remaining aesthetically versatile. This material is known for maintaining the original look of older homes.

Fiber cement siding is also durable and easy to maintain. It's non-combustible and resists harsh weather, such as extreme temperatures or humidity levels. Purchasing and installing fiber cement siding typically runs from $5,974 -- $19,233.

Brick, Stone, Clay, Concrete, and Stucco

These types of siding come from natural materials like stone and sand. They're often used to accent other siding material. We would see these materials used more often if they were less expensive and didn't take special skills to install. They do look great, though, and are quite durable.

Consider Graves Bros. for Your New Siding!

We'd love to help you choose your new siding from our extensive product list and install it for you. Why not reach out to us so we can take a look at your home and provide you with an estimate?