How Long Will Your Siding Last?
When it comes to your property in Omaha, the longevity of your home’s siding is a crucial consideration for many homeowners. Siding is not just about the aesthetics of your home; it also plays a vital role in protecting your interior from the elements. The overall lifespan of your siding will largely depend on various factors, including the type of siding you have, your local climate, and how well you maintain it over time.
What Determines the Lifespan of Siding?
The lifespan of siding is influenced by a variety of factors, ranging from the material used to environmental conditions and maintenance practices. Understanding these factors can help homeowners make informed decisions about their siding choices and maintenance plans. Here are the key elements that determine the longevity of siding:
Climate, Weather & Environment
Environmental conditions play a crucial role in the longevity of siding:
- Sun Exposure: UV radiation can fade and weaken certain types of siding, particularly vinyl and wood.
- Moisture and Rain: Areas with high humidity or rainfall can contribute to rot, mold, and mildew, especially in wood siding.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Regions with extreme temperature changes can cause siding materials to expand and contract, leading to wear over time.
- Wind and Storms: High winds, hail, and flying debris from storms can physically damage siding, shortening its lifespan.
Maintenance Over Time
Proper maintenance and repair as needed is crucial for extending the lifespan of your siding. This includes regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew growth, as well as promptly addressing any needed repairs for cracks, warping, or holes.
Quality of the Initial Installation
The skill and expertise of the contractors who install your siding matter greatly! A poorly installed DIY siding job can lead to various problems, including moisture penetration and premature wear.
- What Determines the Lifespan of Siding?
- Climate, Weather & Environment
- Maintenance Over Time
- Quality of the Initial Installation
- Popular Siding Types and Their Longevity
- Vinyl Siding
- Fiber Cement Siding
- Aluminum Siding
- Wood or Cedar Shake Siding
- Home Maintenance Tips for Your Siding
- Tevelde and Co. is a Trusted Home Exterior Contractor in Omaha
- Top-Rated Solutions for Siding, Roofing, Windows, and More
How Long Does Siding Last on a House
The durability of your home’s exterior siding can vary significantly depending on the type of material utilized – let’s take a closer look at some of the popular siding materials and their typical lifespans below.
How Long Will Vinyl Siding Last
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homeowners across the country due to its affordability and low maintenance properties. On average, well-maintained vinyl siding has a life expectancy of 20 to 50 years, however, its lifespan may be affected by extreme weather conditions, such as intense sunlight or severe storm systems.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is a siding option renowned for its durability and resistance to rot, wind, and fire. It often comes with warranties up to 30 years, although it could last longer with proper maintenance! Proper, professional installation and regular maintenance are key to maximizing its average lifespan in Omaha.
How Long Does Aluminum Siding Last
Aluminum siding is lightweight and less susceptible to cracking or warping than traditional vinyl. With proper maintenance and installation, it can last approximately 30 to 50 years, however, it’s worth noting that aluminum siding can dent easily, especially during hailstorms! And if you ever need to do a repair, it becomes almost impossible to do so without leaving dents and bends in the aluminum.
Wood or Cedar Shake Siding
Wood siding, including cedar shake, offers a classic and natural look for any property. However, due to its natural makeup, wood siding requires more maintenance than some other manufactured options. With diligent upkeep though, wood siding can last around 20 to 30 years or even longer, but it will need periodic painting, staining, and repairs to maintain its curb appeal.
Home Maintenance Tips for Your Siding
To ensure your siding remains in top condition and to extend its lifespan, regular maintenance is crucial. Different siding materials require different care strategies, but there are some general maintenance tips applicable to all types.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct annual inspections to check for signs of damage, such as cracks, rot, or warping. Early detection of problems can prevent more extensive and costly repairs.
- Cleaning: Gently clean your siding at least once a year to remove dirt, grime, and mildew. Use a soft brush or cloth and a gentle cleaning solution suitable for your siding type. For larger areas, a low-pressure power washer may be used with caution to avoid water infiltration behind the siding.
- Immediate Repairs: Address any damage or issues as soon as they are discovered. Small problems can quickly escalate, affecting more than just the siding.
- Proper Landscaping & Trimming: Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from the house. Overhanging branches can scrape against siding during high winds, and vegetation can trap moisture against the siding, promoting mold and mildew growth.
- Pest Control: Regularly check for signs of insect or rodent infestations, especially if you have wood siding. Termites, carpenter ants, and rodents can cause significant damage.
Tevelde and Co. is a Trusted Home Exterior Contractor in Omaha
At Tevelde and Co., we understand the importance of a durable and long-lasting exterior for your home. We are proud to offer top-rated solutions for not only siding, but roofing and windows as well, ensuring that your home is looking and performing its best all year round!
Top-Rated Solutions for Siding, Roofing, Windows, and More
Our team of experienced professionals has been serving the Omaha area with top-rated exterior solutions since 2013. For over a decade, we’ve been able to provide trusted services utilizing the best materials in the industry, including James Hardie siding. For more information about our professional siding installation and repairs, check out our full service page here!
Article Updated: 4/16/24 | Published: 10/2/23
About The Author: Todd Tevelde
Todd Tevelde wrote this helpful article about How Long Your Siding Should Last to help educate homeowners about their siding options. Todd is an expert in home exterior renovations and the founder of Tevelde and Co. With over 10 years of experience helping homeowners, Tevelde and Co. has become one of the most trusted contractors in the greater Omaha area. For more information contact Tevelde and Co. today!
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