Siding is used for many different projects, from putting on an addition to constructing a shed or a new garage. When your existing siding becomes worn or damaged it can be replaced with a new, more advanced product. You will need to make some design decisions along the way to ensure your siding project goes smoothly.
Siding can cover the majority of your home's facade or simply be used as an accent. It protects your home from the elements and creates a clean, fresh look that is easily coordinated with trim and fixtures.
Design for Additions
Construction of an addition or putting up a garage or shed will require you to match the existing siding. If your house is bricked or finished with another stone product you can look for a siding that compliments it. If there is siding to match you will need to find the manufacturer and maybe even a specific line of siding. Go back to the original retailer if possible or contact the manufacturer directly.
If you can't get an exact match, it's time to make a decision. You can find something that coordinates or compliments the existing siding, whether that is in a contrasting color or a similar tone. The Tudor style of siding is a good example of a two-tone siding design that utilizes a lighter wall with dark battens.
Siding Repairs and Replacements
Often you can repair your siding with a DIY project. If the damaged piece can be easily removed and you have the proper tools and instructions, installing a few new pieces of siding can be a quick project. Be sure to purchase that same siding line and pick up all of the components needed for the project.
If you live in an older home the siding may not be available anymore. Styles and colors can be discontinued due to slow sales or rising costs and sometimes a manufacturer may go out of business, making it difficult for you to locate the matching product. Contact a local siding contractor and find out what they recommend. It may be possible to fabricate the parts needed. In the most extreme cases a siding contractor can let you know whether it's best to replace your siding entirely.
A siding project may be straightforward, but it does require some design work ahead of time to be sure that the finished product is appealing overall. Matching the existing siding, choosing the right materials and coordinating with other elements of the exterior finishing are all important decisions involving the design of your siding project. But once you've made some choices, this project is a snap and will result in a clean, fresh finish for your home.
Go With Your Tastes
When it comes to siding there is something on the market for nearly any taste. Wood styles go from simple board and batten to more elaborate and modern tongue and groove styles. There are shiplap styles and other more textured lines. Wood siding can also be painted any color you like, presenting a versatile choice for your siding project.
Check out cement board siding as well. This relative newcomer in the industry looks like wood but is designed to last with low levels of maintenance. Beautiful and unique, cement board siding has a higher price tag so be prepared with a healthy budget.
A siding project may be straightforward, but it does require some design work ahead of time to be sure that the finished product is appealing overall. Matching the existing siding, choosing the right materials and coordinating with other elements of the exterior finishing are all important decisions involving the design of your siding project. But once you've made some choices, this project is a snap and will result in a clean, fresh finish for your home.
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