Siding
user-960219
| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
We are purchasing a house. It has steel siding that is peeling and is likely defectively manufactured. The current home owner has been unsuccessful in getting the manufacturer to replace the siding.
Would the cost of removal of the current siding be the same regardless of the type of new siding that is installed? What type of siding is best? What type of siding meets the “pretty good house: standard?
Thank you for your assistance.
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Replies
Ann,
Q. "Would the cost of removal of the current siding be the same regardless of the type of new siding that is installed?"
A. Yes.
Q. "What type of siding is best?"
A. Choosing siding is usually an aesthetic decision. Siding preferences vary widely from one region to another.
From a moisture-management perspective, the riskiest siding types are stucco and adhered stone (or manufactured stone) veneer. That said, there are ways to install these sidings that are less risky.
From a moisture-management perspective, the best performing siding is probably vinyl siding, although many homeowners don't like its looks.
If you are looking for low maintenance, brick veneer makes a lot of sense -- but again, pay close attention to moisture management with this type of siding.
Another low-maintenance siding is unpainted white cedar shingles. Note, however, that installing this type of siding is labor-intensive, and some homeowners don't like the fact that the shingles will vary in color as they age.
Also, if you think you might want to upgrade insulation in the walls at some point, it's much cheaper to do that in conjunction with replacing siding than doing it later (which would probably mean replacing the siding again). Other energy upgrades like air sealing and attic and/or basement insulation might be better bang for the buck, so it doesn't always make sense to add insulation under siding, but it's now or never so it's worth considering.