When Do You Need New Siding Installation?

Considering new siding installation

So you own a house. And your siding is starting to look a little worn down. Or maybe it looks fine, but you know nothing about how to tell how its holding up. How do you know that you need new siding? Today, we will share some tips from the contractors at Renovax on how to know that you need new siding installation. Below are some signs that suggest the need for new siding.

Need of new siding installation:

  • Cracks. If you look at your siding and see a crack or a hole, siding should be replaced. Siding protects your home from moisture, and cracks allow access to your home’s structure.
  • Rising utility bills. There are several things that could cause utility bills to rise, but this could be a sign of siding no longer providing necessary insulation.
  • Mold or rot indoors. If you see this, check the siding opposite on your home’s exterior. Moisture could be making it through to your walls.

  • For siding installation Chicago can trust, call a professional. Though it is possible to do it yourself, your best results will always come from a trained contractor.

    siding-installation-chicago

    Vinyl or Fiber Siding?

    Making a decision when it comes to new siding can be tough. There are so many options out there. Siding installation is an investment for most homeowners, so they want to make the right decision. If you’re unsure, we always recommend asking the siding contractors Chicago, IL homeowners use on a regular basis. But in order to help you make an informed decision, today we will discuss the differences between two popular siding choices: vinyl and fiber.

    These siding options are both extremely popular and for good reason. However, with recent advances, many people are beginning to prefer fiber siding, like the fiber-cement James Hardie brand. Why? A main reason is the thickness. Fiber siding tends to be more than twice as thick as vinyl siding! Since vinyl siding is prone to cracking, this is an obvious benefit. The thickness of fiber board also allows for added textural elements. Some fiber siding has been designed to look like wood!

    However, despite the benefits of fiber siding, vinyl siding is still a great option for many people. Of the two, vinyl siding is the cheaper option. So for families on a budget, vinyl may be the way to go.

    vinyl-fiber-siding-chicago

    The Wide Variety of Siding Installation Types

    You’ve been looking at your home’s siding and thinking something had to change. Your siding is damaged, or fading, or it was there when you bought the house and you don’t like the look. This situation is quite common. It’s why there are so many siding contractors Chicago, IL homeowners can call upon for their services. The wide variety of available siding types can get overwhelming. Today, we’ll discuss some of popular siding types:

    • Aluminum: Aluminum siding is a classic choice. Unlike vinyl, it will not crack. Unlike wood, it will not rot. It is durable and long lasting. It is also recyclable!
    • Cedar: This siding is best for a rustic look. After all, it is natural wood. Cedar’s natural properties allow it to stand up to weather and insects. It can be stained or untreated. The natural look remains as it ages.
    • Hardie board: This is a cement board siding of a specific brand: James Hardie. It’s long lasting, durable, and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles.
    • Brick Boards: Like the look of brick, but don’t have the resources for a masonry exterior? Brick board gives you the look of bricks without the cost or hassle.

    wide-variety-siding-installation

    The Importance of Insulated Siding

    Choosing a siding type for your home can be an overwhelming decision. There are so many options to choose between: vinyl, Hardie board, cedar, shakes, aluminum, and insulated siding to name a few. Today, we will discuss the benefits of insulated siding.

    To begin, let us define insulated siding. Insulated siding is vinyl on the outside, but it includes a foam backing. This foam backing has a couple of major benefits: it improves energy efficiency and it also improves the stability of the siding. Typical vinyl siding can be prone to cracks. However, the added foam insulation helps decrease that risk, as well as making the siding more impact resistant.

    But let’s move on to energy efficiency. This is one of most homeowner’s favorite perks. Insulated siding reduces thermal bridging, allowing continuous insulation over the surface of your home, helping your home stay warm in winter and cool in summer. In fact, insulated siding can save you an average of 5.5% on energy! So, though it may not be a lot of money, your insulated siding installation may offer you some savings on energy bills.

    For Siding contractors Chicago, IL trusts with their insulated siding installation, call Renovax!

    insulated-siding

    The process of getting a new roofing

    So you need a new roof. That’s just installing shingles, right? Wrong! Most people don’t know what they are paying for when they hire professional roofing companies for a roof installation. Today, we will walk you through the process of getting a new roof. For professional roofing installation we recommend picking the best roofing contractor in chicago.

    1. You research numerous contractors. You interview top contenders. Finally, you make a decision. You have decided which roofing contractor to work with.
    2. The roofing company arrives to install your roof.
    3. Your contractor takes steps to protect your property during the installation. This can consist of tarps, plywood, or other methods.
    4. Old roofing material is removed and disposed of.
    5. The area beneath the shingles is inspected. This area is known as the “wood deck.” Soft or rotting wood must be replaced. Otherwise, there is no solid base for your shingles.
    6. The roof is prepared for the shingles. This can be any number of methods: drip edge, ice and water shield installation, roofing felt installation, and more.
    7. Your new shingles are installed.
    8. The contractors leave and clean up after themselves.

    The process of roof installation is a complex one. Professionals make this complex job seem deceptively simple.

    roofing-contractors-chicago

    The Process of Siding Installation in Chicago

    The Process of Siding Installation in Chicago

    When you need siding installation on your Chicago home, there are several steps you need to consider. Today, I am here to walk you through the process of siding installation in Chicago. Following are some simple steps.

    • Determine your budget. Know how much you can and are willing to spend on siding materials and labor fees. It is best to know your budget before communicating with siding contractors.
    • Research siding contractors. They are abundant in Chicago. Take a peek online for options. Also, ask around. If friends, family, or coworkers have had siding installed, they may have recommendations of good contractors…or warnings of who to stay away from. Personally I recommend this siding contractors in Chicago – Chicago Siding and Roofing
    • Interview your favorite contractors. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, interview a handful of contractors. Make sure the contractor can fit your budget, timeframe, and that they communicate well.
    • Decide on the type of siding you want. There are many different types of sidings that each have their own pros and cons. Weigh these with your family and your contractor.
    • Work out a contract with your contractor. Nail down the price, time frame, and specifics of the job.
    • Have the siding installation completed. Your contractor will come to complete the job.
    • Enjoy!

    The Difference Between Vinyl Siding and Fiber Cement Siding

    Vinyl Siding or Fiber Cement Siding?

    When it comes to choosing siding contractors, you have an abundance to choose from. However, your decisions do not end there. You must also decide the type of siding you would like to have installed. Two common choices are vinyl siding installation and fiber cement siding installation. But what does that mean? What’s the difference?

    Differences between sidings

    Fiber cement is created from a mix of wood pulp and Portland cement. Vinyl siding is made from a plastic material called PVC. Is one better than the other? Not necessarily. Check this siding contractors chicago and they will be happy to advise You. Both sidings have different pros and cons. Both are available in a wide variety of styles and colors. Vinyl is the most popular siding type in today’s society. Vinyl siding is available in insulated versions which increase the energy efficiency of your home. Both are very durable, though vinyl siding is slightly more impervious to water and is more flexible. Both are affordable options and, with the help of a trusty professional, easily maintained. We highly recommend contacting one of the many siding companies Chicago is home to for your installation, rather than doing it yourself. They can assist you in deciding what type, style, and color of siding is best for your home.
    siding contractors chicago

    Vertical or Horizontal Siding Installation: Pros and Cons

    Vertical or Horizontal Siding Installation? What’s the difference

    When it comes to siding installation for your home, there are countless choices. There are seemingly infinite material, color, insulation, and brand types for your siding. But there is yet another option you have probably not considered: will your siding be installed vertically or horizontally? Due to the commonality of horizontal installation, vertical installation likely didn’t even cross your mind. Is one option better than the other? Let’s compare!

     

    Horizontal Installation

    Horizontal siding installation is, as we said, by far the most common. For this reason, your home will look more traditional. Depending on your aesthetic tastes, this can be a good or a bad thing. As it is the most common form of installation, all siding contractors know how complete a horizontal installation efficiently. One of the best siding contractors in Chicago, who can perform horizontal & vertical siding installation is RENOVAX Siding Contractors Chicago, IL. Calling Renovax ensures your siding installation will be performed quickly, efficiently, and inexpensively. The main con is that there is a larger risk of water getting into the gaps between siding.

     

    Vertical Installation

    Vertical siding installation is far less common. From an aesthetic standpoint, this can be a great thing. It allows your house to stand out in a subtle way from the surrounding homes, with minimal effort. As an added benefit, vertical siding installation is more waterproof than horizontal installation. The only cons are that it can take a little longer to install, and it may be a little more expensive. Do your research, and make sure your chosen contractor has the experience to perform this type of installation.

    horizontal-siding-installation

    Post-winter siding cleaning

    How to clean your vinyl siding after the winter?

    The best, mostly common alternative to aluminum siding in Chicago and nearby suburbs is vinyl siding. It’s easy to install, but in the same time durable and can last for years if properly treated. The layers of vinyl siding are installed in a way to prevent cracking and lower the maintenance costs. Vinyl siding, as an exterior product, is always exposed to the destructive forces of nature like wind, rain, snow and high temperature amplitude. Whether the winter last year was easy or rather strong and harsh, it’s always great idea to maintain it in a good shape. Here are some tips on how to do this without much effort:

    1. Look for damages. After a strong winter, the siding on your house may get damaged by the wind, snow or freezing. You’d better walk the place arround and check if there are no cracks or breaking siding panels. It’s better to fix them early, then wait for the damage to get bigger and cost way more.
    2. Pressure washing. It’s a great way to clean your vinyl siding after the winter, however you have to be cautious, as a strong pressure can deal real damage to the siding. Just stay far enough from the walls and don’t use the full power.

    Vinyl siding pressure washing tutorial

    Choosing a siding contractor

    How to choose best siding contractors in Chicago?

    Choosing a siding contractor is an extremely important part of the process of getting new siding. So what are some things to look for?

    1. Ask for recommendations. If you have friends or family who have had work done, they may have someone they trust! Plus, you have the opportunity to see their work up close and personal.
    2. Interview Contractors. Once you have a few contractors in mind, give them a call. Here are some questions you can ask:
      1. Do you have a local office?
      2. Do you have both general liability and worker’s comp insurance?
      3. Do you have any references?
      4. How long has the company been in business?
      5. Do you use your own installers? Do you use subcontractors?
    3. PriceThe price is important, but don’t automatically go for the lowest price if the company has not proven the quality of their work. Likewise, high prices do not always equate to quality.

     

    High quality siding contractors follow all rules regarding permits and do not overcharge. They use high quality siding rather than skimping on quality. There is plenty of great sidig contractors, but in our opinion acaroofing.com is one of the best siding companies in Chicago, IL. Most important, the best contractors are the ones who care about their customer service. Good luck with your search!