Professional Interior & Exterior House Painters in Kirkland, WA

All siding materials can last for a very long time, although some require a much higher level of maintenance than others if they are to last a comparable amount of time. With that being said, fiber cement siding, vinyl and metal siding do tend to last longer than wood siding even with proper maintenance of the latter. Natural siding products can have slight, imperceptible imperfections than can lead to issues down the road, whereas manmade product longevity will depend more on the quality of installation and the material itself. James Hardie siding lasts longer than any other siding on the market and has a minimum 30 year warranty. Hardie can last up to 50 years with proper care compared to most siding that averages about 20 years.

Types of siding can be categorized by material and style. The most common siding materials are fiber cement, vinyl, and wood/cedar siding. Metal is also used but is less commonly used. Other materials such as stone, brick and stucco can also function as siding. The most common styles of siding are lap siding, panel siding, shingle siding, and vertical plank siding. Lap siding consists of horizontally installed overlapping boards and is the most commonly used style. Panel siding utilizes larger boards that are installed edge-to-edge. Shingle siding is made up of smaller boards of varying sizes which overlap each other. Vertical plank siding can be done as board and batten, channel siding, and tongue and groove, the last two of which can also be installed horizontally.

Fiber cement siding is the most installed siding material nationally. Most new developments use fiber cement siding due to the durability and lower cost when compared to other materials. It is also available in several styles and pre-colored options, but can be painted as well, making it an extremely versatile option as well. The most popular fiber cement siding manufacturer is James Hardie due to its quality and its incredible 30 year warranty.

It can, depending on the type of siding and the install method. Some siding systems, such as vinyl and metal, can let rain in on trim pieces and on the vertical seams where the planks or panels connect. Wooden siding can also let in rain along unsealed vertical and horizontal seams. Fiber cement siding is less likely to let in rain, provided that the system is properly caulked and flashed to protect the seams from intrusion. But no matter the type of siding, all systems should have a protective moisture barrier installed behind the siding itself. This barrier can provide an extra layer of protection from rain and water intrusion. Proper installation by an expert will also ensure your warranty is effective and valid. Improperly installed siding does not typically qualify for warranty replacements, this would include if any rain did happen to come through the siding.

You absolutely can, which does not necessarily mean that you should. Siding systems are complicated, labor intensive products which typically only function properly if they are installed completely and correctly, something which is nearly impossible for a first-time installer to do. It is better to trust an experienced, qualified installer to handle the installation properly rather than take a do-it-yourself approach.