MKE Siding Blog

Do I have to remove old siding before installing new?

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 17:01:59 GMT

Do I have to remove old siding before installing new?

No idea about installing siding is not a problem

Thinking of having a new siding installed in your house? Want to do it properly and correctly? But you don't have any idea how and what to do about it? No need to worry, because Milwaukee Siding is the answer to your worries.

For a better outcome, old siding should be remove

It is possible not to remove the old siding before putting in the new siding. But if you want a better outcome, it is best to take the old one first. To make sure that there will be no hindrance when applying it. And you can see the whole scenario and situation of the wall.

Reasons why old siding should remove first:

It will be a lot easier to put the new siding on. It will not take so much time putting it in the wall. Because it will be a smooth procedure.

To check the woods of the wall. It is very important if the quality of the woods are still in good condition because it will affect not just the new siding but the whole area as well.

Avoiding pests is essential before putting a new sidings. Because most of the sidings become a nest of the bees and some insects so in removing the old sidings you will be able to make certain action about it.

It will make your house look more neat and clean. Because the work will be done so nicely and properly if the old siding is removed first.

Factors to consider if you want to put new siding over an old siding

It is important that the old siding is fastened tightly. Because the new siding will be needing a force to stay in the wall that's why the old siding needs to be attached so tight for it to work. If not, both new and old will just fall in the ground or will not stay for too long.

It needs to be in good condition. For you to have a great outcome, the old siding should still be in good condition which is not warped, bowed or rotting, so that it will not affect and ruin the new one.

Importance of home's siding

Siding is very important because it serves as a protection of the house from winds, snow, rain and any weather elements. It keeps the people inside it safe and secured. It also plays a big role in creating the appeal of your homes as it was the first thing to see by the people. It increases the value and beauty of your house.

Ask for professional help and advice

Remember your home is your safe place, so you need to invest in it. If you don't have any idea of what you need to do, don't hesitate to look for an expert in this field. Bec ause what you need is the best option, advice and service. And Milwaukee Siding is absolutely on the go to help and assist you.

What color siding has the best resale value?

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 19:28:40 GMT

The best siding colors for boosting home resale value

Whether you agree or not but a great exterior can always attract any person who will visit a home. It gives character to the structure and creates a magnetic force which is very useful when you are planning of selling the house. Siding color is one of the specific aspects that you need to work on if this is your plan. Because it doesn’t just give protection but also adds beauty to the surroundings.

And since we are talking about selling the house, having a new exterior paint or siding will obviously increase its market value which is a great advantage for you as an owner. Most buyers do some home inspections with the inspectors, they would look at the exterior paint and siding conditions because those were one of the things that protect the house structure. And this is one reason why some homeowners make some renovations before they will sell their property.

What is the best color for siding to increase its resale value?

Choosing the right color for siding is also important that we can not just take for granted because the exact value of your ROI or return of investment depends on separate factors like the architectural style, neighborhood, and the overall curb appeal. Having a newly installed siding can increase its ROI (return of investment) to 75-90 percent. So, here are some of the colors that you might try to consider:

White - It is a classic color that forever be in style, and you won’t find it difficult to pair it with other colors around it. A white siding is a sure increase of its property value however, this color is hard to maintain because any dirt can easily be seen.
Off-White - It is a trendy color to play around with in the exterior part of the house, plus it gives the illusion of making the room bigger as it reflects more light however, it needs to be maintained because it is not a timeless choice that can be forever attractive.
Gray - It is known to be an elegant color and a great choice if you are planning of blending it with the nature that surrounds you plus it creates a sense of serenity in your yard. However, it can easily fade over time.
Beige - It is a color that creates a welcoming vibe and does not overwhelm any person, but the downside is that it makes the house look smaller.

Siding colors to stay away from:

Black
Orange
Red
Yellow
Pink
Teal
Bright Blue
Pastels

Painting Aluminum Siding

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:29:12 GMT

Can we paint an aluminum siding?

Aluminum siding is a popular choice back in the day and it may look retro today, but there is a great reason for choosing that for a home. One of the few reasons is that it will not easily rot or can be destroyed by any insects. It can not easily get mold because it is not made of wood. When there is a strong wind, it will not be easily snapped off when installed properly and it is a good choice for insulating your home during extreme climates.

Those were the few reasons why some homeowners love to invest in having aluminum siding even if vinyl siding is the most popular one today. Sometimes it is not enough to install something in your home just because it is the current trend, sometimes it is good to choose something that is already tested in time.

Can we paint an aluminum siding?

If there is an advantage to every thing, there will always be a disadvantage. And one of those is that aluminum siding’s paint will easily fade in time. But don’t get discouraged because we can always paint an aluminum siding. And the fun part is that you can change color every other year if you feel like having a fresh house vibe.

When aluminum gets discolored, you don’t need to get worried that your siding will shrink, or swell just like wood siding. Aluminum metal will adjust and can firmly stick to the paint that you will apply. So, here is how to apply paint to your aluminum siding:

Clean the aluminum siding’s surface . It is always advisable to clean the surface before applying paint or anything to have a perfect output. Aluminum might not rot or rust but for sure there is dirt that is present that needs to be taken off by cleaning it. Use a pressure washer with a mixture of one capful of household bleach and TSP cleaner.

Apply primer . It is important to apply primer before starting to paint the siding because a primer seals the aluminum to prevent any oxidation under the paint and to have a uniform surface.

Time to paint . Apply the desired color paint once the primer dried up. You can choose what method you will use in painting: brush or spray.

How To Clean Vinyl Siding?

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 19:03:58 GMT

Cleaning vinyl siding

In terms of home improvement or materials, we always look for something that is durable that can withstand the test of time to ensure that what we invest in is worth it. But being versatile is not just the only thing that we need to look for. Versatility, elegance, and less maintenance are the other characteristics that most homeowners are also looking for.

When it comes to exterior renovation, vinyl siding is the popular choice for most homeowners because it has all the features that they need. Since it is made from special plastic, it can easily mimic the appearance of wood in case you prefer those kinds of looks. Plus you don’t have to worry about painting it because it comes in different colors to choose from.

Because of its growing popularity every year it became less expensive. And some homeowners who are doing exterior renovations just easily throw away those sidings without knowing that since it is made from plastic, you can easily clean it to return them to its original beauty.

Since it is placed in the exterior part of the house, vinyl siding is always exposed to different kinds of dirt. It can accumulate stubborn stains and grimes that can make the siding looks old and unmaintained. Those specks of dirt and stains are from birds, insects, spider webs, and rust. And if it is not installed correctly, there will be room for moisture that can cause the growth of molds and other unwanted stains.

Cleaning vinyl siding is an easy thing to do plus there are many cleaning products available in the market that can help you in removing those different types of stains and dirt. And the better way to clean it is to use a soft microfiber cloth or a long handle soft bristle brush to clean it in an upward direction. Always remember to rinse it thoroughly to avoid any moist.

Vinyl siding cleaner solution:

A mixture of 70% water and 30% white vinegar is a perfect solution for removing mildew stains and light molds in the vinyl siding.
For a stronger solution, mix 1 gallon of water, ⅔ cup of a powdered house cleaner, 1 quarter of laundry bleach liquid, and ⅓ cup of laundry powdered detergent.
For tough stains and dirt like grease, oil, grass, topsoil, crayons, bubble gum, and other forms of dirt, you can use a general household cleaner just like Lysol, Windex, and other products.
If you are worried that your garden landscape will be affected if you will clean the siding because of the cleaning chemicals you will use, mix 1 cup of oxygen bleach and 1 gallon of water in a bucket and use it in cleaning the dirt.

When using a pressure washer in cleaning the vinyl siding, always limit the amount of pressure to avoid any damage. And avoid using furniture polish cleaners, solvent, undiluted chlorine bleach, nail polish remover, or anything that can remove its paint. Also never use steel wool.

Wood vs Vinyl siding: Pros & Cons

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 19:12:02 GMT

Wood vs vinyl siding: Which do you prefer?

We always love to have an ideal house, something that we planned and picture out. But when it comes to choosing its structural components, we can’t choose because we haven’t learned more about it. Whenever homeowners plan of renovating and installing something in their home, they get confused because they don’t know its advantage and disadvantage to figure out which one is better.

One of the things that homeowners often hesitate about is the siding installation . They stumble on “which one is better? Is it the wood siding or vinyl siding?”. We all understand that not everyone can determine if which one is good for your house's needs because that is not the industry that everyone is specializing in.

You can find many different kinds of siding in the market today, but wood and vinyl are the most popular and chosen for some valid reasons. So here are the following pieces of information about the advantages and downsides of using wood siding or vinyl siding that you might need in deciding the better one for your home.

Wood vs Vinyl siding

Wood Siding - Using wood as rustic wood siding is the most timeless material that homeowners use. Some home exterior designers even think of it as a stylish option that never stays out of fashion. One of the advantages is that you can choose any type of wood that is best for your home like cypress, redwood, pine, or cedar.

When it comes to its appearance, wood siding comes in many different styles and plank sizes that can easily blend in with your house design. And when it age and fades, you can just easily repaint it in any color that you think is the best.

Wood siding is indeed durable especially if homeowners know how to take care of it, by having maintenance at least every year. One of the elements that can affect its performance is the different weather conditions, destructive insects like beetles and termites, and poor maintenance.

This type of siding may be a good insulator, but since wood is a natural material that can easily adapt to its current temperature, it would be difficult for it to be tight and sealed all the time. Unlike vinyl siding which is made from a special PVC plastic that can insulate the whole area.

Advantages:

Timeless, elegant, and stylish
It can increase the house market value
With proper maintenance, it can extend its lifespan

Disadvantages:

It can be easily affected by any pests and moisture from different weather conditions
Expensive maintenance
Difficult to install when you are not an expert
Expensive and needs proper installation to fully insulate the area

Vinyl Siding - It is a synthetic man-made material for it is made in a special type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Nowadays, more homeowners use this type of siding because of its durability and value for money.

When it comes to its appearance wise, vinyl siding offers different kinds of styles and designs just like wood siding, but the difference is that you can also choose its different lovely colors. And you can even choose a design that mimics a wood’s appearance.

Advantages:

Easy to install
You won't have to worry about any moist or pests because its plastic
Not expensive
Tight-sealed insulator
Easy to clean and maintain

Disadvantages:

Prone to melt and cracking when fully exposed to the extreme heat
It’s like choosing between an elegant or eco-friendly type of material

How Often Should You Replace Vinyl Siding?

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 19:38:42 GMT

When should you replace your vinyl siding?

Our house is the place where we spend most of our lives, it is like a comfort zone where we often recharge for the next busy day. As much as possible we try to make it a safe zone for everyone, especially our family. But most of the homeowners do not know if when is the right time to replace their vinyl siding.

Siding replacement is important not just because it adds beauty to the house exterior, but because it protects us from unpredictable weather such as strong wind, snow, and rain. And not to mention that it is one of the great materials used to insulate the whole house during the winter season. That is why we should never try to just wait for it to crack and give up its responsibility in protecting us who is living inside the house.

What is vinyl siding? Vinyl siding is a plastic type of material used as home exterior cladding to improve the house's appearance, provide weather resistance, and thermal insulation. It is also used as home exterior decoration because it has different beautiful colors and it can also imitate a wood clapboard if you prefer that. It became popular because it is less expensive, easy to install, does not need to be painted, and is easy to maintain.

What are the different types of siding and their lifespan?

Vinyl Siding - Vinyl siding is considered the most popular one for exterior home cladding because it is low-cost, versatile, and can mimic the look of wood. It can last for about 30-60 years but can be extended to 100 years if you know how to properly maintain its condition just like hand-washing it every year to take out all the dirt.
Wood Siding - Wood siding is known to be one of the most attractive siding options to homeowners. It gives an authentic and luxurious appearance. You won’t worry about the exterior color combination because you can easily change its color by repainting it. This natural material can last for about 20-40 years and can extend if you will paint it every two years and provide proper maintenance.
Fiber Cement Siding - Fiber Cement Siding is a durable and maintenance-free type of siding. It does not affected by fire or heat which is considered the safest one. It might be expensive but you will enjoy this investment for about 100 years without worrying about any issues.
Metal Siding: Aluminum and Steel - Aluminum and Steel siding are both durable and affordable. It might be the best bet but it can be noisy during hail and rain storms which is the downside of it. This type of siding can last for about 20-40 years.

Factors to consider in replacing your vinyl siding

Vinyl siding’s lifespan
Vinyl siding is worn out, broken, faded, or has missing pieces
Vinyl siding is leaked and moist

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 20:03:10 GMT

The advantage and disadvantages of having a vinyl siding

If you are planning to remodel the exterior of your house, most of the time it includes replacing your current siding to enhance the beauty of the house plus it gives a great fresh look. There are different kinds of materials available on the market that you can choose to make that happen. And one of the most common ones is installing vinyl siding for it is not expensive, easy to maintain and install.

Vinyl siding is a plastic form that most homeowners use on their house exterior because it can imitate the appearance of wood and other sidings, plus it comes with those elegant styles and colors to choose from.

All those great features made vinyl one of the ideal materials to use for exterior home renovation . But on the other side, is it really a great investment for your home? Because some homeowners worry that it might be difficult to paint etc. So before choosing it, it is important to know its strong points and drawbacks before investing your money.

The pros of vinyl siding

It is a budget-friendly option for every homeowner because it is less expensive compared to the fiber-cement siding which will cost you two to four times much.
You won’t have to spend money on painting it because it is already coated with different colors to choose from.
It is considered low maintenance because you can just spray down with a garden hose those dust, cobwebs, and other dirt that makes the siding and whole exterior of the house unattractive.
It has a great array of selection of different styles of texture and colors.
It helps in the process of insulating the house which can reduce the cost of the heating and cooling system.
It is durable compared to other siding materials. It can survive any harsh elements that may come.
And it is easy to install.

The cons of vinyl siding

Installation can be simple but it needs someone who has proper training and experience in it so that it can be installed properly. Because if the siding is nailed too tightly, there is a tendency that it will crack, expand, warp, or bulge and that will affect its responsibility to your home.
It releases toxins that are not good for the environment. This happens when it is exposed to too much heat.
Any moisture can’t be easily detected which can cause to mold infestation.
In a few years, the color will begin to fade because of the heat temperature, and that will make your home unappealing.

5 Inch vs 6 Inch Gutters - What's The Difference & Benefits?

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 14:07:52 GMT

The benefits and differences between 5 inches and 6 inches gutters

Our home is a great investment that we can benefit from for long years. But in order to become an investment, we need to maintain its good condition and make sure that every part of it is functioning the way it should be. We may spend a bit on its maintenance, but when it is time for you to sell it. you will have a great return on investment. And not to mention the comfort that you and your family have with it.

Part of its maintenance is exterior remodeling because that is one of the parts of the house that protect us from any weather and many elements outside like dust and other things. Siding and gutter are one of those. We need to ensure that our siding is not rotten or in bad shape because it serves as our insulation to give us a good room temperature inside the house.

It is important to have the appropriate size of a gutter in our house because it is the one that manages the flow of water from the rain into the downspouts. Having no gutter system will make the rainwater flow anywhere from the roof to the sidings, and the roof will have plenty of debris, just like leaves which can cause stagnant water and ruin its roofing system.

There are different gutter sizes to choose from, and the main common options are 5, 6, and 7 inches. And most homeowners got 5 or 6 inches gutter.

The 5 inches gutter is the smallest size that every standard resident has. It is not likely to be noticed, which is why some homeowners choose this. But this type is likely to have draining issues, especially if the roofs are steep. While the 6 inches gutter is a great option to choose for both homes and commercial establishments because it holds more water and carries it effectively to the downspouts so it won’t pour into the sidings and the house foundations . This is the reason why most people consider it a long-term investment and solution.

But we have to keep in mind that no matter what size your gutter will be if you don’t have regular and proper maintenance, it will still have draining issues, and it will still have a short lifespan than those who takes care of it regularly.

How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost To Install

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 01:28:18 GMT

Vinyl Siding Installation Costs: Install or Replace

Here in 2021, there’s some good averages we recommend people use for budgeting the cost of hiring a siding contractor to install siding on their home.

PRO TIP : Currently, in 2021 we are seeing massive spikes in material costs throughout the USA for all building materials. These numbers might change rapidly over the next 12 months so we highly recommend getting 3-4 bids on your project for a more accurate number in your area.

Across the country, the average installation of new siding costs just over $11,000. The range seems to vary between $6,000 and $17,000 for a whole home installation. On a linear foot scale, it averages around $7-8 per square foot with the full range between $3 – $12.

Vinyl siding is a very affordable option compared to others out on the market. Things like brick, stucco, fiber cement and wood siding all cost more and don’t necessarily provide massive improvement in overall performance.

Vinyl Siding Average Costs

In 2022, average costs for homes to install new siding look like this:

1,000 sq-ft home = $8,000 – $9,000

1,500 sq-ft home = $12,000 – $14,000

2,000 sq-ft home = $16,000 – $18,000

2,500 sq-ft home = $21,000 – $24,000

Again, these are just averages across the country and might not take into consideration local factors for your area.

Can I DIY My Siding Installation?

The truth is yes you can DIY anything if you’re willing to invest the time and effort to learn the skills. Do we think an amateur should install new siding on a 2,000 sq-ft home when they’ve never done this work before? No, we don’t think so.

Siding installation is easy to learn in small stints. Making some minor repairs on siding is something a handyman or homeowner could figure out with some YouTube videos. But to expect to install new siding in large quantities might overwhelm an average worker. So we highly recommend calling a professional with large amounts of siding work.

How Do You Estimate Vinyl Siding Size?

Start with the simple measurements of length and height of all your exterior walls. Multiply length times width of each wall and add all the walls together. This is your total square footage of the exterior of the house.

Now measure all the windows and doors and areas where siding is not needed (again width x height). Subtract all these numbers from the total and you have a rough estimate of the amount of siding needed for your home.

Multiply this number by the average cost of having it installed by a professional and you have a budget number. Now go call 3 contractors and have them give you a bid. Ideally, it should fall somewhere near your estimate if you’re in an average market (aka not New York City, Chicago, Dallas, etc.).

Can You Put Vinyl Siding Over Rotted Wood

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 01:24:24 GMT

Vinyl Siding Installation Costs: Install or Replace

You’re probably here looking at some siding repair project on your house. Maybe you’re even a good DIY handyman and already pulled some siding pieces off the house. But here’s the tricky element you discovered… you found rotted wood underneath the old siding. So now what do you do?

We’re here to help answer that question for all the DIYers out there who want to replace their own siding instead of hiring a professional contractor. So let’s dive in.

Should You Install Siding Over Rotted Wood?

The answer is no you should not replace or install vinyl siding and leave the rotted wood intact. Wood is often used on home building and is commonly wrapped around the house in sheets of plywood. It’s common and normal for wood to warp slightly over time. If you are confident the wood has ONLY warped on your house, you can install vinyl siding over the top of it.

But if you’re clearly seeing rotted wood, you should absolutely replace the wood before installing new siding. Rotting wood can be a huge cause of issues down the road (if not already) in your house. Rotting wood allows for structural issues and can lead to even larger problems if not handled.

How Does Wood Rot In The Underlayment?

The two biggest reasons for rotted wood in the under layer of your home exterior are: water leaks and termites. Neither of which are a good thing to keep there by installing new siding over the top and pretending it doesn’t exist.

Let’s start with a water leak. If you have rotten wood and you suspect it’s from a consistent water leak, have you fixed the leak yet? Many times homeowners discover rotten wood first before even knowing a leak exists. Over time, the leak can disintegrate the structural aspect of the wood (in several places) and leave you in a huge mess.

If you pulled siding off your house and found rotten wood, there might be a roof or siding leak nearby. Get that fixed and also replace the rotten wood before installing new siding over top.

Now, what if it’s termites? This could be opening a huge can of worms (literally and figuratively speaking) if you found rotten wood from termites. Termites eat wood, so if you’re seeing rotten wood from termites, are you confident it stopped there? What if it’s still ongoing and they’re spreading throughout your house? You should call a professional if you honestly think termites are involved.

These critters can cause massive damage over time which could hurt the structural integrity of your entire house.

Should You Call A Professional Siding Contractor?

It honestly depends on the situation. If you’re pretty handy and have some some exterior work, you might be able to figure this one out. Replacing small sections of under lament and siding can be done by a skilled handyman and not necessarily need a professional siding contractor .

But if you’re looking at the situation and second-guessing your skills, it might be time to call someone. Plus most contractors offer free consultations and visits so you can call several for an opinion.

Feel free to contact us if you’re in the greater Milwaukee or Waukesha area. We always offer free property inspections!