Siding is one of those things you probably don’t think about much until you have a problem. Eventually, your siding will need to be replaced, and it’s a good idea to be proactive and regularly inspect your home’s exterior to catch any signs of problems with your siding early.
Periodically, walk around your entire home and inspect the condition of your siding. If you catch a spot that needs to be repaired before the problem gets out of hand, you’ll save a lot of money and headache.
A Best Pick siding contractor in your area is standing by, ready to help you repair or replace your siding. They’ve got the tools and expertise to do the job right and help you pick the right material for your home’s style and your budget.
Baltimore Siding Companies
Signs you need new siding
Eventually, your siding will need to be replaced. Keep an eye out for the following signs that you should call a siding contractor for replacement.
Your siding is peeling or chipping. If your siding needs to be repainted frequently, or about every five or six years or less, that’s a sign that something is wrong with your siding.
Siding is warped or loose. If your siding is no longer fitting tight to your home, bowing outwards, sagging down, or just not fitting together, there’s an underlying problem.
You see signs of rot on your siding. Be sure to thoroughly check your siding for rot regularly. You can use a screwdriver to poke underneath the siding to see if any materials have become soft and begun to rot.
Mold, mildew, or fungus is accumulating on your home. Fungus, mildew, and mold love moisture, so if you see these growing on your siding, that’s a sign there may be water where it shouldn’t be in your siding. Not all mildew, fungus, and mold means your siding has water damage, but it should be investigated.
Paint or wallpaper inside your home is peeling off. This can be a sign that your siding is letting moisture in, causing issues on the interior of your home.
When in doubt, call a siding contractor to come take a look. When it comes to the integrity of your home’s exterior, better safe than sorry. The elements are always looking for a way in, and your siding is one of your first lines of defense.
Siding materials
When it’s time to replace your siding, you have a big decision to make: what siding material will you choose? Keep reading to learn a little about popular siding options. And remember, when in doubt, a Best Pick siding contractor can guide you through the selection process.
Vinyl siding is an affordable and durable option that comes in many colors. Newer vinyl siding can imitate the look of other types of exterior cladding materials. Insulated vinyl siding is also available, which increases energy efficiency by creating a barrier for heat loss or gain.
A newer and highly durable product, fiber cement siding is thicker than vinyl and is better able to withstand harsh weather conditions, including cold weather. It does not need to be painted as often as wood siding does, and it resists rot and insect damage.
Wood siding requires quite a bit of maintenance but looks beautiful. While declining in popularity because there are many lower-maintenance options available, you may want to choose this if your home previously had wood siding and you want to maintain that look. Wood siding should be cleaned and either painted or stained and sealed regularly.
Engineered wood siding is a more durable alternative to wood siding that requires less maintenance and still provides the attractive look of wood. This siding material needs to be painted every five to ten years to maintain its protection against moisture.
Not sure what siding material to pick? Your siding contractor should be able to provide advice and explain the pros and cons of all the different options you’re considering. Overwhelmed by the wide range of colors available? Take inspiration from your neighbors and check with your HOA to see if there are guidelines and restrictions.
The Best Picks for Baltimore Siding Contractors
Finding an experienced, reputable siding contractor isn’t easy, and that’s why the survey team at Best Pick Reports reaches out to Central Maryland homeowners each year to find the best siding companies near you.
All Best Pick companies are fully vetted on a yearly basis to ensure that they provide high-quality work and excellent customer service. Our company qualification process means that the companies we recommend are top-notch, and we’re proud to present our survey results in a format that is easy to navigate.
When you work with a Best Pick siding contractor in Baltimore, we guarantee you’ll have a great experience.