Re-Siding Your Vancouver, WA Home: A Comprehensive Guide
The Pacific Northwest, with its rainy winters and mild summers, can take a toll on your Vancouver, WA home’s exterior. Over time, even the most durable siding can become weathered, damaged, or simply outdated. This begs the question: is it time to consider re-siding your home?
Siding vs. Re-Siding: Understanding the Difference
First, let’s clear up a common misconception. Siding refers to the general exterior cladding material applied to your home’s walls. It encompasses various materials like wood, vinyl, fiber cement, and more. Re-siding, on the other hand, is the process of removing your existing siding and installing new material.
Cheaper Option: Siding vs. Re-Siding
The cost of siding a new home is generally cheaper than re-siding an existing one. Here’s why:
- Labor: Installing siding on a new build is typically faster and easier, as there’s no need to remove existing materials.
- Material Removal: Re-siding requires the removal and disposal of your old siding, adding to the labor cost.
- Potential Repairs: In some cases, re-siding in Vancouver may uncover underlying structural issues requiring additional repairs before installing new siding.
Should You Re-Side Your Vancouver Home?
While siding a new home is cheaper upfront, re-siding offers several advantages:
- Improved Durability and Protection: Modern siding materials offer superior weather resistance, insulation properties, and resistance to rot and insects compared to older siding options.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: New siding can improve your home’s thermal envelope, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
- Increased Curb Appeal: Re-siding your home with a modern design and color scheme can significantly enhance its visual appeal. This can be a major selling point if you plan on listing your property in the future.
- Addressing Underlying Issues: Re-siding provides an opportunity to inspect your home’s exterior for underlying problems like water damage or structural weaknesses. These issues can then be addressed before installing new siding, preventing future problems.
The Re-Siding Process: What to Expect
Here’s a breakdown of the typical re-siding process in Vancouver, WA:
- Inspection and Consultation: A reputable siding contractor will thoroughly inspect your existing siding and discuss your goals for the project.
- Material Selection: Based on your budget, style preferences, and local building codes, you’ll choose the most suitable siding material for your home.
- Permitting: Your contractor will handle obtaining the necessary permits from the City of Vancouver for the re-siding project.
- Site Preparation: This involves protecting your landscaping and any exterior fixtures from damage during the project.
- Removal of Existing Siding: The contractor will carefully remove your old siding, ensuring proper disposal in accordance with local regulations.
- Inspection and Repairs (if needed): The underlying structure of your home will be inspected for any underlying issues that need to be addressed before installing new siding.
- Installation of New Siding: Your chosen siding material will be meticulously installed according to manufacturer’s specifications and local building codes.
- Project Completion and Inspection: Once the siding installation is complete, the contractor will conduct a final inspection to ensure everything meets your satisfaction and complies with building codes.
Choosing the Right Re-Siding Contractor in Vancouver, WA
Re-siding your home is a significant investment. Here are some tips for selecting a qualified contractor in Vancouver, WA:
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare quotes and proposals from several reputable contractors before making a decision.
- Check Licenses and Insurance: Ensure the contractor has a valid Washington State contractor’s license and sufficient liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
- Ask for References: Request references from past clients and contact them to verify the contractor’s quality of work and customer service.
- Read Reviews: Look for online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the contractor’s reputation.
- Warranty: Inquire about the warranty offered on both the materials and the contractor’s work.
By carefully considering the benefits and drawbacks of re-siding, and by choosing a qualified contractor, you can transform your Vancouver home’s exterior, improve its functionality and value, and create a lasting, weatherproof shield against the elements.