The Ultimate Guide to Siding for Kansas City Homeowners

Find Answers To Your Common Siding Questions

Guide Chapters

As a homeowner who is considering an exterior overhaul, it can be stressful to figure out where to start. And when it comes to siding, it can be confusing to simply figure out what questions to ask, much less where to find the answers!  

If you’re like most homeowners, you want your new siding to be low-maintenance and affordable, but you also want it to hold up as long as possible. Inexpensive siding can mean more upkeep, repairs, and a shorter life.

And then you’ll wind up exactly where you started, which is most definitely NOT where you want to be! At Smart Exteriors, we have extensive expertise with siding materials, installation, and maintenance. Our goal is to arm you with the right facts, so you can make an informed decision.

What Are the Warning Signs That You Need to Replace Your Siding?

Damaged Siding

Unfortunately, siding doesn’t last forever. There are many hazards that can cause damage, deterioration, and shorten its lifespan, such as:

  • Pests, such as termites, woodpeckers, and carpenter bees
  • Faulty installation
  • Moisture permeation
  • Lack of maintenance
  • Freeze and thaw cycles
  • Hail
  • Bright sun or intense heat
  • Regular wear and tear 

 Dated siding can seriously detract from your home’s curb appeal. But siding is important for far more than aesthetics. Its most crucial role is to protect the structure and interior of your home. That’s why it’s so critical that you consider replacing your siding as soon as you see any damage. Here are some of the things to look for that may alert you it’s time for an exterior overhaul: 

  • Rotting boards – Rotten or warped boards are a sign that there is water damage seeping under the planks, which can seriously jeopardize your home’s structure. 
  • Sagging and cracking – Sagging or cracked siding allow water to leak behind it, resulting in decay.
  • Peeling paint – Peeling paint is often a symptom of poor ventilation or moisture damage.
  • Mold or mildew – Algae or mildew growth on your siding is another sign of water damage. If the fungus continues to thrive, it can damage or even destroy your home’s structural integrity. It can also impact your family’s health. 
  • High energy bills – If your siding isn’t properly insulating your home, your air conditioning or heating will need to work overtime to keep up, causing your energy bills to rise.  

The most important takeaway is this: if your siding is impaired, don’t wait to seek a solution.

What Is The Most Durable Siding Material For Your Kansas City Home?

Choosing which type of siding is best for your Kansas City area home can be daunting. There are many varieties to choose from that feature different benefits and a wide range of price points. Educating yourself about the pros and cons of each material can help you select the most appropriate siding for your home.  

Common types of siding include:  

  • Fiber cement – James Hardie fiber cement siding is a highly durable material, made from sand, wood fiber, and Portland cement. It is an excellent choice when it comes to standing up to the extreme weather conditions that characterize the Kansas city climate. It is also resistant to pests, mold, fire, and rot. 
  • Vinyl siding – Vinyl siding is flexible, inexpensive, easy to install, and doesn’t require painting.
  • Stone veneers – Adding stone veneers is a simple installation process that can significantly elevate your home’s curb appeal.

Can Insulated Siding Lower Utility Bills?

Board and Batten James Hardie Siding

Siding plays an important role in your home’s exterior temperature. Simply put, if your siding isn’t properly insulating your home, it will feel too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, regardless of where you set your thermostat. 

When properly insulated, the right siding can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency. These are the two most common types of siding we install on Kansas City area homes: 

  • James Hardie fiber cement siding – Durable James Hardie fiber cement can be installed with foam insulation behind it to prevent unwanted heat loss during Kansas City’s chilly winters.
  • Insulated vinyl siding – Low maintenance, affordable foam-backed insulated vinyl siding offers superior energy efficiency.

The Different Architectural Styles Of Siding: Which One Is For You?

Gray James Hardie Siding on a home

One of the standout features of siding is its incredible versatility. Because there are so many options, any homeowner can find the right siding to suit their abode’s architecture, the character of their neighborhood, and their style. New siding can completely transform your home’s exterior. So how should you decide which is right for your home and family? 

Here are some things to consider:  

  • Does your neighborhood have a homeowners’ association that restricts your color  choices? 
  • Is your home exposed to excessive sunlight and requires a lighter color? 
  • Could a light color get muddy? 
  • What style will most compliment your home’s architectural style? 
  • Which trim color will complement the siding? 

In addition to aesthetics, you’ll want to consider these factors:  

  • Water resistance
  • Ease of installation 
  • Energy efficiency
  • Maintenance
  • Longevity

Here are some of the siding styles to choose from and which might best suit your home’s architectural style:  

  • Board and batten – Vertical board and batten siding enhances the modern “farmhouse chic” style that has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.
  • Shake and shingle – Textured shake or shingle allows you to create a custom look for a Cape Cod, coastal, rustic, or cottage style home.
  • Contemporary siding – This sleek style complements any clean-lined contemporary home.
  • Lap siding – This classic horizontal look is appropriate for a variety of exterior styles.

Does New Siding Increase The Value Of Your Home?

Damaged, worn siding doesn’t just look ugly. It can seriously impact your home’s value. Likewise, upgrading your home’s siding can yield a significant return on investment. In fact, installing new siding can increase your home’s value by more than 70% and attract potential buyers.

What Time of the Year Is Best to Replace My Home’s Siding?

What time of year is best to install siding

Climate is one of the greatest culprits when it comes to wear and tear on your siding. It expands and contracts with warm and cold temperatures, which can cause it to crack and warp. Kansas City’s temperature extreme exacerbates these problems. Our humid summers and precipitation heavy winters mean water is more likely to permeate your siding, leaving it vulnerable to rot, mold, or algae. 

Siding can be replaced during any season. When it comes to choosing when to undertake this home improvement project, there are pros to all four seasons: 

Pros of winter and fall siding replacement: 

  • Easier scheduling – It is easier to schedule because contractors tend to have fewer commitments.
  • Lower costs – Because it’s a slower time of year, manufacturers and installers are more likely to offer special deals.

Pros of spring and summer siding replacement: 

  • Weather – More predictable temps and sunny, precipitation-free days.
  • Longer days – Expanded sunlight hours mean crews can get more accomplished each day.

The bottom line is that the best time of year to replace your siding is as soon as you notice the damage.

How Much Maintenance Does My Siding Need?

Siding being cleaned

Siding is a significant investment. It is also your first line of defense against snow, rain, heat, fire, and pests. That is why it’s so important that you maintain it, so it lasts as long as possible. 

If you don’t practice preventative maintenance, you can wind up spending money on costly repairs or allow it to fail, which can wind up costing you tens of thousands of dollars.  

Different types of siding materials have varying maintenance needs. Here’s what you need to know about upkeep for the most popular types of siding: 

  • Wood – Regular cleanings and new paint or varnish every few years. 
  • Vinyl – Clean once a year with a hose or pressure washer and replace visibly damaged sections or panels.
  • Fiber cement – Hose off visible dirt and repair any chips.
  • Steel – Clean soiled areas as needed.

How do I Choose the Right Kansas City Area Siding Contractor?

If you’re looking to save costs, you may be tempted to undertake a DIY siding replacement. While many home projects are easily completed without the help of professionals, siding installation is not one of them! It is always preferable to hire an experienced contractor to replace your siding. Here’s why: 

  • Avoid costly mistakes – You may wind up with problems with the aesthetics, energy efficiency, or durability of your new siding
  • Warranty – If you install it incorrectly, you might void your warranty.
  • Equipment – Professional siding contractors have the expertise and tools to complete your exterior renovation on time and safely. 

So how do you know which contractor to choose? Here are some things to look for:

  • License, insurance, and credentials – Professional contractors should have at least comprehensive general liability insurance, be licensed by the city or state, and undertake regular training and certifications renewals. 
  • Experience – Contractors that have been operating for a long time are typically more experienced and better qualified.
  • Referrals – Can they offer you a list of satisfied customers that you can contact? 
  • Ask about payment timing – A dependable contractor will not request the entire payment upfront. 
  • Warranties – Choose a company that offers a warranty on its workmanship* as well as a manufacturer’s warranty for the materials.

Siding Installation You Can Trust

Contractor installing siding on a home

At Smart Exteriors, we know that a siding replacement is a major investment, so you want to choose a contractor you can trust. We are committed to providing Kansas City-area homeowners with information, guidance, expert home installation services, premium materials, and solutions that last! 

Looking for some inspiration? Check out some of our recent projects!

*ask us for details on our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty

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