OKC residents are quite familiar with harsh climatic conditions like strong winds or storms. Understanding the materials and components used in your OKC home’s siding is thus crucial, not only for aesthetic appeal but also for durability and efficiency. Regular maintenance and a solid grasp of warranty details can save you from future headaches and unexpected costs. Ensuring all these factors are in check is key when considering siding installation in OKC.
Varied Materials of Siding
Vinyl Siding– Most homeowners adore vinyl for siding installation for its zero-hassle upkeep. This water-resistant PVC fends off pests, rot, and mold while offering diverse styles & colors, like a timeless wooden look.
Cedar Siding– Lightweight cedar siding, with its porous nature, excels as both an insulator and sound blocker. This natural wood boasts numerous benefits, but homeowners often choose cedar simply for its stunning beauty, enriching homes with warmth, charm, & aesthetics.
Fiber Cement Siding– Fiber cement siding is a blend of sand and concrete, creating a fire-resistant barrier against insects and rot. Its exceptional durability and longevity make it a top choice for OKC homeowners seeking lasting protection with siding installation.
Foam-Backed Vinyl Siding– Improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency with foam-backed vinyl siding. Enjoy the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl while combating high energy bills and uneven temperatures. This innovative siding keeps rooms cozy year-round, saving you money and developing your home’s comfort.
Essential Components of a Complete Siding System
Siding choices often center on the panels, with cost, durability, and lifespan varying greatly between materials. However, successful siding installation projects involve more than just the top layer. It’s a comprehensive system with essential components beyond the panels, ensuring a functional and long-lasting exterior for your home.
Batten– In traditional wood siding, battens are wood strips securing the joints where siding panels meet. This practice inspired the contemporary “board and batten” style, featuring boards with battens filling the gaps, adding visual appeal and weather protection.
Backerboard– Backerboard, typically plywood or cement board, serves as a foundation for your siding system. Securely attached to the exterior wall studs, it provides a stable surface for fastening the external siding panels, ensuring a durable and weather-resistant structure.
Channel– This term denotes the groove within trim or corner posts where siding is inserted, ensuring a secure and seamless fit. Sometimes, “channel” refers to the entire trim piece itself, contributing to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the siding system.
Fascia Board– Typically made of wood, fascia boards run along the lower edge of your roofline, covering the ends of rafters. They offer protection to the eaves, improving the appearance of your home’s exterior while preventing water infiltration and pest intrusion.
Drip Cap– Installed above windows and doors before siding, this L-shaped flashing acts as a moisture barrier. It prevents water from seeping into the junction between the siding and door or window frames, safeguarding against potential leaks and damage.
Lap– In vinyl siding, the lap refers to the overlapping area at the ends of two panels. This design allows for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, preventing warping and ensuring a tight fit. Modern siding installation services offer various lap styles with vinyl, including the popular Dutch lap pattern.
Flashing– This thin material, often metal like copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel, diverts water away from vulnerable areas where siding and roof elements meet. Strategically placed flashing safeguards against leaks, ensuring the longevity and integrity of your home’s exterior.
Maintaining the Splendor of the Siding
Cleaning Essentials
Regular Cleaning– Keep your siding looking its best with biannual cleaning. Whether synthetic or wood, a gentle scrub with a soft brush and mild soap followed by a hose rinse will do the trick.
Power Washing- For vinyl or wood siding, a pressure washer can be a powerful ally. However, exercise caution- follow manufacturer instructions, maintain a safe distance (6 feet minimum), and spray at a 90-degree angle to avoid water damage.
Fiber Cement Care– Avoid power washing fiber cement siding, as it can cause harm. Stick to gentle cleaning methods to preserve its integrity.
Gentle Care for Lasting Beauty
Chemical Caution– Steer clear of harsh chemicals like undiluted bleach, liquid grease removers, and furniture cleaners, as they can damage materials used in siding installation.
Skip the Scrub– Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool, which can mar the surface, causing discoloration and compromising the siding’s water resistance.
Preserve Protection– Choose gentle cleaning methods to maintain the color vibrancy and protective qualities of your siding, ensuring it looks its best for years to come.
Effective Mold & Mildew Removal from Siding
Identify Mold or Mildew– Promptly address any mold or mildew spots as soon as they are noticed to prevent further growth and damage.
Cleaning Recommendations– Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners. Instead, select a cleaning solution that is appropriate for the specific material used in siding installation.
DIY Cleaning Solution– For a homemade alternative, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of water. This mixture is adequate for most types of siding and is eco-friendly.
Inspect for Further Damage– While cleaning mold from vinyl siding, check for signs of holes or dry rot. These issues indicate that it might be time to consider replacing your siding to ensure structural integrity and appearance.
Prompt Repair of Siding Holes or Cracks
Immediate Attention Required– Act swiftly if you find gaps or cracks in your siding. These openings can allow moisture to seep into your walls, compromising your home’s thermal regulation.
Consequences of Neglect– Ignoring moisture infiltration can lead to mold growth and rot, posing a severe risk to your home’s structural stability.
Professional Intervention– To prevent the escalation of damage, enlist an expert in siding installation to fix any compromised panels promptly. This proactive step can help you avoid more complex and costly repairs in the future.
Siding Installation Warranties
Before beginning siding installation, confirm the type of insurance and warranty coverage provided by both the siding installer and the manufacturer.
Workmanship Warranty
Labor Coverage– Your siding installation company should guarantee their labor. This warranty ensures that any improper installation or damage incurred during the installation will be rectified at no additional cost.
Warranty Duration Caution– While long warranties, such as those extending 50 years, may appear attractive, be cautious. Installation-related issues typically become apparent within the first few years or even months.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Product Assurance– Besides the installer’s warranty, the siding manufacturer usually offers a product warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and generally includes the cost of the product and the labor required for siding installation.
Limitations of Coverage– It’s important to note that this warranty does not cover regular wear and tear from environmental factors, nor does it cover damage due to fire or vandalism.
Variable Warranty Length– The duration of the manufacturer’s warranty can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer, so it’s essential to verify these details.
Go for Siding Upgrade with Red River
Red River Roofing Siding Windows ensures top-notch siding installation in OKC tailored to withstand our unique climate. Our skilled team guarantees durability and style for your home. Contact us today to secure your home’s future with reliable and aesthetically pleasing siding solutions. Let’s enhance your home together!
