Get matched with top siding pros in Jefferson, CO

You should plan to stain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and provide maximum protection, though some estimates suggest a range of four to six years. The exact frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the overall condition and quality of the wood.

For homes in harsh climates with high humidity and significant sun exposure, you should plan on staining as often as every three years, while those in milder locations may only need to do so every seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh climates, consider using an opaque stain.

If you are looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, you might consider vinyl or aluminum siding. While the initial installation cost can be higher, they do not require as much upkeep and can offer more value over time, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.

This is a tricky answer because how fast you work, how large your team is, and what type of siding you install will all determine your total time. One person placing bricks around an entire house can take weeks, but a team of 10 could complete the job in just a few days. Installing siding is a job that’s best done by a pro, as they are experienced and will perform solid work. A rough guideline for DIYers is to budget 15 minutes per square foot of siding.

As stunning and natural as stone siding is, it's not for everyone. Some popular siding alternatives to stone siding include:

• Aluminum siding

• Brick veneer siding

• Engineered wood siding

• Fiber cement siding

• Wood siding

• Vinyl siding

If you want the look of natural stone siding without the high material and installation costs, vinyl siding may be one of the best alternatives. It’s lightweight, low-cost, and low maintenance but does have a lower life span than natural stone.

Mildew grows into porous wood, making it more difficult to remove than regular dirt (and more destructive). We suggest using a dedicated mildew and mold fungicide to remove mildew, which is found in any local home improvement store. Apply a dose of the fungicide to the siding and leave to work according to the instructions, usually for an hour or two. Then wash it thoroughly away and scrub the spot again. Repeat the process if necessary. If nothing is removing the mildew stains, you should plan on removing those clapboard planks in time, as their damage could cause future problems.