Get matched with top siding pros in Akron, IA

There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all  gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.

Vinyl is the most common shingle siding due to its rigid PVC design, longevity, affordability, and ease of installation. The next most popular types of shingle siding are fiber cement, which is in the mid-range for prices, and cedar shake, which is the most expensive. Consider the upfront cost, ongoing maintenance costs, and durability in your specific climate before deciding.

Vinyl, brick veneer, stucco, steel, stone veneer, and composite siding are popular alternatives to wood siding. Which siding material is best for your home boils down to your budget, aesthetics, lifestyle, and climate. For example, stone veneer offers a timeless charm and is low maintenance but may have too high of a price tag. Meanwhile, some homeowners love vinyl siding for its low cost, while others dislike it for its appearance and shorter life span.

You should restain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and ensure maximum protection. The precise frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, the siding's exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the condition of the wood.

Homeowners in harsh climates with high humidity and significant direct sunlight should plan on restaining every three years, while those in milder locations can wait up to seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh environments, consider using an opaque stain.

If you're looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, vinyl or aluminum siding are options to consider. Although their installation cost may be higher, they don't require as much upkeep over time, which can provide more value, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.