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Signs that you need to replace your siding include siding that’s warping, bubbling, or cracking; signs of rot or mold growth; fading, peeling, or chipped siding or paint; or siding that’s separating from the exterior of your house. Failing to replace your siding when it’s damaged can lead to moisture problems or structural damage, so promptly repair or replace siding as soon as you notice any of these signs.

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.

Increasing home value and return on investment (ROI) are two different things and it’s important to differentiate between the two. While a kitchen remodel will surely raise the value of the house, it may only have an ROI of around 50%. Homeowners looking to raise the value of their home for sale will have to consider how much they will recoup by the monetary investment in projects, as the ROI percentages may be lower or higher than the added value on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

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.