Best siding pros near Glade Hill, VA

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.

You can put new siding over clapboards, but it’s not recommended. Some sidings, like vinyl siding, can go over clapboards with sheathing like a foam layer in between. However, it’s best to remove clapboard siding if you plan on replacing it with new siding. Burying wood clapboards underneath new siding can create risks of rot and mold, or hidden insect damage. It can also create warping issues over time. Removing clapboards allows you to properly install a new sheathing, as well as clean up the exterior wall and look for any signs of damage.

Though vinyl siding is affordable, the material may not last as long or look as good as other siding materials. For example, wood siding has a beautiful, natural appearance but requires much more maintenance to keep your siding looking as good as new. 

Fiber cement siding is another alternative that mimics the appearance of wood siding. Like vinyl siding, fiber cement is a low-maintenance material, but it does come at a higher price and is heavier and more difficult to install. Weigh the pros and cons of all siding materials before you decide on the best option for your home.

The cost to install or replace brick or stone siding generally ranges from $10 to $50 per square foot. The final price depends on several factors, including the specific material type, local labor rates, and any necessary preparation work, such as removing old siding. For example, different types of stone have varying costs per square foot: natural stone ($4.50–$35), stone veneer ($11–$13), faux stone ($6–$9), and cultured or manufactured stone ($5–$8).