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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.

Whether or not your homeowners insurance covers EIFS stucco siding depends on the insurance company and the specifics of the policy. Some insurance companies will not cover EIFS due to its susceptibility to moisture damage, and some companies will only cover EIFS manufactured and installed after a certain date, since newer systems mitigate potential damage concerns better than older ones.

Look and feel for signs of damage after a hail storm. On vinyl siding, there will likely be cracks or holes. If you have steel or aluminum siding, look for dents and cracked or chipped paint. For wood and fiber cement boards, dents are the most common sign of hail damage.

The cost of wood siding varies by the type of wood. Engineered wood siding tends to be in the middle of typical costs ($3 to $7 per square foot for materials). Hardwoods, for instance, can cost $5 to $20 per square foot for materials alone, but cedar wood can be as cheap as $3 per square foot.