Replacing the siding on your home can dramatically improve its appearance, increase its value and enhance your home’s protection from the elements and pests. To get the most benefits from new siding, you need to make sure you choose the right type for your home.
With our more than 25 years of experience in the field, our team here at Allied Windows & Siding has seen it all when it comes to siding. We have chosen James Hardie Hardie Plank Siding as our preferred product for projects due to the many benefits that it provides.
Some of the benefits of James Hardie HardiePlank Siding include:
Fire Prevention
In the event of a fire, the right siding can greatly reduce damage done to the outer structure of a home. James Hardie HardiePlank Siding has been recognized as a fire prevention product. It is non-combustible and an excellent choice in areas prone to wildfires or in areas where houses are close together, increasing the danger of house fires.
Pest Resistance
Unlike wood siding, James Hardie siding is resistant to the effects of wood-eating and burrowing pests, including carpenter ants and termites.
Weather Resistance
It’s hard to beat the weather resistance of high quality HardiePlank siding. In wet and damp climates, the siding resists rotting, and its long-lasting color resists fading even in areas that are exposed to direct hot summer sunlight in the afternoon. The siding is also impervious to damage due to hail, impacts from debris that may fly during a storm and the effects of salty air along the shoreline. It’s even rated to withstand wind gusts of up to 150 miles per hour.
Less Maintenance
Compared to wood siding, James Hardie HardiePlank Lap Siding is much simpler to maintain. The paint can last for up to 10 years, which is 3 to 4 times longer than what’s common with wood siding.
Appearance
James Hardie siding is available in shades to suit every taste with ColorPlus® Technology. This state-of-the -art technology is the product of years of research and testing and allows James Hardie to provide a wider range of color options with something to suit every taste.
Guarantee
With James Hardie, you get the benefit of an incredible guarantee. A non-prorated, transferable limited warranty protects your investment, and the ColorPlus Technology carries a 30-year warranty. The siding has already been used with success on millions of homes across the United States.
Price
While James Hardie HardiePlank Siding stands out as the best siding in the industry in our experience, it is still competitively priced.
At Allied Windows & Siding we combine the best siding products with the best installation service to ensure the success of every project. We use a 14-point checklist to guide us through every job and exceed, not just meet our clients’ expectations. For a free estimate, complete our online form today or call us to get more information on James Hardie HardiePlank Siding.
https://alliedsidingandwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/allied_swb_vector_logo_into_adobe_illust-1-300x141.png00Allied Sidinghttps://alliedsidingandwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/allied_swb_vector_logo_into_adobe_illust-1-300x141.pngAllied Siding2016-11-17 00:00:002020-05-28 08:48:33What Type of Home Siding Should You Install?
You demand a lot from your home. Not only is it one of your biggest investments in life, but it needs to serve as a safe, reliable shelter that your family can rely on to keep them comfortable. And if it looks great from the outside too, that’s just an added bonus. One of the simplest and most practical ways to take care of all of the above is to have good looking, professional siding installed for your home. Siding that can stand up to both the hot Texas summer and freezing winters, while looking good and being reliable. And unlike cheap siding that is prone to wearing out quickly, top of the line siding can last for decades without deterioration or loss of function.
Wide Selection
One of the best parts of picking out siding is the wide choice of styles and materials. With so many varieties and designs, there’s siding with the exact look you want. Do you prefer vertical or horizontal planks, sheets, or shingles to make a design statement? We wanted to offer the most durable siding that still offers versatile design choices. Which is why we chose to team up with HardiePlank siding from James Hardie, the leader in fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding protects your house from all of the elements, including scorching summers, freezing winters, storms, wind and hail. Traditional siding materials, like wood, metal masonry, vinyl and asphalt, have a notoriously bad reputation for not being reliable. But unlike those materials, HardiePlank guarantees it will stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws its way without fading, cracking, peeling or damaging.
The fact is that many companies claim siding needs to be replaced every few years. And due to the quality of that siding, they aren’t wrong. But James Hardie’s siding build quality is so high, combined with our 30 year warranty means this is likely the last siding you’re ever going to have to buy for your home.
No Worries
Here are a few of thing you’ll no longer have to worry about when you install James Hardie siding products:
Cracking in hot conditions
Rotting in damp conditions
Spreading flames
Damage from termites and other insects
Warping, buckling and swelling
Frequent repainting
Storm, wind, salt and debris damage
Hardie ColorPlus Technology also keeps the siding looking fresh for longer than any other type of siding. The ColorPlus Technology is capable of lasting twice as long, having a 30% better fade resistance, and adhering 400% better than other paints. Your siding won’t crack, chip or peel because it is baked onto the advance fiber cement planks in the factory keeping it looking like it was just installed for years and years.
00Allied Sidinghttps://alliedsidingandwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/allied_swb_vector_logo_into_adobe_illust-1-300x141.pngAllied Siding2016-03-22 00:00:002020-05-28 08:48:34Why You Should Choose Siding for Your Home
Allied Siding & Windows has been providing quality and professional home improvement services to Houston, Austin, and Dallas for more than 20 years. We offer a number of stylish options from James Hardie®, the industry leader in the type of siding Houston, Austin, and Dallas homeowners have been able to count on Allied to provide. Take Hardiplank® Siding for example; this is the most durable and flexible siding material on the market today. While other siding materials such as vinyl are often easily damaged by insects or water, HardiePlank® is not. In fact, HardiePlank® Siding will resist cracking, peeling, fading, and many other problems that cause other siding materials to need replacement after only a few short years. Your home doesn’t have to succumb to the elements over time. No one has control over the weather, so it’s best to chose siding that resists severe climates and damage from precipitation, like James Hardie® fiber-cement siding.
Allied Siding & Windows proudly offers James Hardie® Siding to our customers because we fully believe in the durability of this material. We understand that your home is important and that you want to protect your home from the elements. HardiePlank® Siding allows you to do this while providing you with a beautiful appearance for your home’s exterior. And, Allied Siding & Windows can install HardiePlank® Siding for a much lower cost than most other companies in the Houston area. HardiePlank® is the number one choice for most homeowners in the Houston area today and is currently installed on millions of homes throughout the country.
If you need to install or replace your existing siding, then it simply makes sense to choose a material that will remain beautiful and durable for many decades. HardiePlank® Siding is that material. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, contact us today!
Spring is in the air and this is the season to complete many “spring-cleaning” and home maintenance projects – inside and outside your home. For those who currently have wood siding, keeping the siding looking presentable is definitely a challenge. Often, wood siding needs a new paint job every couple of years just to keep it looking sharp, especially in harsh climates. You can count on hours of manual labor when you paint the house yourself, considering all the scraping, then sanding and repainting that is needed to complete the job. Who wants to even think about a project like this, when you have so many other things to do? Maintaining your wood siding is not the most fun way to spend your spring or summer weekends.
Now is the time to think about a siding replacement project. The professional team at Allied Siding and Windows can help you choose easy to maintain siding that is right for your home and their experts will professionally install it for you. Once their work is complete, your home will look brand new.
As you consider replacing your siding, one of the most important questions to consider is this: what is the best siding to use to ensure minimal annual maintenance? You will find that HardiePlank® fiber cement siding is a great product to consider because it is practically maintenance free, with minimal effort required to keep it looking as good as new. Overall, fiber cement siding is resistant to most ordinary household stains. Because siding is exposed to Mother Nature and a variety of different weather conditions during any given year, it can become a little dusty, dirty or sometimes a bit mildewed. To keep HardiePlank® fiber cement siding in tip-top shape and looking beautiful, consider the following simple suggestions.
If your siding is dirty, it is easy to remove grime, soil and mildew by using a garden hose and a soft long-handled, soft-bristle brush or cloth. Do not use a hard brush (for example, a scrub brush or an abrasive scrub sponge) that could damage the finish or siding. Often just water will do the trick to wash away any dust or pollen that has accumulated on the siding. Sometimes, however, a little more is needed. With a mild dish detergent, gently scrub the siding until the grime is loosened and then you can use the hose to wash away the dirt.
If you start at the top and work down, you will prevent dripping and streaking in an already cleaned area. Using a soft brush, gently clean the siding using a side-to-side motion. Be sure not to push the brush too hard against the siding surface. Continually rinse the area that you are working on to ensure any cleanser is not allowed to dry on the siding.
If your surface still looks dirty or stained after simple washing methods have been used, the problem may be mildew. Mildew discoloration can look just like regular dirt, but it may take a little extra to wash it away. Moisture, which can lie dormant for years, is the single most important single factor that promotes the growth of mildew. For this reason, mildew is often found in damp, dark areas or during prolonged humid conditions. You can use a mildew cleaner, but it is advised that all instructions listed on the label be followed. Keep in mind that using harsh or harmful chemicals has the potential to damage the finish on the fiber cement siding.
As you can see, with just a little bit of time and minimal effort, HardiePlank® fiber cement siding can be kept looking “just like new” and it will provide many years of trouble-free protection for your home. If you are tired of tackling the maintenance of your current wood siding and would like the beauty and ease of HardiePlank® fiber cement siding, contact the professionals at Allied Siding and Windows today for more information! Using only high quality products, in conjunction with their stringent construction and production practices, Allied Siding and Windows ensures an optimum level of performance, results, and satisfaction for every customer.
For most homeowners, replacing siding is not at the top of their to-do list. In fact, many homeowners don’t even think of about their siding unless there is major visible damage. Many homes look beautiful for years, and hopefully even decades, when they have had good quality siding installed by professional contractors. Unfortunately, there is always the potential for trouble. Siding does eventually wear out. It can crack or break. At some point, it may begin to leak, causing other major (and probably expensive) damage.
So, the question is this: how does a homeowner know when their home needs new siding? What are the signs that signal it is time to consider replacement siding?
While it’s true that your siding can last for decades, the siding will slowly weather and deteriorate over time. Often, the deterioration is so gradual that most homeowners do not even detect the changes until they are severe. The first thing to do is take a walk around your house at a distance of about 25 feet. At that distance, you will be able to see the obvious signs of wear and tear or weather related damage. You should also do a close up inspection of the siding, looking for smaller potential issues. If you do have noticeable damage, be sure to hire an experienced siding contractor to do a complete replacement as soon as possible. It is important to prevent further problems that occur when water leaks in behind the siding. No one wants to handle other water related issues, such as mold and mildew.
The tips listed below will help you accurately assess the condition of the siding materials to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your siding:
Frequent Painting Is Needed
If a home needs to be repainted every five or six years, chances are pretty good that something is wrong with the current siding. Good quality siding typically maintains its shape and color for at least ten years. Paint that is cracking, chipping, or peeling is a sign that there is a major problem that needs to be addressed.
Holes, Dents and Dings
Aluminum and vinyl siding will take a pounding over the course of time. Holes, dents, dings, cracks and scratches can be caused by insects or flying debris in a storm. If insects have gotten into or through the siding, they can cause some major problems. Even small holes are a concern because they can allow rain and snow to get behind the planks where moisture can linger.
Warping or Rotting Planks
Warped or rotting planks are not always noticeable unless a thorough visual inspection is competed. Completing a regular siding inspection, looking specifically for warped siding, rotting planks and other damage will help determine if there is any unseen water damage.
Have a fairly sharp object available, such as a screwdriver, when completing your siding inspection. Poke under any warped siding planks to determine how solid the under layer is. If the layer under the siding has become soft or begun to rot, it is definitely time to schedule a siding replacement project.
Mold, Mildew or Fungus
Looking for mold, mildew and fungus is an important part of any siding inspection. Any type of growth, such as mold, mildew or fungus on the siding, especially at or near seams in the siding, may indicate that water is penetrating and being held inside the wall. Wood planks can become waterlogged over years of extreme weather; the resulting mold and mildew is very hard to permanently remove. While not all signs of mold, mildew or fungus on home siding should be a cause for alarm, it is always important to investigate further. To avoid water-related damage going forward, consider replacing current siding with vinyl or fiber cement siding; those siding materials can stand up to extreme wet weather without damage.
Faded Siding
Severely faded siding is definitely a concern when inspecting your home’s siding. Of course, we all know that nothing lasts forever and even siding has a specific life expectancy. In most cases, siding is made to keep its color for only as long as its life expectancy rating. When siding is so old that the color is noticeably faded, it is a good indication that the waterproofing may no long be effective. Faded color is not definitive proof that the siding is no longer viable, but it is a good indication that it is time to look for other signs, including potential water damage.
High Heating and Cooling Bills
When a home’s heating or cooling costs skyrocket, that may also be a sign that siding replacement is necessary. Of course, there are a number of things to check out first, before assuming that the current siding is the issue at hand. When energy bills substantially increase, be sure to rule out a bad or leaking roof or inadequate attic insulation. Energy costs that are not in line with those of neighbors with similar structures may be a sign that something is seriously wrong with a home’s exterior wall insulation.
Inside Issues
It may not be obvious to most homeowners, but peeling paint or wallpaper that is pulling away from a wall inside of a home can be an important sign of faulty siding. Damaged or poor quality siding allows moisture to trickle underneath the siding; once there, it can soak through wallboard, causing major damage to the interior walls of a home.
After a thorough inspection of your siding, you may determine that it is time to get rid of the old and install a replacement. Protecting your home from potential damage from the elements (rain, wind, snow) or from insects taking up residence in your siding, is the top reason for siding replacement. Another reason, however, may simply be about aesthetics. Your home’s siding may still be in good shape, but perhaps you don’t like the look or would prefer a different color or style. Of course, you want your home to look its best, and new siding can be a great boost to a home’s curb appeal, especially when it comes time to sell.
No matter what the reason, if it is time to tackle a siding replacement project, talk to the experienced siding professionals at Allied Siding and Windows about the job. Cutting and fitting siding so that it is waterproof and windproof is a must, therefore you will want to hire a knowledgeable contractor who will assess your needs, discuss available siding materials, including vinyl and fiber cement siding, and guarantee quality and satisfaction. Allied Siding and Windows uses only top name, industry-leading siding. Using only high quality products, in conjunction with their stringent construction and production practices, ensures an optimum level of performance, results, and satisfaction for every customer. Call Allied Siding and Windows today for additional information.
https://i0.wp.com/alliedsidingandwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/29-685x1024-1.jpg?fit=685%2C1024&ssl=11024685Allied Sidinghttps://alliedsidingandwindows.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/allied_swb_vector_logo_into_adobe_illust-1-300x141.pngAllied Siding2014-02-28 00:00:002020-05-28 08:48:54When Should Siding Be Replaced?
Aluminum siding is no longer the option of choice for homeowners looking for siding replacement materials. Today’s homeowners are making choices in favor of vinyl and other materials, including fiber cement. If you have already started the process of looking at options for an exterior face-lift, you have probably seen that there are a variety of options to consider. The question is this: how do you choose the right material for your home? Comparing the various materials available is certainly a good place to begin. Be sure to contact local siding contractors since they have plenty of information available that is designed to help make the process easier for homeowners. Ask remodeling experts and contractors which material they would choose for their own home. You will find that fiber cement siding is typically at the top the list. Fiber cement siding is popular with those in the home improvement industry because it offers such an impressive range of advantages.
Don’t let the price of fiber cement siding scare you away at first glance. While this type of siding does cost more than vinyl, you can be sure that you are getting great value for your money. Most siding contractors will tell you upfront that the initial payout is definitely redeemed through lower repair-related costs over time, along with the long life of the product. Before making quick decisions, take some time to look at the various costs you will face in the future. When you do a comparison over the life of the products, you will quickly see that vinyl is cheaper in the short term. You will also find that vinyl siding is much more expensive when it comes to the cost and frequency of repairs, as well as the cost of regular basic maintenance.
Home remodeling experts agree that fiber cement is stronger and more durable than vinyl for a number of reasons. Fiber cement siding is five times thicker and it is made from a combination of cement, sand and cellulose or wood fibers. This combination of natural ingredients produces a material that’s both denser and stronger than the alternatives. It is a fire resistant product, so it won’t smolder, ignite and burn like vinyl. This type of siding keeps its true color longer and is less prone to fading over time; the color is literally baked onto the top layer of the product. Fiber cement is a thicker, more rigid material, consequently there is far less buckling, cracking or warping over time. This means that you will be less likely to need repairs due to damage from extreme heat or cracking due to cold temperatures.
Having to repair or replace your home’s exterior less often is one way that this material saves you money, but it certainly isn’t the only way. The beauty of fiber cement is obvious to siding contractors, who regularly install it even on recently built luxury homes. The textured surface and careful attention to detail during the manufacturing process gives it a rich beauty that simply can’t be replicated in vinyl. The fiber cement looks like genuine wood and is striking on any architectural style; using this type of siding means you will enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its resale value considerably.
Because fiber cement is so dense and much thicker than vinyl, it is considered to be a good insulator, keeping out the cold winter winds and shielding your home’s interior from the harsh rays of a summer sun. This means that you will experience an added bonus of reduced heating and cooling costs. You can further reduce expenses by having siding contractors layer extra insulation behind the siding. The fiber cement material is moisture-resistant, therefore it also prevents underlying wood rot. In addition, it can help ensure that annoying insects, including termites, are controlled. You will certainly save money on regular maintenance and repairs without the need for exterminators and wood rot repairs. Weather-related events, such as hail and high winds with flying debris can cause expensive dents and holes in vinyl. Fiber cement siding can easily stand up to these weather scenarios and much more.
One of the most important reasons siding contractors prefer fiber cement to vinyl is the impressive life expectancy of fiber cement products. Some companies warranty their product for as much as fifty years, ensuring that it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime investment. There simply aren’t any vinyl manufacturers who can give you that kind of protection. If you still have questions, talk to siding contractors in your area about the benefits of this option. You will quickly be sold on its value and beauty.
Homeowners often feel like they are caught between just two choices: install cheaper and often unattractive vinyl siding or spend an exorbitant amount on renovating the current siding. HardiePlank siding, made with fiber cement materials, represents a solid middle ground between those two choices.
Your home is your castle and the professional team at Allied Siding and Windows understands that this means that you will want to provide your home with high quality, yet affordable, products. If you need to replace your existing siding, then HardiePlank siding is an excellent choice. HardiePlank siding offers a number of benefits that you simply do not get with any other siding material on the market today. For more information, call the experts at Allied Siding and Windows today!
It is often challenging for homeowners to decide on the type of siding they want for their house. Sometimes they have beautiful clapboard wood siding that they are not really eager to change. On the other hand, there are times when the current siding is so awful that there is no other choice but to change to a new siding product. If making a change is the right thing to do, homeowners often feel like they are caught between two choices: install the more inexpensive and often unappealing vinyl siding or spend a large chunk of cash renovating their current siding. HardiePlank® Siding represents a sound middle ground between those two choices.
As a homeowner, the sturdiness and durability of your house is one of your main concerns. Of course, you want a home that is strong enough to withstand the weather conditions where you live, and at the same time, you want your home to have great curb appeal. There is no need to worry because HardiePlank® Siding is a great solution! HardiePlank® makes fiber cement boards that are not only highly durable, they are also an extremely attractive material for siding your house.
So, what exactly is fiber cement board siding? The idea of fiber cement boards was actually patented in the early 1900s, and it has been a rather common building material over much of the last century. For a great deal of the 20th century, this product was made with asbestos fibers, but of course, due to the hazards now associated with asbestos, that practice was terminated. Fiber cement sheets are currently made with non-harmful organic fibers. This type of siding board consists of cement, cellulose (plant-based) fibers, and sand.
Fiber cement boards are produced in long horizontal strips to copy the look of traditional wooden siding. Because it is very flame resistant, it is often substituted for actual wood siding in areas with a high fire risk. When considering which type of siding to use, it is important to note that vinyl siding is NOT flame resistant; it burns like a match, providing minimal protection for your home.
Fiber cement, when used as covering on a building or home, is definitely an excellent choice when compared to traditional wooden siding. It is not vulnerable to rot or termites and is non-absorbent and non-flammable. Thicker sheets of fiber cement are impact-resistant as well. Another positive aspect of this highly durable material is that it needs minimal maintenance. Because of its great durability, this product is well-liked in areas with harsh weather conditions, including the hurricane-prone coasts of the South and the dry deserts of the Southwest. Fiber cement siding, such as HardiePlank® Siding, is much longer-lasting and has a better look and feel than other competing materials such as vinyl siding.
While it may not be the deciding factor when choosing a siding product for your home, it is good to know that this product is also “greener” than most other building materials. The cellulose fibers used in HardiePlank® Siding do not come from endangered species of wood and no toxic materials are used in the production process. It causes less damage to the planet, protecting our environment by using more sustainable raw materials.
The installation of fiber cement boards is very similar to the installation of other siding materials. The siding planks are made and cut by the manufacturer to be ready for installation. Planks can be cut to size, as needed, using a mechanical saw. The siding planks, especially the large sheets, are very heavy, therefore installation always requires a minimum of two people.
Once the siding has been installed, the planks can be painted just like wood, using a weatherproof exterior paint. While the siding will require a new coat of paint over the course of time, it is great to know that it is otherwise maintenance-free. Be sure to check out HardiePlank® fiber cement siding; it is a great solution for any homeowner considering the look and feel of real wood siding, without any of the extra maintenance associated with wood.
Allied Siding and Windows understands that your home is your special place and that you want to protect it with the highest quality products. If you are building a new home or if you need to replace your existing siding, then HardiePlank® Siding is an excellent choice. HardiePlank® Siding offers a number of benefits that you frankly will not get with any other siding material on the market today. For more information, call the expert team at Allied Siding and Windows today.
We all know that Texas is a HUGE state! Located in the southern US, Texas is large enough that residents throughout the state experience a variety of weather extremes. Whether you live on the coast and are subjected to hurricanes, live in the interior where you deal with high temperatures, or live anywhere in between, there is no denying that the outside of your house can take a beating. HardiePlank® Siding is designed to handle all types of harsh weather conditions.
Quality Pays
Most homeowners know that the cheapest product or material is not often the best choice to use. When you cover your house with aluminum, wood, or vinyl sidings, the costs may seem reasonable overall. However, over the life of the product, you will probably end up spending more in maintenance costs and you will probably need to replace it sooner than you expected.
Wood siding is made from plywood, and quite simply, it just does not hold up against the harsh elements of weather. The wood quickly begins to deteriorate, splitting and inviting in insects that will damage the siding. While the wood siding is attacked by both weather and insects, the product begins to rot. There is nothing that can be done to reverse that kind of damage.
Vinyl siding is prone to cracking and blowing off the house during storm driven winds. Aluminum siding dents and can also be ripped off in the high winds of a hurricane or a twister. Neither takes paint well, thus making it difficult to alter the color, when you are in the mood to make a change.
HardiePlank® Siding is made of cement fiber, and it is durable, resistant to the elements, and easy to paint. It can be made to mimic just about any other siding material, including wood lap boards, cedar shingles, and wood shake siding. In addition, the ColorPlus® Technology offers a full palette that makes color options seem limitless. Thanks to the ColorPlus® Technology, the final paint result is a durable, low-maintenance finish that lasts close to two times longer, has 30% better fade resistance, and adheres better than any other siding paint available.
Taking care of your HardiePlank® Siding is easy. If it gets dirty, just get out your power washer and wash it clean! Since the paint finish lasts much longer with HardiePlank® Siding, the number of times you will need to paint it will be minimal. That will certainly save you a chunk of change over the course of time.
Most HardiePlank® Siding comes with a minimum 30-year guarantee. This cement fiber siding resists the warping, cracking, buckling and swelling that can be caused by hot and humid weather conditions in Texas. It can even handle the corrosive environment of salt spray on homes near the Gulf.
Finding a Contractor
While not significantly different than installing other, cheaper versions of exterior siding, the installation of HardiePlank® Siding requires additional training and expertise. When looking for an experienced contractor, make sure to ask the following questions:
What kind of training do your installers receive?
Will construction managers be on site for your project?
Will your crew keep me posted regarding their progress?
How long have you been in the business?
Do you have all the necessary permits and licenses?
Does your company carry liability insurance and worker compensation?
How many projects like this one have you completed in the last year? Ask for several current references and be sure to contact those references.
Allied Siding and Windows knows that your home is your castle and that you want to provide your home with fine quality products, including siding. Whether you are building a new home or you are ready to replace your existing siding, HardiePlank® Siding is a “top of the line” choice. Using only high quality products, in conjunction with their stringent construction and production practices, Allied Siding and Windows ensures an optimum level of performance, results, and satisfaction for every customer. Call Allied Siding and Windows today for additional information.
When it comes to protecting the outside of your home, HardiePlank® Siding is a popular choice today. Its reputation is billed as being a hardy, low-maintenance, and long-lasting siding material. The question homeowners often have, though, is this – does it measure up to its reputation? To consider just how well it stacks up to other siding products on the market, homeowners should look at the strong list of advantages associated with HardiePlank® products.
HardiePlank® Siding: The List of Pros
Appearance – HardiePlank® Siding can be made to mimic just about any other siding material, including wood lap boards, cedar shingles, and wood shake siding. In addition, the ColorPlus® Technology offers a complete palette that makes color options virtually unlimited. Thanks to the ColorPlus® Technology, the final result is a durable, low-maintenance finish that lasts up to two times longer, has 30% better fade resistance, and adheres better than any other paint available.
Fire Resistance – No building material can ever guarantee a fireproof home, but there are some measures that a homeowner can take to better prepare for an unexpected fire, like installing a non-combustible home exterior. HardiePlank® Siding is a fiber cement product comprised of mostly sand and cement, basically making it resistant to the damaging flames of a fire.
Storm Resistance – Whether you’re looking for a siding material that can withstand the possible devastation from the next Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane, or one that can fend off the next major wind or hail storm without sustaining damage, fiber cement siding is a proven product when it comes to resisting potential damage caused by airborne objects during any type of storm.
Longevity – Most HardiePlank® Siding comes with a minimum 30-year guarantee. HardiePlank® Siding resists the warping, cracking, buckling and swelling that can be caused by hot and humid weather conditions. It can even handle the corrosive environment of salt spray on homes near the ocean.
Green Building Material – In today’s world of creating a greener, more sustainable environment, HardiePlank® Siding is at the top of the line. The cellulose fibers that are used in HardiePlank® Siding do not come from endangered species of wood, not to mention the fact that the other materials used (cement and sand) are certainly easy to get. Toxic materials (such as vinyl) are never used in the production of a HardiePlank product.
So, the question you have to ask is this: what’s not to like about HardiePlank® Siding?
A Few Additional Considerations
First of all, because of its sheer weight, fiber cement siding requires more resources to install than other siding materials. Secondly, it’s not a completely maintenance-free siding material. Over time, you will find that it may need a repaint job to spruce it up.
High Installation and Labor Costs – Fiber cement siding requires more planning, a larger labor force, and it takes longer to install due to its composition. Fiber cement siding weighs about 300 pounds per square (100 square feet), compared to 60 to 70 pounds per square for vinyl siding. More employees are needed on site to properly move and support the boards as they go up. The additional manpower does increase the associated labor and equipment costs over and above the cost of installing vinyl or aluminum siding.
Maintenance – Because it resists fading, you will be able to enjoy your beautiful new siding for many years without needing to repaint it, unless you simply want to change the color of your home’s exterior. It is good to note that, unlike vinyl siding, a HardiePlank® product can easily be painted, if a color change is desired.
Allied Siding and Windows understands that your home is a very special place and that you want to provide your home with the highest quality products, including siding. If you are building a new home or if you need to replace your existing siding, then HardiePlank® Siding is an excellent choice. HardiePlank® Siding offers a number of benefits that you simply do not get with any other siding material on the market today. For more information, call the expert team at Allied Siding and Windows today.
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Installing new siding can enhance the curb appeal of your home and make your home appreciate in value. If you have the funds available to pay a professional siding contractor, it is a wise decision to hire their expertise to ensure a high quality siding installation. Many siding contractors have the experience and technical knowledge to complete the job efficiently and effectvely, ensuring that the siding installation will last for many years.
Finding siding contractors is not usually very difficult. You can easily locate a list of local contractors through an online search, looking in the phone directory or even by asking for a list of contractors at your local home improvement stores. Choosing a qualified siding installer, one who you can be sure will do an expert job, takes a little more time and effort.
Here are several suggestions to consider when choosing the right siding contractor for your project:
Interview Several Contractors
You can easily pre-screen your list of potential siding installers by asking just a few specific questions. The first question to ask is whether or not they are licensed, bonded and insured to work in your local area. The next question should be about their level of experience. Do they specialize in a certain type of siding installation, or are they a general siding contractor? Ask about their crew as well. Are they full-time siding installers or just hired day laborers? Having the answers to these questions will help you separate the professional siding contractors from the amateurs.
Ask About Materials
Of course, not all siding is the same. There are different materials used, different grades of quality, and different warranty lengths to consider. Make sure the siding contractor you decide to go with can provide (or is willing and authorized to work with) the siding materials you have chosen to use. If you have not made a decision, ask for advice regarding the products they would recommend. Get a feel for their product knowledge.
Get Bids
The bids you receive will certainly play a substantial part in the decision of which contractor to hire. It is important, however, to look at more than the bottom line price of the proposal. Do a complete walk-through with each of the contractors to understand the scope of work and to look for potential problem areas. As each contractor is planning and writing the bid, ask any questions that you may have. This is a perfect time to get an idea about how the contractor does business.
Check References
Ask each contractor for references. You should plan to call or visit several references for each contractor, before choosing a final bid. Rather than asking for a copy of their “pre-selected” reference list, ask for a list of the last five or ten projects they’ve worked on (along the with dates of those projects). Asking for a real cross-sample of customers will ensure that you will get a well-rounded list, not just a hand-picked group of customers who will always give glowing testimonials. Be sure to contact several customers from that list. Ask each customer about the quality of the work completed, the contractor’s overall customer service, and the timeliness of the project completion. Did the contractor set upfront expectations and were those expectations met satisfactorily?
Inspect Past Jobs
As you narrow down potential contractors, you should do a close-up inspection of their work. Like any type of construction project, attention to the details and trim work are extremely important. With any siding installation, problems arise when the trim work and other detailed work are not completed correctly. With siding installation, it is fairly easy to make the mass coverage look fine, but it is the finish work that separates the professional from the amateur. Sloppy work is never acceptable. Inspect several of your potential siding contractor’s past jobs closely and be sure to look at all of the small details.
Check Out An In-Progress Job
A great way to get a better feel of what kind of work a siding contractor actually does is to visit a current job site, observing the team of installers as they are actually working on the job. Quality-driven, professional contractors take a great deal of pride in their work and will always maintain a clean, orderly job site, insisting their crew of siding installers look and behave professionally as well. This is a step that is often skipped by homeowners as they search for the right contractor to complete their siding project; it is, however, the final step that will help you confidently make your choice in hiring a contractor and team to complete your home improvement project.
Ask About The Warranty
Lastly, it is always a good idea to have a clear understanding of how the warranty works. The materials and workmanship might both be covered by separate warranties. It is also important to note that the siding company’s warranty might even become null and void if the product was installed incorrectly. Get the details in writing before the project is started.
While selecting the right type of siding and the best siding installation contractor may seem like a lot of work, it doesn’t have to be a daunting challenge. It is really just a matter of looking at how they work and gauging their level of quality and professionalism, instead of choosing based solely on the bottom line price. Allied Siding and Windows uses only top name, industry-leading siding. Using only high quality products, in conjunction with their stringent construction and production practices, ensures an optimum level of performance, results, and satisfaction for every customer. Call Allied Siding and Windows today for additional information.
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Federal law requires contractors that disturb painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating more than 6 ft.² of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than 12 ft.² of painted surfaces for exterior projects, window replacement, or demolition for housing, childcare facilities, and schools built before 1978.
Homeowners and tenants: renovators must give you this pamphlet before starting work.
Childcare facilities, including preschool and kindergarten classrooms and the families of children under six years of age that attend those facilities: renovators must provide a copy of this pamphlet to childcare facilities in general renovation information to families whose children attend those facilities.
