Siding Replacement in Siloam Springs, AR: Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home
Replacing your home's siding can completely change its appearance, but curb appeal is only part of the equation.
Siding also plays an important role in protecting your home from rain, wind, moisture, pests, and the changing weather conditions we experience in Northwest Arkansas.
If you're considering siding replacement in Siloam Springs, AR, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is which siding material to install.
Vinyl siding, LP SmartSide, and James Hardie fiber cement can all be excellent options, but they offer different advantages when it comes to cost, appearance, durability, and maintenance.
Here's what Siloam Springs homeowners should consider before choosing new siding.
How Do You Know When It's Time to Replace Your Siding?
You don't necessarily need to wait until siding is falling off your house to consider replacement.
Older siding can gradually deteriorate, allowing moisture to reach the materials underneath.
Some signs that it may be time to have your siding inspected include:
- Cracked or broken siding
- Warped or buckled panels
- Rotting or soft areas
- Loose siding
- Hail or wind damage
- Fading or significant discoloration
- Frequent repainting
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Signs of moisture behind the siding
- Pest or insect damage
- An outdated exterior you're ready to modernize
Sometimes only a section needs to be repaired. In other cases, widespread deterioration or an aging exterior can make full siding replacement a better long-term investment.
What Siding Is Best for Homes in Siloam Springs?
There isn't one siding material that's best for every home.
Budget, architecture, desired appearance, maintenance expectations, and exposure to weather should all factor into the decision.
Three options worth considering for Siloam Springs homes are vinyl siding, LP SmartSide engineered wood siding, and James Hardie fiber cement siding.
Option 1: Vinyl Siding
Vinyl remains a popular siding choice for homeowners looking for an attractive exterior with relatively low maintenance requirements.
One of its biggest advantages is versatility.
Vinyl siding is available in numerous colors and profiles, making it possible to dramatically update a home's appearance without requiring routine exterior painting.
Advantages of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding can provide:
- Lower upfront cost than many premium siding products
- Minimal maintenance
- Numerous color options
- Multiple siding profiles
- Resistance to rot
- No routine painting
- A significant curb-appeal upgrade
Vinyl can be particularly attractive for homeowners who want to refresh an older exterior while keeping the project budget under control.
Option 2: LP SmartSide
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding product designed to provide the appearance of traditional wood with enhanced durability.
For homeowners who like the character of wood siding but don't want the maintenance requirements associated with traditional wood products, engineered wood can provide an appealing middle ground.
LP SmartSide is available in several styles, including traditional lap siding and board-and-batten designs.
Why Consider LP SmartSide?
Benefits can include:
- Authentic wood-grain appearance
- Multiple design and profile options
- Strong impact resistance
- Ability to create modern or traditional exterior designs
- Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes
- Lighter weight than fiber cement
LP SmartSide can work especially well when you're trying to make a noticeable architectural change to the home rather than simply replacing the existing siding with something similar.
Option 3: James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
James Hardie is one of the best-known names in fiber cement siding.
Fiber cement is manufactured using a combination of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, creating a dense exterior siding product designed for long-term durability.
Why Consider James Hardie?
Fiber cement siding offers several attractive characteristics:
- Resistance to rot
- Resistance to damage from pests
- Strong weather resistance
- Numerous colors and styles
- Wood-like appearance
- Excellent long-term durability
- Lap and board-and-batten design options
James Hardie can be a strong choice for homeowners who prioritize durability and are comfortable making a larger upfront investment in their exterior.
Vinyl vs. LP SmartSide vs. James Hardie
Here's a simple way to think about the three options.
Vinyl siding: A strong choice when affordability and low maintenance are priorities.
LP SmartSide: A strong choice when you want the appearance of wood, design flexibility, and impact resistance.
James Hardie: A strong choice when durability and the characteristics of fiber cement are top priorities.
The right answer ultimately depends on the house.
That's why we recommend comparing actual product samples, colors, profiles, and installed pricing before making a decision.
What About Board-and-Batten Siding?
Board-and-batten siding has become increasingly popular for homeowners who want to modernize their exterior.
Instead of the traditional horizontal lines created by lap siding, board-and-batten uses a vertical profile.
It can be installed across the entire home or strategically used on areas such as:
- Front elevations
- Gables
- Dormers
- Entryways
- Upper stories
You can also combine lap siding and board-and-batten to create more depth and architectural interest.
This can be an effective way to modernize a Siloam Springs home without making the exterior look overly trendy.
What Happens Underneath Your Old Siding?
This is an important part of siding replacement that homeowners don't always think about.
Removing the existing siding gives your contractor an opportunity to inspect what's underneath it.
Depending on the home, this may reveal issues such as deteriorated sheathing, moisture damage, damaged trim, or areas around windows and doors that need attention.
These problems aren't always visible before the siding is removed.
A siding replacement project should address the underlying exterior system rather than simply covering problems with new material.
Should You Replace Windows at the Same Time as Siding?
If you're already considering replacement windows, there can be advantages to coordinating the projects.
Windows and siding intersect at critical areas of your home's exterior.
Proper flashing and water management around windows are important for preventing moisture from getting behind the siding.
Replacing both at the same time can also make it easier to coordinate exterior trim, colors, and the overall appearance of the house.
That doesn't mean you have to replace your windows whenever you replace siding. But if both projects are already on your radar, it's worth discussing them together.
Don't Forget About Soffit, Fascia and Gutters
Siding is only one component of your home's exterior.
A siding replacement project is also a good opportunity to evaluate the condition and appearance of your:
- Soffit
- Fascia
- Gutters
- Downspouts
- Window trim
- Door trim
Coordinating these components can create a much more complete exterior transformation than replacing siding alone.
It can also prevent you from installing new siding only to remove or modify portions of it later for another exterior project.
Can Storm-Damaged Siding Be Covered by Insurance?
Wind and hail can damage siding just like they can damage a roof.
Whether siding damage is covered depends on the cause of the damage, your policy, applicable deductibles and exclusions, and your insurance carrier's determination.
If you suspect storm damage, having the exterior inspected and documented can help you understand the extent of the damage before deciding on your next steps.
An inspection can also identify related damage to the roof, gutters, fascia, windows, or other exterior components.
Choosing a Siding Contractor in Siloam Springs
When comparing siding replacement estimates, don't look only at the final price.
Ask what is actually included in the siding system.
Important questions include:
- What siding manufacturer and product are being installed?
- Is removal and disposal of the existing siding included?
- What happens if damaged material is discovered underneath?
- How will windows and doors be flashed?
- Is house wrap or another water-resistive barrier included where required?
- How will exterior penetrations be handled?
- Are soffit and fascia included?
- What trim products will be used?
- What manufacturer warranty applies?
- What workmanship warranty does the contractor provide?
Two siding estimates that look similar at first glance may include very different scopes of work.
Siding Replacement in Siloam Springs, AR
Mighty Dog Roofing of Bentonville provides siding replacement and exterior remodeling services throughout Siloam Springs and Northwest Arkansas.
We can help homeowners compare siding materials, colors, profiles, and design options based on their home and budget.
Our exterior services include:
- Vinyl siding
- LP SmartSide
- James Hardie siding
- Lap siding
- Board-and-batten siding
- Siding repairs
- Soffit and fascia
- Gutters and downspouts
- Replacement windows
- Roofing
Whether you're replacing deteriorated siding or simply want to completely change the appearance of your home, we'll help you evaluate your options and build an exterior system that works together.
Get a Siding Replacement Estimate in Siloam Springs
If you're considering new siding for your Siloam Springs home, start with an exterior inspection and consultation.
Mighty Dog Roofing of Bentonville can inspect your existing siding, discuss material and design options, and provide a detailed estimate for your project.
Contact Mighty Dog Roofing of Bentonville to schedule a siding consultation for your Siloam Springs, Arkansas home.