NJ Siding

When the time has come to replace the old, worn out siding of your NJ home, you’ve got a lot of figuring out to do. First, you have to find a NJ siding contractor that will do a good job without overcharging you (Click Here for some helpful tips on choosing an honest and reliable NJ siding contractor or NJ roofing contractor). After you have completed that ordeal, you’ve got to decide on which type of siding you want. There are a bunch of different NJ siding materials that can greatly vary in price, looks, and longevity. To help you choose which NJ siding you want to go with, here are some basics on the most popular types of siding.

Different Types of NJ Siding

Vinyl siding. The low cost, versatility and easy maintenance of vinyl siding are what has made it the most popular siding choice in the United States. While some homeowners or designers are turned off by the “plastic look” of some vinyl siding products, the variety of colors and styles available explain its popularity. Requiring few tools to install and available at home improvement stores, vinyl siding is an option for those looking for a do-it-yourself or lower cost project. Since mistakes can be costly, make sure to follow instructions from the manufacturer and take advantage of online how-to videos. If you haven’t had much DIY experience, it may be best to contact an NJ siding contractor.
Wood siding. Commonly used for bungalow, Cape Cod and cottage exteriors, wood siding offers a rich look and is durable if maintained properly. If you are attracted to this look, keep in mind that it requires periodic maintenance (chalking and painting or staining to prevent weather damage) and is susceptible to insect or rodent attacks. Depending on maintenance and wood type, your wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years. Wood siding comes in clapboard as well as shakes and shingles. Clapboard siding uses planks of wood installed horizontally with an upper piece that overlaps the lower piece. Western red cedar and redwood, woods known for being attractive and durable, are considered the best choices. Shingles are more uniform in appearance but thinner than shakes. They give you a smooth and consistent look. They can be cut into different shapes to add visual interest to your exterior. Some manufacturers also offer shingles treated with fire-retardant chemicals, often a requirement in high-risk locations. Wood siding typically costs around $5 to $10 per square foot installed. That doesn’t count additional cost for painting or staining.
Brick siding. Made from fired clay, genuine brick comes in different sizes and textures. Brick is commonly found on Colonial, Tudor and English cottage exteriors, and gives a beautiful look that has been used for hundreds of years. These days, brick siding is usually a veneer constructed outside of a home’s wood frame structure with mortar used to hold the bricks together. Since water can penetrate brick veneers, a membrane installed between the brick veneer and house can protect the structure. Under normal conditions and when installed correctly, this NJ siding can last the life of your house. Installing brick is labor-intensive, so the cost is on the higher end compared to other siding options. Typically, brick siding costs around $6 to $15 or more per square foot installed.
Stucco siding. Traditional stucco siding is made from building sand, Portland cement, lime and water. A waterproof barrier paper and galvanized-metal screening are applied over wood walls before stucco is added to provide a good base and protect the walls underneath. While stucco can be applied to homes with brick and stone surfaces, the classic look is commonly found on Mediterranean, ranch and Spanish-mission exteriors. Because stucco is very rigid, careful installation can help reduce the possibility of unwanted cracks. When stucco siding is properly installed and maintained, it can last the lifetime of the house.
Stone siding. The natural beauty and durability of stones like granite and limestone are appealing to homeowners who want a siding that adds texture and visual interest to their exterior. Because stone is more expensive than other NJ siding options and can be difficult to add on to an existing home, consider your budget before thinking about this type of siding.
Stone-veneer. Stone-veneer siding comes in natural and synthetic materials, making it lightweight and less expensive. There are many styles available that help enhance your home’s curb appeal. Annual cleaning with a hose and inspection of the NJ siding helps ensure it will last the life of the house. The average cost of stone is around $10 to $30 per square foot installed. If your stone siding maintained the proper way, it can last for the entire lifetime of your house.