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August 26, 2022

What Are House Siding Options?

Siding your home

House siding is more than just an exterior facade of your home. It serves a purpose, with house siding benefits that you may not realize, until you don’t have any. For a home is New Jersey, or anywhere else that the temperatures get below freezing, one winter without house siding, you’d realize why you need it. With that in mind, what is the best house siding material for homes in New Jersey or other areas where winters are cold?

Every homeowner in a Northern climate where winters can get brutal, knows that getting through a winter with the house still intact can be challenging if you’re not prepared. We aren’t talking about just staying warm either! There is the matter of minimizing and mitigating the damage a home can sustain when those temperatures drop below freezing … especially way below freezing. That brings us to house siding.

There are many house siding materials available today, including aluminum, vinyl, and wood, but these aren’t the best materials for a cold climate. The winters in New Jersey have a freeze and thaw and refreeze and rethaw cycle that can damage a home. So, the house siding you chose needs to be able to withstand that cycle and protect your home.

Aluminum house siding doesn’t crack, but it dents easily, and the color fade fast, leaving a powder-like residue on your home’s exterior. Vinyl house siding is a plastic type of material that becomes brittle in the constant extreme cold, making it vulnerable to breaking and cracking.

Wood house siding is porous which allows moisture to seep in and becomes vulnerable to the freeze, thaw, refreeze, rethaw cycle. Any moisture that is trapped behind it will damage it, and by spring, you have wood rot to deal with – a lot of it! Wood siding also requires regular scraping and painting, usually an annual event.

This brings us to fiber cement house siding. It has proven to hold up well under any climate, from the far north to the deep south. In a cold climate, it has proven to withstand the coldest and harshest winters, year after year. Other benefits of fiber cement house siding are:

It doesn’t absorb moisture.
It doesn’t get brittle in extreme cold temperatures.
It doesn’t crack.
It doesn’t split.
Cleaning and maintenance is minimal in the spring.
Pairs easily with additional insulation making it more energy efficient.

Use of a foam insulation with fiber cement house siding eliminates air gaps in between the insulation and the house siding, making installation a better fit and provides a smooth install process.

What are the different types of siding for a house?

Five popular types of house siding include:

Vinyl House Siding – available in several colors, styles, and textures, including horizontal and vertical panels, even wood shake style. A low cost and its longevity makes it popular among many homeowners.
Wood House Siding – available in several finishes, styles, and textures and comes at a moderate cost, but painting or staining is required on a regular basis. It does absorb moisture which can lead to wood rot.
Metal House Siding – available in several panel styles, vertical strips, and shingles. The lost cost and minimal maintenance makes it appealing for homeowners, but dents easily.
Fiber Cement House Siding – looks like wood and with professional installation, a durable material at a decent price point. Insect and rot resistant with low maintenance required.
Insulated House Siding – a vinyl type siding that includes a layer of expanded foam insulation that makes it more energy efficient.

Is vinyl siding better than wood?

Wood house siding has proven to be a longer lasting siding and with an oil-based staining, can hold up in any climate and environment better than vinyl house siding. Over time, the wood house siding will look better than a vinyl house siding material.

How do you calculate square footage for siding?

This is the joy of having a professional contractor install your house siding: You won’t have to worry with the exacts! However, it never hurts to know how it is measured so that you can make sure you’re getting what you’re being charge for, so:

House siding is ordered in squares, equaling to 100 square feet. You want to multiply the height times width of the surface to be covered, divide that total by 100 to get the total number of “squares” needed for your home. Tip: If different materials are to be installed on different walls, measure them separately. Include any windows in your measure, do not subtract them from your measurements.

Can house siding be painted?

If you have vinyl house siding, yes, but it will have to be repainted every so often, so you should consider this fact before you paint it. Once you apply a coat of paint to vinyl, you can’t go back. The same is to be said with painting aluminum house siding, or any type of house siding. You want to find the best method for how clean house siding before you start painting. For the paint to adhere and last, a clean surface is recommended.

With house siding, while it looks good and can last for 20 to 30 years, even longer, knowing when to replace house siding is important. So, just how long does siding on a house last? Vinyl house siding of quality material and installed by an experienced contractor can last up to 60 years.

Aluminum house siding is the lowest costing siding with a lifespan up to 40 years and wood siding has a lifespan up to 40 years too. Fiber cement house siding has shown to last up to 50 years, maybe longer. Call (856) 662-1382 today for your house siding needs in Berlin and Cherry Hill, NJ.

What Are My House Siding Options?

The Importance of Good House Siding

In addition to the landscaping, roofing, and windows, one of the next important factors is house siding. All of these things combined together can create a curb appeal that is not only the homeowner’s pride, but the neighbor’s envy.

In addition to curb appeal and envy, there are many other house siding benefits to be enjoyed by the homeowner. Those benefits can vary between the different types of house siding. So – what are the different types of siding for a house and the house siding benefits to be expected?

Vinyl Lap House Siding

Vinyl lap house siding is the most common and consists of layered plastic strips, creating an alternative to the old-style wooden clapboard siding. It is inexpensive and straightforward, with the benefits of being environmentally friendly, available in many colors, able to retain the color, offering choices in accessories and trim, being durable with low maintenance, and being mildew and mold resistant.

Brick House Siding

A brick house siding is nothing short of the American traditional style. However, it is expensive, and installation is time-consuming. For a Colonial, English cottage, or Tudor style architect, brick is the choice. With a variety of colors, including a whitewashed brick that gives a home that rustic appeal. Brick has a higher humidity absorption that minimizes mildew, mold, and dust mites. This compact, reliable material can be repurposed for numerous other ideas like landscaping, pathways, retaining walkways, even grounded up for a sub-base.

Stucco House Siding

An aesthetic, creative and pleasing alternative to lap siding, this durable plaster consists of cement, lime, sand, and water. Typically not for neighborhoods of Colonial homes, the Mediterranean style of this covering is ideal in hotter climates with desert or ocean nearby. The traditional use of stucco was to cover the basic adobe, brick, and Portland cement structures. Results are best when it is applied by professionals so you get the full impact of benefits like the seamless durability, has a natural fire resistance and is a low maintenance house siding.

Wood House Siding

Before vinyl house siding came along, wooden house was all we knew, other than brick in richer neighborhoods. It is making a trend again because of fixer upper and rehab television shows. This horizontal overlapping wood planks are environmentally friendly from the manufacturing to the tear-off, a biodegradable and renewable resource, wood house siding will last decades with proper maintenance and upkeep.

Fiber Cement House Siding

Fiber cement house siding provides the look of vinyl and wood siding but is more durable and offers extreme weatherproof ability. Installation is more time consuming which reflects in the cost, but with the low maintenance and non-decaying material, the pricing gives an ROI for decades. Benefits of fiber cement include the style versatility, fire and heat resistance, rot, and warp resistance, and that it has proven to be ideal for areas with hurricanes and tornadoes.

Metal House Siding

For a design style that is alternative and non-traditional, metal house siding comes in several choices that will accommodate. From aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel, you can give your home that industrial look from the outside and expand into the interior. A low maintenance material, and the thicker the metal, the more durable against the climate, elements, and life in general, including insect resistant.

Stone House Siding

For a rustic alternative, stone house siding is popular in mountain and rural areas. It isn’t the cheapest of house sidings, but the durability gives you a high ROI. Gives any home a natural beauty that is rich in color and profile, lightweight siding is easy to install and with over 30 years of protection with little maintenance, it has gained in popularity.

What is the best house siding material?

As you decide when to replace house siding, you’ll want to get the best for the money, as this is an investment in your largest investment. With the variety of choices as we listed, it can be overwhelming to choose. The checklist that most homeowners are looking for include:

Affordability
Attractive
Durable
Long Lasting
Minimal Maintenance

There is a long proven history with wood house siding, and vinyl siding has overridden that with affordability and low- maintenance. Metal house siding and stucco are expensive because of the installation factors, and they can be challenging to maintain. This leaves us with fiber cement as the best overall house siding. The durability is unmet, it is attractive and low maintenance, and for the ROI, it is relatively affordable.

How long does siding on a house last?

When you make this investment, you’re going to want the longest lifespan possible. So choose the one that fits your home’s architectural style, your budget, and needed longevity:

Vinyl House Siding – up to 40 years with proper installation, maintenance, and upkeep.
Fiber Cement House Siding – as long as the house is standing.
Steel House Siding – as long as the house is standing.
Stone House Siding – up to 75 years with proper installation, maintenance, and upkeep.

Is vinyl siding better than wood?

If you’re looking for energy efficiency and not planning on insulating behind it, wood house siding is your better choice. Wood house siding pros include the style options are almost endless as are the installation choices. Extreme weather temperatures don’t affect it and it is an eco-friendly material that will last up to 40 years or longer.

However, it is an attraction for insects, with regular painting required, it is a high maintenance materials. Installing it and insulating it is challenging, with moisture being an issue. The cost is upward of $11,000 for a 15 square foot house.

If initial cost is your concern, vinyl siding would be the better choice at $7,000 for a 15 square foot house. The pros of vinyl house siding is the variety of colors and style, easy installation, and humid/moisture resistant. It never needs painting, making maintenance a minimal issue, and is also insect resistant. A lifespan up to 40 years will give most homeowners the need to re-side their home once or twice.

The cons of vinyl house siding include the fact that it isn’t good in cold climates or extreme heat. It is also not a good resale attraction and unfriendly to the environment during manufacture and, with tear-off, ends up in landfills.

How do you calculate square footage for siding?

Start by measuring all the rectangular and square walls, height, and width. Because house siding is sold in squares, with one equal to 100 square feet, you’ll multiply the height by the width and divide by 100. This will give you the total square measurement.

Can house siding be painted?

Wood house siding will require to be painted every 3 to 5 years. Other types of siding can be painted, but you’ll need to do surface preparation first. With any siding, particularly vinyl siding, if it is still within the manufacturer’s warranty, painting it could void the warranty. Remember, once something is painted, you can’t un-paint it and it will require maintenance repainting.

In Closing

All through this piece, we’ve mentioned maintenance and upkeep. Those two factors include washing your house siding. A pressure washer often seems like the easiest and fastest way, but it isn’t necessarily the fastest say. It is recommended to hire a professional that knows how to clean house siding without damaging it. If they do damage the house siding, repair or replacement will be on them. If you’re interested in getting help with your house siding, reach out to Airborne Roofing at (856) 662-1382.

What Makes Fiberglass Shingles Different?

Finding the Best Roofing

Winters can be hard on a house here in New Jersey and the surrounding area. Having plenty of insulation in the attic, getting the water lines and pipes wrapped, and having ample firewood or oil for heat are essential. Another important factor for a home in this area is the roofing of the house. Today, we’re going to explore the use of fiberglass shingles, answer common questions, and look at the facts if they are an acceptable roof covering for homes in this area.

Are fiberglass roof shingles any good?

Here in New Jersey and all across the country, fiberglass shingles have become one of the most common roofing materials. But what do we really know about fiberglass shingles and what has made them so common? One thing to bear in mind is that these are actually the common asphalt shingle that is found on almost every roof you see driving down most streets.

So if they are actually made from asphalt, why are they referred to as fiberglass shingles? Because of how they are manufactured! Fiberglass shingles start out like strands of tough plastic that are woven together to create a fiberglass mat. They are then coated with the asphalt and granules that give them extra protection.

The pro factors of fiberglass shingles that have made them so common and popular are:

Lighter weight, making installation easier and faster and making labor cheaper.
Fire resistance
The initial cost is cheaper.
Environmentally friendlier than standard asphalt shingles

Are all asphalt shingles fiberglass?

Looking at asphalt shingles next to fiberglass shingles, they appear the same with their top coating of asphalt, but they are essentially different. Fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass mat as their base, whereas asphalt shingles have a paper base.

Are fiberglass shingles better than asphalt?

Both asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles are good products, and like anything, there are some brands that are of better quality than others. Newer options like fiberglass shingles have led to a new level of consumer satisfaction because of the many advantages that we have already listed.

While both asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles are made with asphalt and granules, the biggest difference is the base. With a fiberglass base, the fiberglass shingles are lighter weight. They can be installed faster, which also affects the end cost of installation. The fiberglass is fire resistant as well, which can often make them a safer choice for homes. These are factors that have led many to choose fiberglass shingles to be the better shingle.

Are fiberglass shingles the same as architectural shingles?

Your basic fiberglass shingles and asphalt shingles are both 3-tab shingles that lay flat when installed. The architectural shingles that more homeowners are going with have a dimensional appearance because they are made with several layers that are bound together and then adhered to a fiberglass base.

Are fiberglass shingles expensive?

And how much are fiberglass shingles? The roof on your home is vital in protecting one of the most important investments you’ll ever have. You want a roof that is durable and strong enough to withstand the elements of Mother Nature and more, and fiberglass shingles are ideal for doing just that.

Fiberglass shingles are more expensive than organic asphalt shingles, but they aren’t the most expensive roofing material you can choose either. Pricing can vary between areas and from contractor to contractor. Another factor to consider in pricing is the different brands available to you and the level of quality each brand offers. Here are the estimated costs of fiberglass shingles:

Fiberglass Roofing Material: $40 per square to $200 per square
Fiberglass Roofing Installation: $80 per square to $200 per square
Total Cost of Fiberglass Installation: $120 per square to $400 per square

Are fiberglass shingles fireproof?

With the roof being the most vulnerable part of a home, most building codes require them to be either fire resistant or fireproof. This is especially so in areas that are prone to wildfires.

Fiberglass shingles can meet those requirements. They have extreme fire retardance, rated at Class-A, the highest rating possible in fire resistance. This means this roofing material doesn’t contribute to fire spreading from roof to roof for exterior fires and will stay together when it is part of a house fire. Other shingles may break off in bits and pieces, blowing around like embers. Fiberglass shingles will withstand a burning fire for almost two hours. Class-A rated fiberglass shingles do not break, crack, slide off or warp, never exposing the underlying decking.

Topping Things Off With a Final Question

How long do fiberglass shingles last? A quality fiberglass shingle that is properly installed and maintained can provide your home coverage for up to 50 years. The traditional asphalt shingle will typically max out at 15 years. The better the quality of any shingle, the longer lifespan you can expect.

You always have the option of purchasing your own fiberglass shingles and doing your own roofing if you’re able and know where to buy fiberglass shingles. Some homeowners that prefer the DIY style will choose this option. However, note that when you do, you’re forgoing any guarantee or warranty that comes with a roofing job done by a professional roofing contractor. You may also lose any warranty from the manufacturer.

Should Gutters Be Repaired Or Replaced?

How long should gutters last?

Maybe you are one of those homeowners that isn’t even sure why your house has gutters, much less want to do any gutter cleaning or gutter repairs. Well, gutters serve an important purpose to your home’s stability by keeping the water channeled and moving it out away from your home’s foundation.

Gutters aren’t the most expensive component on your home. However, you don’t want to have to do gutter repairs or gutter replacement very often either. So, which gutter material is best and will last the longest?

Aluminum gutters and galvanized steel are the more common gutter materials, both can give you an estimated lifespan of twenty years or longer with a strict regime of gutter maintenance and keeping up with gutter repairs. Choose a copper gutter system, a high-end option, has an expected lifespan of 50 years.

Vinyl is the cheapest cost for gutters, easy for a DIY project with this lightweight material. Available in different colors and can be painted to match the exterior of a home. They offer a maximum lifespan of 20 years where the climate isn’t too cold or too hot.

A highly durable gutter material is zinc. It is durable with rust resistance and won’t warp. They must be installed by a professional but will give you up to 50 years lifespan, turning in a beautiful patina over time. Gutter repairs will be rare but will need to be service by a professional.

Is it normal for gutters to drip?

A dripping gutter may not seem like a big problem, but if left unaddressed, it can become a big and expensive problem. Overtime, a short time, a dripping gutter can ruin the siding on your home, rot the fascia and soffit, and even begin damaging the foundation.

It is important to find the cause of the leak then make the needed gutter repairs. What causes damage to gutters? Four common reasons gutters leak are:

Clogged

Clogged gutters are a huge part of why they leak. Cleaning gutters isn’t just something to give the teenage a chore when he’s in trouble. They really need to be cleaned to prevent them from filling up with debris and leaves.

When gutters get filled with the debris and leaves, they can’t drain to the downspouts. So, then rain spills over the sides, backs up under the shingles, and will start to crack and separate at the seams. Leaves and debris stay stuck long enough, they’ll rot holes into the gutter too. Then you have leaking gutter repairs to take care of are quite easy to spot. In most cases, you’ll notice the problem as soon as you get a close look in your gutters.

Cracks and Holes

No matter how sturdy the gutter material you choose, it can develop a small crack or hole because of weathering. These are usually small issues that will take a quick minute for gutter repairing, but if you don’t repair it, those cracks and holes will grow. Use a waterproof sealant for this gutter repair while they’re small.

Joints Separate or Improperly Sealed

The joints of your gutters system are where each section connects, and over time, they can separate. Every month or so, take a few minutes to closely inspect your gutter system and if you see there has been some leaking around the joints. A quick gutter repair is spreading a waterproof sealant over the exterior side and the interior side. If the separation is very big, you may need to replace a section.

Slope Incorrect

A gutter system must have the right slope when installed for the rain to flow into them and toward the downspout as intended. Overtime, it is common for gutters to start sagging over time. This is typically because the fasteners have loosened or came off and the gutters are weighing them down when the water flows through. Easy gutter repair is to reconnect the fasteners to the fascia.

Gutters are also damaged by ladders and tree limbs. If you find the need to use a ladder, be careful how you prop it against the house. Keep trees trimmed back so when limb do fall, they miss the gutters.

When do gutters need to be replaced?

Here are ten signs that gutter repair isn’t enough, and you need a gutter replacement:

Numerous cracks, holes, and/or rust spots.
Several fasteners broken or missing.
Missing nails and/or screws.
Gutters have multiple separations.
Gutters are pulling away from the roof in several places.
Gutters are sagging in several places.
Paint is peeling on the fascia, soffit, and around the downspouts.
Water is pooling around the foundation.

Can you replace part of a gutter?

Yes, if the damage is limited to one or two gutter runs. You can purchase gutter run sections and replace the damaged pieces, even on the downspouts. If you have a seamless gutter system, you can still replace the section by cutting out the damaged area and screw the replacement piece in, apply a sealant. However, you will lose the seamless gutter system.

Can I fix gutters myself?

Yes, if you don’t have a fear of heights and take all precautions to be on the roof. A properly placed ladder, a safety belt, rubber soled shoes and have at least one person helping you.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover damaged gutters?

If you aren’t sure how to find a gutter repair company, an internet search will get you more than you could want. These are companies that offer installation as well as repairs, you may check with the company that installed them or your roofing contractor.

If the damage was caused by an unforeseen accident or weather issue, yes, your homeowner’s insurance will probably pay for the replacement. Like a damaged roof claim, if the adjuster finds that the gutters have been neglected from cleaning and basic repairs, they will deny the claim. Call (856) 662-1382 today for your

Can Gutters Be Repaired?

Why Are Gutters Important?

Winter has come and gone here in New Jersey, but no matter how hot the summer may be, you know it’ll be back before you know. There are plenty of things you may be able to put off a bit, like having firewood chopped, but if you need work such as having a new roof installed or gutter repairs done, you need to get to it! But maybe you aren’t sure why gutters are important or who fixes gutters?

Well, in regard to who does gutter repair work, an internet search will find you companies that specifically do gutter installations and gutter repairs. Or you can call your local neighborhood handyman, many of them are able to do small gutter repair jobs. And of course, call your local roofing contractor, although not all of the have gutter specialization. This means they will contract the work out to a third-party contractor.

And to the question of why gutters are important, let’s review what gutters do for a home:

Foundation Stability

Most foundation issues are due to excessive water around the foundation. This water runs of the roof and pools around the found, when it is there too long, the soil loosens and then the foundation weakens, jeopardizing the entire structure. A properly installed and maintained gutter system channels the rainwater away from the foundation.

Water Damage

Without gutters, as the rain flows to the ground and weakens the foundation, it is exposed to the exterior walls, staining the siding. With a proper gutter system with gutter repairs done as needed, this can be prevented.

Home Preservation

A properly working gutter system will give your home a longer life from the foundation and siding to the doors and windows. Gutter repairs are essential to keeping the gutter system working correctly.

Raised Value

All this sounds good, but are gutters a good investment? They do not add value themselves, but gutters will give you a higher ROI for your entire home because they prevent the other maintenance and repair issues, like the foundation, doors, windows, siding, etc.

How gutters are installed?

Most homeowners will have their gutters installed by a professional. However, the accessories and materials are available at home improvement stores for the DIY homeowner. The instructions can be found on-line, but here, we’ll provide a general outline on how gutters are installed. Once you have completed your own gutter installation, you’ll find doing your own gutter repair easy too.

The layout snap lines

On the fascia, you need to mark the highest point 1 and ¼” below the flashing drip-edge.
At the ends of the fascia, mark the lowest ends for the gutter run, keeping a ½ inch drop every 10 feet.
Then using a chalk line, snap a layout line between those two points

Install fascia brackets

Locate the rafter tails located behind the fascia, typically every 16 inches.
Mark the chalk line every other rafter tail.
Drill a pilot hole measuring ⅛-inch-diameter into the fascia, going into the rafter tail at each of those marks.
Using ¼” stainless steel lag screws, at each mark, fasten the fascia brackets.

Cut the gutter runs to length

Using a hacksaw or metal snips, cut the gutter section to length.
If a corner is require, cut at a 45 degree angle on that end.
If wo sections of gutter runs are required for a straight-a-way,, overlap them 8 inches and connect with 3/8-inch-long,stainless steel screws that are self-starting.

Connect the end caps

On the square-cut ends of each gutter run, attach a spherical end cap with aluminum pop rivets.
Seal the rivets or screws inside the gutter runs to create a watertight joint using a waterproof caulk.

Cut downspout holes

Turning the gutter upside down with the downspout outlet on top, mark the where the downspout goes by tracing on the inside where the downspout hole is to be located on the gutter
Drill a quarter-inch diameter hole in the center of the round outline.
Now, turning the gutter run over, cut the downspout hole with a four-inch-diameter hole.

Install gutter

Lay the gutter runs in the brackets that are connected to the fascia.
Turn the gutter upward so that the back edge slides into the hooks at the top.
Drill a three-sixteenth hole through the screw holes on each bracket from the front, then secure the gutter runs to the bracket with a one-inch-long stainless steel machine screw.

Be sure to have the right type of screws and installed correctly to avoid Gutters pulling away from house. Should you notice any gutter runs pulling away, either do your own gutter repair or have a contractor schedule for the job.

Should I repair or replace gutters?

Do you pay for gutter repairs or is it time to replace them? That is a question usually necessitated financially. Why buy new when a few simple gutter repairs will give you another couple of years? But when is too far gone for gutter repairs to be enough?

Gutters are detached
Damaged or missing fasteners or screws
Cracks, holes, and rust in gutter runs or downspouts
Gutter slope is drooping
Paint is fading or eroding
Siding has water stains
Gutters have water sitting in them
Mildew forming from collected water
Basement floods
Gutters and downspouts are buckled or dented

How do professionals clean gutters?

Are you wondering why gutters overflowing? Probably because they are clogged up somewhere in the gutter run or one of the downspouts. This is an indication that it is time for gutter cleaning. The next thing to gutter repairs is gutter cleaning, something that most of us do not like doing, yet it is a necessity.

So, hiring a professional gutter cleaning service twice a year will get the job done. But how do they do it so quick and still be thorough? First thing you should realize, this is their business and livelihood, so they have made the investment of equipment, supplies and time to do the job right.

Some companies will have their equipment truck-mounted, and others have a portable setup. This includes vacuums with attachments that are gutter size and have industrial power. Some gutter cleaning companies use a wet/dry process and technology where the contractor alternates back and forth between the power wash process and vacuum process. This allows them to remove all the debris that collects in a gutter system over time. Then they take all that debris they have cleaned out and put it in garbage bags to be disposed of.

At The End Of The Day

Okay, the gutter installation we discussed earlier are for the traditional gutter system. Today, there are seamless gutters that are installed by a professional. They may the gutters while they install them, customized to your home. Are Seamless Gutters worth it?

Yes! A seamless rain gutter system is more durable and will have a longer lifespan than the traditional sectional gutter system. With no joints or seams, the possibility of cracks and leaks are minimal.