Frequently Asked Questions about Siding

Siding helps to protect your home from the elements while simultaneously highlighting architectural elements. Whether you’ve lived in your home for decades and are ready to replace siding that’s taken a beating, or you’re just moving into the home of your dreams and want to make some updates, read on for everything you ever needed to know about siding.

If you’re looking for a source of vinyl siding in Cleveland, Fairview Home Improvement is your go-to. We aim to provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your Cleveland home improvement projects. Let’s get into some details and answer some commonly asked siding questions. If your question isn’t answered, get in touch with us to learn more!

How can I tell if my vinyl siding needs to be replaced?

Vinyl siding in Cleveland has to put up with the worst of every season, from intense heat and cold to excessive rain and wind. Here’s what to look for to know that it’s time to think about vinyl siding replacement:

• Mold, mildew, or interior water damage
• Seam separation
• Warping, cracking, buckling or bubbling
• Fading, chalking or peeling
• Missing siding pieces
• Visible holes or damage

What are the benefits to replacing the siding on my home?

New siding can help to better protect your home against the elements, including extreme temperatures and moisture. This can protect the structural integrity of your home while also increasing resale value. New siding also cuts down on yearly maintenance, as many available products require little to no effort to maintain. If you are considering selling your home, then replacing old or damaged siding can immediately boost your home’s curb appeal.

How much does it cost to install vinyl siding in Cleveland?

As is true with any Cleveland home improvement project, total cost depends on a range of factors. These can include the type of siding you select, along with the complexity of the job, current labor costs in your area, and related work that needs to be done. Additional costs could include obtaining a permit, removal and disposal fees, and installing custom trim and flashing.

A very rough ballpark figure for vinyl siding in Cleveland can range from approximately $3 to $12 per square foot. That puts a 1,500-square-foot home at anywhere from $4,500 to $16,500, depending heavily on the cost of materials and the home’s size. All in all, vinyl siding is one of the most affordable options for siding that is available today. It builds in value over time thanks to its durability and low maintenance needs.

What time of year is best to replace vinyl siding in Cleveland?

While vinyl siding in Cleveland can be replaced any time of year if need be, the ideal times are in spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate. 

This way your home is prepared for the harsh heat or cold to follow, and it is easier for our crew to get perfect measurements. This paired with ideal working conditions means that the job may progress faster, which is less of an inconvenience for you, the homeowner. The only drawback is that everyone else is scheduling during this time as well. Plan ahead and contact us early to get on the schedule for vinyl siding installation.

What can I expect during vinyl siding replacement?

At Fairview Home Improvement our team values your property as if it were our own. We take every step possible to ensure that your landscaping and hardscaping are protected and preserved during the course of your siding project. At the end of each work day and especially upon completion of your project, you can expect our crew to clean up thoroughly and perform an intensive site cleanup. We’ll go so far as vacuuming the area and employing magnets to locate hidden or stray nails and other debris. You can trust that your property will look better than we found it.

Can I put new siding over old siding?

Many contractors will say that old siding can stay in place and new siding can be applied on top of it. At Fairview Home Improvement we take a different approach. While recommendations may vary, and it may be possible to apply vinyl siding over old wood siding, it can present challenges and potential future issues. To ensure longevity of your investment and structural integrity of your home we prefer to remove old siding to install new siding. This also allows for proper inspection and addressing of any potential issues instead of simply covering them over. It is also a good opportunity to replace Tyvek house wrap for a fresh layer with no nail holes or tears for the ultimate protection against the elements.

Can I replace my own vinyl siding? 

Yes, of course–anyone has the right to make the replacement of vinyl siding in Cleveland a DIY task. That said, it should be considered carefully. This is a major project that requires near perfect accuracy, specialized tools, training, expertise and high quality materials to look as though it were professionally done. Without a crew, the job will take much longer, and you risk injury, setbacks, and plenty of frustration. Unlike some DIY projects, there is no room for error when installing vinyl siding. Mistakes during installation can lead to permanent damage and distortion. What a shame it would be to invest time, effort and assets only for the finished product to be less than you hoped for or to have to then pay for a professional fix.

How many years does siding last? 

Durability and projected lifespan of siding will vary mainly by product quality and material. Fiber cement siding stands up to pests, fire and moisture and can last for decades. Wood siding’s lifespan really depends on the amount of maintenance done, as without regular painting or staining, wood is very susceptible to insects and moisture. Vinyl and composite siding can remain viable for several decades if even a little bit of maintenance is done regularly. Aluminum siding will typically fade and require painting but the material itself is strong and rigid and can last for decades as well, so long as it is not damaged during that time.

What is the best maintenance free siding?

Composite siding looks like wood but doesn’t require the ongoing maintenance tasks, making it a good choice for those who like the upscale look of wood but the ease of vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is a tried and true option for those looking for a low maintenance and affordable siding option that offers aesthetic appeal. Maintenance typically includes using a basic garden hose and only gentle cleaning tools and agents. 

Important steps to take to ensure that your siding looks good as long as possible include regular inspections for damage or deterioration, keeping landscaping plants trimmed away from the surface of siding, checking gutters and downspouts for proper function, and keeping outdoor heat sources away from siding.

Do I need to get a permit to replace vinyl siding in Cleveland?

It is likely that you will need a permit to replace vinyl siding in Cleveland, though it depends more on the specific community in which you live. Local requirements vary, and your trusted team at Fairview Home Improvement can help you learn whether you may need a permit where you are. If you are located in a historic district, HOA, or the project involves additional structural changes or new construction, it is more likely that you will need a permit to proceed. Your local building department and the Cleveland home improvement professionals at Fairview can help. It is always best to check beforehand then to end up paying unexpected fees or fines.

How long does it take to replace vinyl siding?

Every job is different, but we can make some basic estimates to help you determine when may be a good time to install vinyl siding on your Cleveland home. Depending on the complexity of your home’s layout and architecture, you can expect for your siding job to last 1-2 weeks, or 5-10 working days. This timing includes everything from old siding removal to wall prep, installation of siding and trim, inspection and final cleanup. Additional factors that can affect timing could be local weather conditions, material delivery times, and the size of the installation crew.

What is the best siding manufacturer?

At Fairview Home Improvement we highly recommend products from Alside, Polaris and ProVia and we work exclusively with these manufacturers. We stand behind the quality of their offerings and appreciate the ingenuity that they bring to the market through products like ASCEND® Composite Cladding. Whichever siding option appeals to you, you can trust that the selections we offer are built for durability and can stand up to Cleveland’s sometimes erratic and extreme weather events and conditions. Siding from Alside, Polaris and ProVia is available in dozens of color, texture, and style options, including the authentic look and feel of wood grain but in a much more durable material. Our expert technicians can help you to choose the ideal siding product for your home.

Your Professional Source for Vinyl Siding in Cleveland

New siding for your Cleveland home is an investment that is worth making–it can immediately boost your home’s defenses against the elements while also boosting energy efficiency and curb appeal. There are plenty of options on the market, but your local Cleveland home improvement experts at Fairview have narrowed down the offerings to the best of the best, making decisions easy and building confidence in our work. Contact us today to make the siding replacement process simple and stress-free. Check out our portfolio to see our work and visit our testimonials page to hear what our customers have to say!