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3 exterior siding myths you should not believe

3 exterior siding myths you should not believe

There are more options than ever before when selecting an exterior siding for your home -- so many, that narrowing the field down to one can almost seem overwhelming. For example, you might be wondering which siding is the best at protecting your home from water damage or whether fiber cement is too hard to install yourself. Or cost and maintenance questions might be complicating your decision.

After all, it's a big investment and one you don't want to regret when all is said and done. Debunking a few exterior siding myths beforehand should help make the selection process easier.

Exterior siding: fact from fiction

It's always a good idea to consult with professionals when planning a siding project. Most siding contractors, vendors, and distributors have a wealth of experience that can help you eliminate mistakes and can even help you lower your costs.

Keep in mind, however, that even experts can have varied opinions as to which siding material might be best for your home. The smartest course of action is to gather your own information, too, and avoid falling prey to any of these common misconceptions:

  1. Water intrusion -- There isn't any one material that's better than the others for protecting your house from water. Regardless of what you hear, all exterior siding materials allow water to reach your home; the key is to prevent it from entering. The preparation before the siding is installed, such as flashing the windows and doors and applying house wrap, is as important as which siding you choose. Proper installation is also important as brick, stucco, and vinyl siding have systems designed to allow water drainage from behind the material once it's on your home.
  2. Installation -- If you hear that all exterior siding should be installed by a professional, take it with a grain of salt. Some types of siding -- brick, stucco, or natural stone, for example -- might best be left to professionals. But many wood, vinyl, and fiber cement siding installations can be done by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. Even some faux stone and brick products can be installed by homeowners. The complexity of your particular installation and your level of competence determine whether a project is DIY-friendly for you.
  3. Cost -- You might have heard that all exterior siding is expensive. While stone, stucco, or brick veneer installations often require a significant investment, many types of fiber cement and vinyl siding can be very affordable. Installing your own vinyl siding may only cost a few cents more per square foot than hiring a contractor to roll two coats of paint on the walls of an interior room.

Seek advice from siding professionals, and make sure you have all the facts. Then you can make an informed decision about which siding material is best for your home.

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