The Ultimate Siding Guide for Homeowners
Everything You Need to Know About Replacing Your Home’s Siding
Your home isn’t just a structure. It’s your family’s safe space and your biggest investment. But when siding begins to fade, crack, or rot, it opens your home to damage, drives up energy costs, and hurts curb appeal.
At American Way Exteriors, we specialize in premium siding installation for Dayton homeowners who want peace of mind and maximum return on investment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make a confident, informed decision.
6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Siding
Ohio experiences a wide range of weather conditions, including high humidity, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. The elements can take a toll on your home’s siding. Look for these telltale signs that your home needs a siding replacement:
1. Cracks or gaps
Fluctuating temperatures can cause expansion and contraction in your siding, resulting in cracks or gaps. These allow moisture, pests, and other unwanted elements to get inside your walls and can cause significant damage over time.
2. Warping or buckling
Ohio’s humidity and temperature swings can cause siding to warp or buckle which is often a sign of hidden moisture. This can lead to insulation failure, making it harder to regulate indoor temps and driving up energy bills.
3. Fading or discoloration
Dayton's intense sun can cause your siding to fade or discolor, making it look dingy and outdated. This can be a sign of UV damage, age, or mold/mildew growth.
4. Frequent maintenance
Frequent repainting or repairs are a sign your siding is wearing out—modern materials like fiber cement offer lasting durability with minimal upkeep.
5. Mold or rot
Mold and rot are signs that moisture has lingered too long, often in shaded or weather-exposed areas. Over time, this can lead to structural issues and ruin your siding’s appearance. Learn how to spot wood rot and prevent mold growth before the damage spreads.
6. Increased energy bills
Damaged or aging siding can weaken your home’s insulation–especially during Ohio’s drastic temperature changes. If your energy bills keep rising, your siding may be forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
If you’re seeing any of these signs, it’s time to call a certified siding expert. Replacing worn siding helps prevent further damage, improves energy efficiency, and even adds protection against risks like fire damage.
Common Types of House Siding
The most common types of siding materials on the market today include fiber cement, vinyl, engineered wood, cedar, and metal. Each one has distinct advantages.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding, including the popular James Hardie brand, is made from a mixture of sand, wood fiber, and Portland cement. It is extremely durable and can last up to 50 years if you take care of it properly. Other advantages include:
- Pest and mold resistant
- Noncombustible
- Able to withstand the Dayton area’s cold winters and hot, humid summers
- Fade-resistant
Mastic Vinyl Siding
Made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, vinyl siding, including the Mastic brand, is a cost-effective option for homeowners. It is also:
- Flexible
- Cost-effective
- Easy to install
- Doesn’t require painting
LP SmartSide Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood, including the popular LP SmartSide, has the look of wood siding but with less upkeep. It can also be repainted to update your home. Other advantages include:
- Impact resistant
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Stands up to Dayton’s freeze-and-thaw cycle
Cedar Shake
Made from high-quality wood, cedar shake comes in a variety of textures and colors. It also:
- Has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties so you can leave it untreated and not worry about excessive warping and rotting
- Provides excellent noise reduction and insulation
- Has a timeless appearance
- Is environmentally friendly
Metal Siding
Metal siding, which is usually made of steel or aluminum, provides a modern or industrial appearance. Some of its benefits include:
- Low maintenance
- Eco-friendly
- Energy-efficient
- Excellent soundproofing
- Pest-resistant
Siding and ROI: How New Siding Pays Off
New siding can increase the value of your Dayton home in several ways:
Lifespan
New siding can improve the overall durability of your home’s exterior, protecting it from the elements and reducing the need for costly repairs in the future. This is not only great for you, but is appealing to homebuyers who are looking for a low-maintenance home.
Safety
Replacement siding can also enhance your home’s security. High-quality siding materials can help prevent moisture and pests from entering your home, which can lead to structural damage and health concerns. This can provide peace of mind to you, as well as potential homebuyers, making them more likely to make an offer on your home.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient siding can help regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing your heating and cooling costs. This is perfect when you are looking to reduce your monthly expenses.
Curb Appeal
And last but not least, replacement siding enhances your home’s curb appeal, making it more attractive. Curb appeal plays a significant role in a home’s perceived value, and well-maintained siding can increase your home’s resale value.
Energy-Efficient Siding Options for Your Ohio Home
With utility costs on the rise, energy-efficient siding is more important than ever. Heating and cooling account for up to 70% of the average home’s energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The right siding acts as a protective shield, keeping your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and more efficient year-round.
Fiber cement siding, like James Hardie®, is one of the most energy-smart choices available. Built with the HardieZone® system, it’s specifically engineered to withstand Dayton’s dramatic weather without cracking, rotting, or compromising efficiency.
Vinyl siding offers high R-value and helps reflect solar heat, reducing strain on your HVA system. Engineered wood siding naturally resists heat loss and moisture, helping maintain a more consistent indoor temperature in every season.
In addition to reducing energy costs, these materials help lower your home’s carbon footprint, key advantages highlighted in energy-efficient siding options tailored to Ohio homes. Choosing the right siding not only boosts performance, but also add long-term value and comfort.
How to Choose the Best Siding Style for Your Home
Choosing the right siding style can be overwhelming, there are countless options, and not every one fits every home. The best siding enhances your home’s architectural features while complimenting your neighborhood and regional trends. Here are some guidelines by home style to help you narrow your options:
Craftsman Homes
Known for their low-pitched roofs, wide porches, exposed beams, and gabled details, Craftsman homes pair well with horizontal lap siding. Earth tones and natural shades like brown, gray, green, coppery red, cream, or even slate blue reinforce their handcrafted appeal.
Colonial Homes
Colonial-style homes are symmetrical, often with steep roofs and minimal ornamentation. They look best with traditional lap or Dutch lap siding, which adds dimension without overwhelming the classic design. Popular colors include white, muted blue, gray, and soft yellow.
Cape Cod Homes
With centered doors, gabled dormers, and steep roofs, Cape Cod homes work well with clapboard siding or board and batten, a vertical style that adds subtle texture. Siding choices should reflect the timeless, coastal-inspired character of this architecture. James Hardie’s color palette for Cape Cod homes offers ideal combinations, while fiber cement siding remains a top choice for durability and aesthetic harmony.
How to Maintain Your Home’s Siding
After you get new siding, the most important thing is now to make sure it lasts for many years (and looks good)! By extending the lifespan of your siding, you’ll prevent costly repairs.
Here is a quick look at how to properly maintain your siding:
Inspect Your Siding Regularly
Especially after a storm, check for any signs of damage, including cracks, dents, or discoloration, and address them promptly to prevent further damage.
Clean Your Siding
Depending on what type of siding it is, use a pressure washer or a soft-bristled brush and a cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, and mildew from the siding.
Trim Nearby Bushes and Trees
Cut back any vegetation that may be touching or rubbing against the siding, as it can cause damage and increase the risk of moisture infiltration.
Check the Caulking and Sealants
Inspect the caulking and sealants around windows, doors, and other openings in the siding and repair or replace them as needed to prevent moisture infiltration.
Maintain the Gutters and Downspouts
Clean the gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water from backing up and overflowing onto the siding, causing damage.
Keep Your Siding Dry
Avoid allowing water to pool on the siding or remain trapped behind it, as this can cause damage and encourage mold growth.
How to Hire the Best Siding Contractor
It’s incredibly important to the success of your siding project to hire a reputable and experienced contractor. The communication between the contractor and the homeowner throughout the project has to come first.
Here are our eleven most important tips for hiring the right siding contractor:
- Research potential contractors by looking for recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews.
- Check the contractor’s credentials, including their license, insurance, and certifications.
- Ask for a detailed written estimate that includes all the work to be done, the materials to be used, and the timeframe for completion.
- Look for a contractor that specializes in the type of siding you need.
- Ask for references and check them.
- Inquire about the contractor’s experience and expertise.
- Ask about the contractor’s warranty and after-sales service.
- Choose a contractor who is responsive and communicates well.
- Ask about the payment schedule and payment methods.
- Avoid contractors who pressure you to make a quick decision or pay in full upfront.
- Read the contract carefully before signing and ask questions if anything is unclear.
By following these tips, Dayton homeowners can hire a siding contractor who delivers quality workmanship!
Choose American Way Exteriors for Your Dayton Area Siding Replacement
At American Way Exteriors, we know that you want to be a confident homeowner with an exterior you can be proud of. That is why we stock only the highest-quality, industry-leading siding that will last for decades to come. When it comes to service, we provide ourselves on our no-pressure sales approach and reliable installation process. To learn more about what it’s like to work with the American Way Exteriors team, read reviews from our happy customers!
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