Are you thinking about sprucing up your home's look and upping its value? Installing new siding can enhance the appearance and functionality of your house. In Athens, GA, where humidity, temperature swings, and seasonal storms are part of everyday life, your siding has to do more than just look good, it needs to protect, insulate, and last.
But more important than the material itself is the siding installer you choose. The right team can make the difference between a seamless upgrade and a costly headache. Here is everything you need to know to pick the best siding and siding installer for your home.
In this guide, you can expect to learn about:
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Look for visual and structural cues to best determine if you need to replace your siding. Warping, cracking, and fading are some of the most obvious indicators. Mold or mildew growth, especially at seams, can also signal underlying moisture problems. Loose panels or a sudden spike in energy bills might mean your siding is no longer insulating your home properly.
In many cases, siding issues are best addressed alongside other exterior updates, such as replacing windows or doors, to ensure consistent protection and curb appeal.
So, you have done your inspection and made the right call to replace damaged siding. Now is the time to find a contractor who can do the job right. But not all siding contractors offer the same level of service or expertise. A reputable installer will understand local building codes, be familiar with weather-related wear and tear in the Georgia climate, and have a proven track record with various materials and home styles. They should also be licensed and insured, provide transparent cost estimates, and communicate clearly from the start. Experience matters too, particularly with products like vinyl siding, which require attention to detail during installation.
You’ll also want to see examples of past projects and ask about warranties on both materials and labor. Choosing a contractor who takes pride in their craftsmanship will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure the job is done right the first time.
Panel siding is often chosen for its sleek appearance and ease of installation. It comes in large sheets, typically four by eight feet, which allows contractors to cover walls faster and with fewer seams than traditional lap siding. Depending on the material, panel siding can be used to create a modern, minimal look or mimic classic styles with decorative grooves and textures.
Materials for panel siding vary, including Hardie fiber cement, engineered wood, and metal. Panel siding's popularity comes from its option to have both style and practicality, which is especially important for homeowners who value clean lines and reduced maintenance.
While they sound similar, panel siding and vertical siding aren’t the same thing. Panel siding refers to the format in which the siding is produced: as large, flat sheets. Vertical siding, on the other hand, describes how the siding is installed. That could mean boards run vertically, creating strong visual height and a unique architectural look.
Some panel siding products are specifically designed to be installed vertically, but others can be mounted horizontally. This flexibility allows homeowners to customize their exterior style, with help from experienced siding contractors in Athens, GA , who can assess what suits your home’s architecture.
Durability is a major factor when choosing siding. Panel siding’s lifespan depends largely on the material. For example, fiber cement panels can last between 30 to 50 years with proper care, while engineered wood panels tend to hold up well for 20 to 30 years. Metal panel siding, if properly coated, may last 40 to 60 years.
The key to maximizing longevity isn’t just choosing the right material, it’s having it installed by a qualified professional who knows how to prep the surface, seal edges, and protect it from moisture damage over time.
Some siding materials are built for longevity. Stone veneer, for instance, can last over 50 years and requires minimal upkeep. Metal siding, particularly steel or aluminum, is also known for its long lifespan, often remaining intact and rust-free for decades with proper maintenance.
Fiber cement siding, as we mentioned above, provides a balance between cost and durability, often lasting 30 years or more. It’s a popular choice for many homeowners because of its affordability and long lifespan.
Not all siding performs well in every environment. In humid climates like Georgia, untreated wood siding can be prone to rot, mold, and insect damage, particularly in shaded areas. Metal siding may rust if it lacks the appropriate coatings or isn’t maintained properly. Similarly, lower-grade vinyl siding can fade, crack, or warp under extreme temperature changes.
Avoiding these materials isn’t always necessary, but working with professionals who can recommend products suited to your environment will help you make a choice that lasts.
A major error that occurs during siding installation is improper nailing. Because siding expands and contracts with temperature changes, it should be hung loosely—not nailed tightly. Tight nailing can cause buckling, while loose or uneven installation may lead to panels detaching over time.
Other mistakes include skipping crucial moisture barriers or failing to install flashing correctly around windows and doors. These oversights can lead to water damage or insulation problems down the line. That’s why choosing experienced siding contractors like Encompass Contracting is a must for this kind of project, as we know how to install siding according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
Any kind of home remodeling project requires planning a budget, and siding installation is no different. Stone, brick, and high-end fiber cement sit at the top of the pricing scale and often require a higher upfront investment. These materials are typically chosen for their high-end appearance and long-term durability, especially on custom or historic homes.
Go over cost concerns with a trusted contractor so you can get what you need at a price you want.
The installer you choose matters just as much as the material. A trusted contractor will guide you through the process, from selecting between Hardie cement siding, panel siding, or other materials, to provide a precise installation that will stand up to Georgia's weather.
Take time to evaluate your options. Review past work, ask questions, and make sure you’re working with someone who understands both your goals and the unique needs of your home.
A well-executed siding project doesn’t just protect your house, it transforms it. With the right installer, your home’s next chapter starts with confidence.
Encompass Contracting has over 15 years of experience doing exterior and interior remodeling for homeowners in Athens, GA, and surrounding areas. If you need new siding installed, roofing work, or want to renovate your kitchen, we are proud to be your local partner for your next project. We will work with you to find the right designs and materials that fit your budget and lifestyle and will answer any questions you have along the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation.