Which Siding is Best?

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Perhaps your current home needs new siding, or you’re having a new house built.

Either way making the right decisions about your home’s exterior is essential to how well your home will stand up against the elements.

With frigid winter weather in Portland, OR, you want something that can withstand freezing rain and snow. If you aren’t sure of which materials to invest in, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, you can find a list of some of the best options on the market!

1. James Hardie Siding

As a leading manufacturer of home exterior materials, James Hardie siding is the best on the market.

This manufacturer has an outstanding reputation and provides only top-grade materials. Their products are durable, affordable, and designed to withstand freezing temperatures in Portland, OR.

It won’t allow water to enter your home and damage your walls.

Finding James Hardie siding installers can be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort due to its superb quality. It’s always worth having a specialist install this material to guarantee the longest-lasting results – it’s an investment you won’t regret.

2. Vinyl

Vinyl is perhaps one of the most common materials on the market because of its lower price and practicality. Vinyl stands up well against most weather situations and looks attractive when cleaned periodically.

Another bonus of this material is how quickly siding contractors can install it. So, if you’re in a hurry, it’s a great option!

Because it’s a common material, almost all siding companies in Portland can install it with no problems. However, it’s always worth choosing a first-class contractor regardless of your choice of material.

3. Fiber Cement

This material is recommended by many siding contractors in Portland due to its durability and longevity. It resists the elements and maintains its beauty and functionality.

Additionally, you can find it for affordable prices and get it installed with no problems by most siding companies in Portland.

Standard fiber cement doesn’t quite live up to top-tier materials like James Hardie, but it’s always a solid option.

4. LP

LP uses a mixture of man-made and natural materials to create an attractive, strong, and long-lasting solution.

LP is popular among homeowners for these reasons.

However, some siding contractors in Portland don’t install this material, making it more challenging to have it installed on your home for a reasonable price.

If you can find a siding contractor who offers this service, you won’t be disappointed afterward because it’s very attractive and adds curb appeal to any home.

Final Thoughts

There are many great options on the market, but if you want the highest quality and performance to match your budget, you must consider your needs and what you can afford.

Shopping around and doing your research will help you determine what’s right for you.

Additionally, finding a siding contractor who can install the material you want is equally important, especially if you need it done quickly.

Professional James Hardie siding installers are a great place to start. Work with a local contractor that specializes in this material, and always feel free to ask them for their wider range of options!

What Is the Most Popular Siding?

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Most siding companies in Portland agree that the James Hardie siding is one of the most popular products available! The engineers manufactured the fiber cement products to withstand harsh weather conditions, pests, and time.

Indeed, our siding contractors meet many homeowners who choose their products. And as the inventor of fiber cement products, James Hardie remains the leader in the field.

Whether looking for a classic colonial or a beautiful craftsman aesthetic, their diverse and detailed options will help you create a historically accurate and architecturally pleasing home.

Keep reading to learn more about the popular James Hardie options your local siding contractor recommends.

HardiePlank® Lap Siding

As one of North America’s most popular brands, HardiePlank® Lap is an excellent choice for protecting and enhancing your home’s appearance.

It has four styles to suit your aesthetic preference:

  • Cedarmill® for a natural wood look
  • Smooth for a modern feel
  • Beaded Cedarmill® for a charming coastal vibe
  • Beaded Smooth for a contemporary touch

You can choose from various colors or get them primed for painting. When selecting siding companies in Portland, find one with a proven track record of satisfied customers and vast experience.

A reliable local siding contractor can help homeowners select the best options if required for their home and budget, ensuring a long-lasting and beautiful result.

HardieShingle® Siding

Shingle or shake siding can give any household a stunning, rustic look. HardieShingle® offers a low-maintenance option with a distinct cedar shake look.

A clean-lined shingle variant in classic shades with long-lasting color technology is available in the Statement and Dream Collection products offering beautiful colors, styles, and textures you’ll love.

The Magnolia Home James Hardie Collection provides earthy, neutral tones to simplify re-siding your home. In addition, the Staggered Edge Panel offers an inviting, laid-back look.

Are you interested in these products and looking for professional siding contractors in Portland? Licensed James Hardie siding installers can provide a durable, low-maintenance option.

Get Vertical-Lap-Siding for Two-Story Homes

Consider using HardiePanel® Vertical products to improve the look of your home’s exterior design and add a bold touch to your house. Siding contractors can combine HardiePlank® Lap with this vertically installed product. It’s available in various textures, including:

  • Natural cedar
  • Smooth
  • Stucco
  • Sierra 8

Choose your perfect color or get the inviting look of stucco but with fiber cement’s durability. Sierra 8 panels add dimension and interest to the outside of a house. The panel has a unique texture and linear detail that adds depth without being too complicated.

One of its features is the vertical groove that is present every 8 inches, which gives the panel its distinct appearance.

The Takeaway

Installing first-class fiber cement products can give your house a longer lifespan and require less upkeep than wood. It’s also resistant to pests, water damage, and even salt spray from the ocean. James Hardie makes high-quality products, and they have great relationships with their installers.

Do you need help finding great siding contractors in Portland to help you achieve the look you want for your home? Reach out to the best James Hardie siding installers in Portland today.

Which Siding is Best for Insulation?

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Investing in your home’s exterior is always a good idea – for looks, for protection, and to help you save money.

Aside from being the first line of defense against the elements, siding contractors in Portland point out that your siding plays a key role in your home’s energy efficiency and insulation.

What if we told you that there are certain materials sold by James Hardie siding installers that might allow you to add a couple of bucks to your kids’ college funds or piggy bank for that long-awaited vacation to Hawaii?

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, we’ll go over three of the most energy-efficient materials money can buy, curated by the best siding companies in Portland.

Let’s dive in!

James Hardie Insulated Fiber Cement

Looking for a façade that can withstand the toughest of elements and provide excellent insulation? There aren’t many better options than James Hardie insulated fiber cement!

Sold by most siding contractors, this incredibly durable material is made from a mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, and it’s known for its low-maintenance, fire-resistant, and weather-resistant properties.

The initial cost is often slightly higher (prices can range anywhere from $6-$13 per square foot), but a good siding contractor can mitigate this with financing options.

If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s exterior, you can end up getting a huge return on your investment. First-class products like insulated James Hardie siding can do big things for a home’s market value.

Steel

Steel is an incredibly versatile construction material. It’s also an amazing option for those looking to increase their home’s energy efficiency and insulation.

Portland’s summers as of late have not been kind, so it’s only a plus that the material happens to be reflective enough to banish the sun’s heat away from your home, keeping the inside cooler and more comfortable.

Moreover, you’ll also love the fact that a steel façade is low-maintenance, super durable, and can repel all sorts of pests, including termites and rodents.

Insulated Vinyl

Last – but certainly not least – insulated vinyl siding has a special layer of foam insulation that effectively blocks outside temperatures from sneaking into your home through the façade.

When installed by an expert siding contractor, this added insulation helps lower your overall home energy expenses by keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Not only does insulated vinyl help reduce heat loss during the winter months, but it also decreases heat gain in the summer, making it a year-round energy-saver.

Although it may be pricier than a non-insulated vinyl façade, it’s still the most affordable option on the market today. This makes it a leading option for most siding companies in Portland when asked about the best siding for insulation.

Final Thoughts

Insulated fiber cement, vinyl, and steel are all great options – but James Hardie siding is the best insulator for PNW homes when it’s installed properly by the top-rated James Hardie siding installers.

Working with reputable siding contractors in Portland ensures that you’re getting the best value for money, professional installation, and superior materials. That’s how you guarantee first-class insulation!

What Type of Siding Increases Home Value?

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Siding protects the exterior of your home against the elements and adds curb appeal. But not all kinds last equally long or afford the same degree of protection for your house. More durable siding that retains its good looks for longer and withstands the weather better tends to increase your home’s property value.

Tougher siding also costs more, so if you need it replaced, choose a type that increases home value. As experienced siding contractors in Portland, we can give you in-depth advice regarding the best kind to boost your property value.

Fiber Cement Siding Increases Home Value Most

Hiring siding companies in Portland to revamp your home’s exterior will add quite a bit to your property’s resale value, and you will recoup a significant amount of your outlay. However, the best return on investment when replacing Portland siding comes from fiber cement.

In 2022, the Cost vs. Replacement report concluded that hiring siding contractors in Portland to install fiber cement was the third most valuable home improvement project in the area, with homeowners recouping 84.7% of the cost and increasing property value by 19 thousand dollars on average.

The Benefits of Fiber Cement

Although fiber cement is more expensive upfront than alternatives like vinyl, its greater durability results in lower yearly costs when pro-rated over 50 years. As a result, manufacturers offer excellent warranties.

Patented in 1901 as Eternit, fiber cement stands up to rain, hail, and high winds, won’t warp, rot, or be eaten by termites, and is a Class 1 fire-resistant material, like brick.

Siding contractors in Portland can offer you fiber cement in various styles and an enormous range of colors. It requires minimal maintenance and is far more environmentally friendly than vinyl.

The Best Fiber Cement Siding in the Industry

Siding companies in Portland may install various fiber cement brands, but the leading company in this industry is undoubtedly James Hardie. Founded in 1888, James Hardie has been making fiber cement since the 1980s.

When evaluating siding contractors in Portland, select a firm that is a member of the James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor alliance. Because fiber cement is much heavier than alternatives, installation must be done more carefully, making it risky to hire a cheap contractor.

James Hardie offers fiber cement in various looks to suit any home style. Moreover, it is available in thousands of colors, with the proprietary Color Plus technology featuring a baked-on finish for long-lasting, fade-resistant good looks, coming with a 15-year warranty.

The quality of James Hardie fiber cement products means that your home insurance company may give you a reduction in premiums to lower the risk of damage to your house.

Selecting Portland Siding Contractors

When choosing siding contractors in Portland, choose a company with extensive experience, industry certifications, and many satisfied customer reviews.

It is also beneficial to choose a business that offers other exterior improvements, as you may wish to undertake other repairs to the exterior of your home.

What Are the New Trends in Siding?

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Re-siding your house is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and value. However, you want to ensure that any improvement stays roughly on trend with other homes in your area.

Read on to learn more about siding trends and how quality siding companies in Portland can help you!

1. Color and Contrast

While whites and off-whites will always be popular, more and more people are thinking both brighter and darker when it comes to the color of their homes.

Darker tones like blue and black can add drama to a home’s exterior. These colors also look great at night with the right exterior lighting choices.

Some homeowners are trying earthy, natural colors like browns and greens. These shades look especially vibrant in Portland and the rest of the Pacific Northwest.

Quality Portland siding contractors can offer you a wide range of colors for both the siding and trim.

2. Textures and Accents

Color isn’t the only thing siding can add to your home. Lap siding can change the feel of your home depending on how wide it is. And textured lap, panels, and shingles can add depth, too.

But that doesn’t mean you have to use stucco or wood panels. Fiber cement allows you to mimic these textures perfectly while still having a durable home exterior.

Fiber cement manufacturers like James Hardie offer excellent warranties but depend on a high-quality installation. When working with siding contractors in Portland, hire a qualified company that can give you the best installation possible.

4. Eco-Friendly Materials

Eco-friendly materials have never been more popular. Homeowners do want to do the right thing, sure, but they also know that investing in eco-friendly exterior panels can save them money in the long run.

Materials like fiber cement, engineered wood, and insulated vinyl siding help your home to trap heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, saving on utility bills. And materials that are lower maintenance can save you both time and money.

Quality siding contractors in Portland can tell you about your various eco-friendly options, including fiber cement.

5. Building Home Value

Building your home value never really goes out of style, but today’s homeowners are more cognizant than ever about how their house stacks up in the neighborhood. Every home improvement project is a chance to give your property a boost.

Re-siding your home offers a good ROI when it comes to increasing the sales price. But you need to ensure the installation is done properly by quality siding companies in Portland to get the benefits.

That’s why you should only work with trusted siding companies in Portland that have good reviews. An installation that may invalidate any material warranty will not likely boost your home value.

Hire Trusted Portland Siding Contractors

When hiring siding companies in Portland, look for contractors specializing in the latest and greatest styles and materials. With a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, you’re guaranteed a beautiful exterior that protects your home and keeps your energy costs to a minimum!

Is It Worth Replacing Siding Before Selling Your House? 

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There’s a lot to consider when you’re thinking about selling your home. One of these factors is whether to invest in new siding.

New siding can increase your curb appeal – this means that if you sell your home, you’ll make more for it. However, it is an expense to undertake in the first place, so here’s some expert advice from leading Portland siding contractors.

Why You Might Need New Siding

All materials wear down eventually, but their maintenance needs vary. Old vinyl may look faded and have suffered repeated impact damage. Wood products may have suffered from dry rot or termite infestations.

Fiber cement (especially Hardie Board or HardiePlank siding) lasts a long time and retains its attractive appearance despite wear and tear. However, it will still need maintenance if it’s old.

With this being said, here are the signs siding companies in Portland highlight as clues that your siding needs repaired or replaced:

  • Mold and mildew
  • Any holes or visible damage
  • Faded color
  • Bubbling paint
  • Having had numerous paintings within a few years
  • Having increased heating and cooling bills
  • Moisture inside your home

Alternatives To An Overhaul

Before committing to a whole overhaul, consider if there are any repairs you can do to nurse your exterior walls along. This can be as simple as having one panel or board replaced and continuing to protect your home from bugs, water, and air.

Other quick fixes include giving your Portland siding a lick of paint to give it a fresh look for less money. Exercise caution, however, as materials such as vinyl and metal are not suitable for painting and could actually cause you more problems.

Another option is to pressure wash the exterior. After all, the outside of your home faces harsh weather, and a little TLC goes a long way to remove insects, pests, mold, and dirt.

Siding Solutions

Siding companies in Portland remind us that while you may be fond of your drab exterior, a potential buyer will not be. In this instance, you may be best to invest in new panels, boards, or even an overhaul for the outside of your home.

The initial layout for new siding can be expensive, but siding contractors in Portland do say it can increase your home’s energy efficiency, saving you money on bills, as well as increasing your home’s value.

Types Available

Portland siding contractors offer numerous materials, including:

  • HardiePlank fiber cement
  • Vinyl
  • Insulated vinyl
  • Fiber cement
  • Wood

Of these, HardiePlank from James Hardie is the best choice to add value to your home. Insulated vinyl also offers a great return when it’s freshly installed.

Wood tends to be expensive to install and isn’t always ideal for the PNW climate. Selling your home in Portland, Oregon, is easier when you use the best materials for the region!

Increasing Your Home Value

Ultimately, a gorgeous and looked-after home upgraded by siding contractors in Portland will attract buyers, and the more buyers who want to make an offer will drive the price up. Contact your local expert today to get started.

Does Hardie Board Siding Increase Home Value?

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Are you searching for siding companies in Portland to help you increase your home value? Have you heard of Hardie Board siding but know little about it?

We’re here to answer all your questions.

Hardie Board is one of the most popular types of Portland siding and for good reason.

This article will examine what it is and why you should consider hiring Portland siding contractors to install it on your home.

What Is Hardie Board Siding?

Hardie Board is a fiber cement siding made up of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, which makes it highly durable and weather-resistant.

It can be painted any color and has a look that mimics wood without the same maintenance requirements.

The boards are also designed to last for over 50 years – making them an excellent option for anyone looking for long-lasting exterior protection for their home when hiring Portland siding contractors.

Misconceptions Of Hardie Board Siding

Some misconceptions about siding contractors in Portland who use this material have existed since its introduction.

These include the following claims:

  • The material contains toxic or carcinogenic chemicals
  • It rots
  • The material expands and contracts during hot summers and cold winters
  • It can’t be easily painted
  • It breaks down easily when exposed to extreme weather conditions

Fortunately, these claims are unfounded – Hardie Board is a trusted, durable, low-maintenance option used by many professionalsiding contractors in Portland.

Benefits Of Hiring Hardie Board Siding Companies In Portland

Hardie Board offers several benefits compared to other types of materials, such as vinyl or wood:

  • Strong and resistant to fire and wind damage
  • Low maintenance
  • Long-lasting – allowing homeowners to avoid costly replacement projects

Another reason siding contractors in Portland use this material is because it’s insect resistant, meaning fewer pests like termites will try to make a home out of your house.

The “Greener” Option

Another benefit of Hardie Board is its environmental friendliness.

It requires no staining (which releases VOCs into the atmosphere), and its production process uses fewer natural resources than other building materials like brick or stone veneer products.

This makes it an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high durability for their homes.

Does Hardie Board Increase Home Value?

Yes! Installing this material on your house will protect it from extreme weather conditions and help increase its resale value significantly – studies have shown that homes with Hardie Board installed can have a return on investment of up to 69%.

Nowadays, potential buyers are increasingly aware of the benefits of renewable building materials, so they’re willing to pay extra when they see them installed on houses they’re interested in purchasing.

Invest In Hardie Board For Your Home

Whether you’re looking for increased protection from extreme weather conditions or want to add value to your home before selling – hiring seasoned Hardie Board siding companies in Portland for your house is a great investment!

Professional Portland siding contractors can upgrade your home, boosting its appearance, protective performance, and longevity – reach out now to get started.

Common Problems With Vinyl Siding

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Vinyl is often recommended by siding contractors in Portland as it’s sturdy, has a long lifespan, and looks great on your home! However, like any material, it is not completely immune to problems.

Read on to learn what professional siding companies in Portland have learned from working with vinyl and other materials.

Impact Damage

Portland siding contractors observe that vinyl is susceptible to damage from impacts. Impacts, such as flying tree branches or stones thrown up by lawnmowers, can harm the vinyl.

These collisions will create cracks, holes, and splintered panels, which will need to be replaced even after lighter impacts. Products like James Hardie fiber cement siding stand up to impacts better.

Cracking and Warping

Extreme weather is a threat to vinyl. Extreme temperature variations can make it warp or crack. For instance, it may expand when exposed to extreme temperatures, causing damage through cracking or melting.

On the other hand, it can contract when exposed to cold weather, resulting in cracks or other types of damage. Siding can also warp or break due to poor installation, such as attaching the panels excessively firm.

Moisture Infiltration

This type of material is not totally waterproof, despite being made to be water-resistant. Moisture infiltration can still occur due to water seeping behind the panels, especially if the siding is built incorrectly. This might result in decay and mold growth, harming the underlying structure.

Fading

Fading affects your home’s curb appeal and makes it look cheap and rundown. Due to repeated exposure to sunshine, vinyl siding can fade over time.

Its color may fade due to exposure to UV radiation from the sun, losing some of its charm and curb appeal. Therefore, you should use it on structures not exposed to direct sunlight.

Poor Installation

One of the main reasons vinyl structures malfunction is improper installation. If the panels are attached too firmly, there isn’t enough room for expansion and contraction, or the joints between the panels aren’t adequately sealed, this can happen.

Unprofessional installation can result in issues like cracking, warping, and moisture infiltration. Ensure you hire professional siding companies in Portland to avoid most of the problems listed above.

Insect Infestation

Although insects rarely harm vinyl, some species, like termites or carpenter ants, can bore through the siding and into the underlying structure. That ends up harming the house and damaging the beautiful structures in your home.

This is more likely to occur if the siding has openings for the insects, such as gaps or cracks. Therefore, knowing experienced siding contractors in Portland could save your home and vinyl from insect infestation.

Conclusion

Vinyl is an excellent material used by most Portland siding contractors, mainly because of its durability and versatility. However, it also comes with some challenges, like cracking and warping, especially when the vinyl is not properly installed.

While other problems like fading and moisture infiltration can pose a huge challenge to siding companies in Portland, there are workable solutions to most of these problems. If you pick the right vinyl siding contractor, there is no problem they won’t be able to fix.