Spring showers are approaching the Bay Area, and with the downpour comes the potential for home structure damage. Siding contractors agree that your home may have weathered many storms, come rain, wind, and hail, but with enough time, even the strongest homes begin to take damage.

The importance of protecting your home from rain

Your home has multiple layers. From the inside out, there are four main layers: framing, sheathing, protective barrier, and siding. The framing and sheathing are typically made of wood, which are protected by the protective barrier and siding. Without protection, the inner layers of your home’s exterior walls would be exposed to the elements.

When wood is repeatedly exposed to water, it develops moisture issues that compromise its structure. Rot and mildew can eat away at your home’s structure until it needs a major repair. Once your home shows signs of interior rot, it’s too late to take preventative measures. You must secure your home’s safety early, before problems arise.

Protection starts with your home exterior

Before moisture can penetrate your home, confirm that your exterior layers are in good shape. You can’t see the protective barrier underneath your siding, but if your siding is intact, it’s a good be that your barrier is secure.

First, look for easy-to-spot damage from hail, sports balls, weed trimmers, and other blunt damage. Vinyl siding isn’t moisture tight, so once it’s compromised, moisture has an easy time seeping through. Wood siding is more susceptible to moisture, so be extra vigilant in your search. If there doesn’t appear to be any obvious damage, move on to the smaller areas. Check out areas with dried out caulking, where moisture can get through the gap.

Protect your home with fiber cement siding by Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights

One of the most protective siding materials is fiber cement. Its durability and water resistance makes it an all-time favorite of siding contractors and homeowners.

Contact your local siding contractor Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today for help with repairing or replacing your siding. With over 40 years of experience, we install and replace fiber cement siding that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

Is home improvement one of your New Year’s resolutions, but you’re up in the air about the specifics? You could start with interior design or remodeling, or go into 2021 strong with a new home exterior that’ll catch the eyes of neighbors and passersby alike. Siding contractors can give your home a makeover that kicks off 2021 with a fresh look that will serve you well in appearance and practicality for the next few decades.

Give your home a completely new look for the new year

If your siding hasn’t been updated in decades, it’s not as vibrant or polished as it used to be after years of day- and year-long exposure to the elements. The next time you look at your home’s exterior, take in the faded colors, scuffed or chipped sections. Can you remember how your home looked the day its current siding was installed? If you bought your home before then and didn’t remodel it, you might remember the change in vibrancy from the original siding to your current one.

Now, imagine your home with siding that isn’t only fresh, but also an intriguing new material, color, or pattern—or all three. In the time between the installation of your current siding and today, siding contractors have worked with newer designs and technology. Your choices are larger than ever, with patterns ranging from traditional lap siding to customized shakes & shingles, and materials that can replicate the appearance of cedar wood.

Update your home’s protection against the elements

Today’s siding materials are better equipped to protect your home from the heat, cold, and moisture. One such material, fiber cement, was pioneered in 1980 by James Hardie and is a favorite of many siding contractors. Fiber cement siding is a powerful material known for its durability, versatile appearance, and easy maintenance. It’s engineered to be resistant to pests, fire, and extreme weather, and can be customized for specific climates, as offered in James Hardie’s HardieZone® product line.

Other popular siding materials include vinyl, wood, and composite materials (stucco, brick, etc.). They offer various levels of protection, so take a detailed look at your options before looking for siding contractors specializing in those materials. Some contractors specialize in multiple materials, while others are especially skilled in particular materials, such as Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights in the Bay Area.

Spruce up your siding with Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights 

Kick off the new year with a new home exterior. Contact your local siding contractor Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today for help with repairing or replacing your siding. With over 40 years of experience, we install and replace fiber cement siding that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

The surest way to repel pests is to keep your home free of anything that would attract them. Considering all the pests that exist, you might wonder if there’s any siding that can repel them all. Siding contractors can’t guarantee that any siding is completely impervious, but some are better than others are turning away pests before they can inflict real damage.

Here is a list of pests that are commonly attracted to siding, and the best and worst siding materials to repel them:

Carpenter Ants & Termites

The siding material most susceptible to carpenter ant and termite infestation is wood. Carpenter ants burrow into wood, expelling wood shavings, insulation, and ant body parts as they build nests, while termites create mazes of tunnels that gradually compromise your home’s structural integrity. 

Wood siding that has water damage is extremely attractive to carpenter ants, termites, and other wood-boring pests, because the moisture makes for easy-to-chew wood. However, wood-boring pests can also chew into dry wood. While there are ways to prevent these pests from infesting wood siding, it’s safer to use non-wood siding like vinyl, fiber cement, or non-wood composite materials.

Woodpeckers

Though not a pest by the traditional definition, woodpeckers are a common enemy of homes with wood siding. Woodpeckers are especially attracted to wood that is stained an earthy color, such as brown and dark red. Wood that is stained with bright, non-earthy colors like white or pastel, typically will fare less damage. Wood siding that is painted instead of stained also tends to take less damage, but ultimately, the reliability of wood siding depends on your home’s location.

If your home is located in or near areas with high hummingbird populations, you should avoid wood siding. However, if your interest in wood stems from its appearance rather than its material, you can install siding that mimics wood. Both vinyl and fiber cement siding can mimic wood, but fiber cement siding is more realistic. Vinyl can pass for real wood at a distance, because up close its texture looks more plastic.

Fiber cement siding resists pests of all kinds

Regardless of your siding material, pests can make their way through gaps in your siding and chew on the innards of your home’s structure. However, you can make it a lot harder for pests to break through by using pest-resistant siding, so they’ll move onto easier targets.

Fiber cement siding, which is made of cement and cellulose fibers, is one of the most durable and affordable pest-resistant options. It’s more durable than vinyl siding, which is the cheapest type of siding, and more affordable than composite siding (bricks, stucco, etc.). Fiber cement siding can also replicate the appearance of cedar wood, so you don’t have to miss out on the traditional aesthetics of wooden exteriors. When compared to other siding, fiber cement siding definitely tops the list as an all-around contender.

Contact your local siding contractor Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today for a fiber cement siding installation quote. We have over 40 years of experience working within various budgets to install fiber cement siding that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

Siding is a major investment, and a complete overhaul of your home’s siding can require extensive labor and materials. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your money with a quality service, you should do two important things: Do the right research and get multiple quotes from reputable siding contractors.

Don’t skip out on your research

Before looking into siding contractors, it’s helpful to do some preliminary research about what siding installation involves, what siding material and pattern would suit your home, and when you can fit construction into your schedule. Siding contractors can fill in gaps in your research, but if you only rely on them for information, you limit your research. You might also miss out on potential project avenues, because the more contributors you have, the more likely you’ll reach the right siding choice.

Two major questions your siding research should focus on are:

1. What siding material do you want?

Two popular and durable siding materials are vinyl and fiber cement. Vinyl siding is low cost, easy to maintain, and is immune to termite and pest damage. It doesn’t need to be painted, so you don’t have to worry about flakes and scratches, but it can crack and melt in extreme climates. Vinyl comes in many colors and styles, and can mimic natural wood at a distance.

Fiber cement siding is a paintable and low-maintenance mix of cement and cellulose fibers. It’s especially durable in rainy climates, and is resistant to fire and pests. Similar to vinyl siding, fiber cement doesn’t warp or twist, and can mimic natural wood. It’s also highly customizable, offered in a spectrum of thicknesses and densities, and shapes and sizes.

You should look into different brands, cost ranges, and homeowner reviews about their siding experiences. For example, fiber cement siding is a mid-range priced material that’s a favorite of many contractors and homeowners, whereas vinyl siding is less costly but not as attractive.

2. What siding pattern do you want?

The main siding patterns are horizontal siding, vertical siding, and shingle siding. Horizontal siding consists of long boards that are laid horizontally to overlap each other in a water resistant design. It’s the most popular siding pattern in America because of its timely appearance and easy installation.

Vertical siding isn’t as common, but it’s a traditional look that suits farm-style houses and short houses. It consists of long boards laid next to each other vertically. Usually, the boards don’t overlap like in lap or shingle siding, because vertical trim strips are placed over their joints to block out water leakage. Sometimes the boards can overlap, or are installed with grooves for a stylistic look.

Shingle siding consists of individual cuts of material installed in overlapping rows. Shingles were traditionally cut from cedar wood, which has an appealing non-uniform grain. Natural wood requires special maintenance to protect it from water damage, so people tend to opt for fiber cement shingles to mimic the appearance of wood.

Your research might look into the best patterns for your house style, or whether your house would look good with a combination of patterns. A notable combination is vertical and horizontal siding, for a complex look. Also look into your color palette options, as certain colors work better together.

Get multiple quotes from reputable siding contractors

At the very least, your research should give you a basic understanding of your siding choices. You don’t need to know exactly what you want, but knowing the price ranges and different aesthetics will help you form a budget. Once you have a budget, reach out to multiple siding contractors for quotes. It’s important these contractors are experienced, so that even if the pricing seems too low to be true, you know they’ve proven themselves with prior projects.

Contact your local siding contractor Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today for a siding installation quote. We have over 40 years of experience working within various budgets to install fiber cement siding that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

Siding is made to be durable against all sorts of influences, from climate to physical impact, to protect your home’s interior wall and supporting structure. But that doesn’t make it impenetrable. 

Siding contractors are familiar with the many problems that can arise from improper maintenance and chance events, two common ones being water damage and blemishes. Though common, these problems shouldn’t be ignored.

Here’s how to prevent them:

Water Damage

Siding is the first layer of protection against moisture. Underneath it is the house wrap, the second layer of moisture protection. The house wrap also protects your house sheathing, which strengthens your walls and provides a nailing base for your siding. If moisture breaches the siding, then the house wrap, and finally the sheathing, your home becomes vulnerable to structural damage. If left untreated for too long, you’ll find yourself facing major and expensive repairs, including siding replacement.

The surest way to prevent water damage is to routinely check your siding for signs of building moisture. Once you find areas of rot, mold, or mildew beginning to grow, immediately get your siding inspected by your local siding contractors. Built-up moisture can also warp your siding, causing your panels to buckle or sag. If you have wood siding with peeling paint, that might be an additional sign that moisture is building.

Additionally, you can prevent water damage by aiming your sprinklers away from your home. Upward streams of water have an easier time reaching behind siding and building up moisture.

Stains and Physical Blemishes

If you have kids, pets, or enjoy an active outdoor life in your yard, don’t bounce balls or store toys against your house. Your siding might take damage in the form of cracks, breaks, holes, and loose panels. Minor damage can be fixed with panel replacements, but if your siding has too much damage, you might be due for a complete overhaul. 

Bushes and surrounding gardens can also scrape your siding or cause deeper damage, so keep them trimmed. This is especially true for crawling vegetation, such as ivy, which tends to grow underneath siding to crack and loosen panels. It’s best to avoid all crawling vegetation near your home, so you don’t have to worry about vines escaping your notice and somehow spreading into your siding.

If you have dirt stains from overflowing gutters or debris cast about during a windy storm, you can freshen up your siding with routine maintenance. Once or twice a year, use a garden hose to gently rinse off your siding, then move in with a soft bristle brush and mild detergent solution to gently scrub the stains.

How Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights Can Help

Are you having difficulty fixing or preventing your siding problems? Contact your local siding contractor Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today for help with repairing or replacing your siding. With over 40 years of experience, we install and replace fiber cement siding that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

Interested in giving your home’s exterior a makeover? Experienced siding contractors can completely transform your home and make it look new again just by installing new siding. You can also elongate your home, make it appear taller, or grace it with the charm of historical housing. These visual tricks come down to the siding style.

The three main categories of siding are lap siding, shingle siding, and vertical siding—each with unique approaches to beautifying your home.

Lap Siding

Lap siding consists of long boards that are laid horizontally to overlap each other. It’s one of the most common siding styles in the US because of its easy installation, water resistance, and timely appearance. The boards are overlapped in a way that wicks water down your house, preventing moisture from finding its way inside and inflicting your structure with water damage. At the same time, the horizontal boards draw the eye horizontally and elongate the home.

There are many types of lap siding, made of different materials and colors. A popular siding choice is fiber cement, a rigid but flexible material that withstands a range of climates and comes in a variety of styles. James Hardie, a top producer of fiber cement siding, offers lap siding that can mimic the appearance and texture of wood, including the traditional Dutch siding of historical communities.

Shingle Siding

Shingle siding consists of individual cuts of material attached to the exterior of your home in overlapping rows. Shingles are traditionally cut from cedar wood, as popularized on Cape Cod-style homes, but wood requires special maintenance including water-resistant coatings and staining. If you want the curb appeal of cedar wood without the maintenance, you can opt for James Hardie fiber cement shingles.

A typical shingle is uniform in shape and size, but shingles can be varied for a more custom and refined look. Such varied cuts are offered by James Hardie. Their Staggered Edge Panel siding uses rectangular singles of various widths and lengths, and their Half-Rounds siding resembles the scalloped scales of a fish. They also sell Individual Shingles for an even more customized design.

Vertical Siding

Vertical siding, sometimes called board and batten siding, consists of long boards that are laid in vertical rows. The boards don’t overlap like in lap or shingle siding, but vertical trim strips are placed over their joints to block out water leakage. This makes them more effective at resisting water damage, and easier to clean.

Though vertical siding is more commonly used on farm houses and commercial buildings, it can make a powerful statement on homes by making them appear taller. It can also be combined with lap siding for a uniquely complex design. James Hardie makes their vertical siding extra unique by offering fiber cement siding that resembles cedar wood and stucco.

Ready to Boost Your Curb Appeal with New Siding?

Contact your local siding contractor Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today for a custom plan to improve your home’s curb appeal. With over 40 years of experience, we install and replace fiber cement siding that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

When you work with siding contractors to upgrade your home’s siding, you choose more than the material. You also have to select the color, and that can be more difficult because you have more options to choose from. Siding is also a major investment and takes time to install. Your home can’t try on different colors like you do with clothing, so aside from looking at samples from siding contractors and using virtual simulators, you can use the tips below.

Consider Your House Style

While you don’t have to abide by traditional color palettes, certain house styles are associated with color themes that have become timely. Your siding will feature the main color, and the supplementary colors will be applied to your accent, trim, and roof. That’s a lot to coordinate, so for now, focus on the overall palette. Once you decide a palette, you can break it down into specific colors.

Historically, Craftsman homes were built to be the opposite of Victorian homes, which were famous for their elaborate designs. The humble design of Craftsman homes make them ideal for simple, earthy palettes that have rich reds, browns, and greens.

Mediteranean homes are known for their arches, columns, and terracotta roofs, which are best accompanied by sunny earth tones, such as warm browns and greens. The colors should invoke the feeling of warm weather and an appreciation for the warmer shades of nature, but Mediteranean homes also fare well with warm gray.

You might be familiar with the bright and playful colors of the Painted Ladies, the famous row of Victorian homes in San Francisco, but the first Victorian homes had softer colors because bright paint was costly. Once the production cost of bright paint lowered, Victorian homes took  on their famously bold color schemes. Historically, Victorian homes have leaned both ways, so you can use bright or soft color palettes.

Traditional cottage homes are painted with bright airy colors to invoke charm. Typically, their color palette features white as the main body, but cottage homes also work well with palettes that are earthy, neutral, or contemporary.

If you’re part of a Home Owner Association, make sure your new color scheme won’t violate color codes. And regardless of your house style, you can’t go wrong with neutral colors.

Choose a Theme: Warm vs. Cool

A quick way to split your color choices in half is by choosing warm or cool tones. The “heat” of your tones can impact the overall mood of your home, whether energizing or relaxing. It’s best to stick to warm or cool, because using both might be a visual clash that makes your home appear pieced together.

Warm tones include earthy and sun-based colors, while cool tones include blue, gray, and black colors. 

Use Color Harmony

All homes look best with multiple flattering colors, which bring out dimensions and frame unique features. Your siding can be a single color that is complemented by the trim and accent, but if your home is larger, you might opt for a secondary siding color to add complexity to your design. Your siding color(s) should harmonize with the other colors of your home, including your roof.

To identify flattering colors that harmonize with each other, refer to a color wheel. Colors located next to each other are analogous, and reduce contrast. To get the most contrast, use complementary colors, which are located on opposite sides of the wheel. You can experiment with different color harmonies, such as monochromatic, for additional combinations.

Ask Siding Contractors for Advice

Shifting through countless flattering colors for the right one can be daunting, especially if you’re not adjusting the colors of your roof, trim, and accents. Using house styles, color themes, and color wheels as guidance can point you in the right direction for a pleasing exterior, but your best bet at making the right choice is with siding contractors.

Siding contractors are experts at choosing the right siding colors for homes of all styles and sizes. They can help you choose colors that make your home pop, blend in, or however you want your home to appear.

Contact your local siding contractor Mares & Dow Construction and Skylights today for custom advice about the color of your home’s siding. With over 40 years of experience, we install fiber cement siding that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

Exterior siding has two key jobs: protect your house from the elements, and improve your resale value. The ideal siding looks good and is durable, but the scale of durability depends on the material and your needs.

Investing in new siding can be difficult, especially if you’re unfamiliar with house construction. The easiest way to learn about your siding options is to contact your local siding contractors. We have years of experience in determining the best material to protect and brighten your home.

If you’d like an overview of three common siding options, read below.

Vinyl Siding

One of the most common siding options is vinyl. It is low cost, easy to maintain, and its high durability makes it immune to termite and pest damage. It doesn’t need to be painted, so you won’t have to worry about flakes and scratches. However, it’s not completely impervious to damage. It can crack and melt, and if improperly installed, it might leak and expose your house to elemental decay.

Vinyl comes in many colors and styles, but can look plastic under certain conditions. For example, vinyl can mimic natural wood at a distance. Up close, vinyl is harder to pass as a different material. You don’t have to sacrifice your dream siding for low-cost and durability. Vinyl has improved over the years, and experienced sliding contractors can help you find the right design.

Wood Siding

A more traditional siding option is wood, which can give your home a cozy, classy appearance. Wood siding comes in various styles, including clapboard, shakes, shingles, and solid wood. Clapboard wood consists of horizontal planks overlapping each other. Shakes are panels hand-cut from logs, while shingles are machine-cut from wood blocks.

Wood siding can cost more than other materials, and requires additional maintenance to prevent rot and other weather damage. More durable is engineered wood, which is more cost-effective to install. It’s made of wood chips and resin, is lighter than natural wood, and is more resistant to rot and termites. Though it can mimic the appearance of wood, it might look too uniform if you like the natural inconsistency of wood. 

Fiber Cement Siding

A newer option is fiber cement, a paintable, durable, and low-maintenance mix of cement and cellulose fibers. It is especially durable in the Bay Area’s rainy climate, and is resistant to fire and pests. Similar to vinyl siding, fiber cement doesn’t warp or twist, and can mimic natural wood, making it a neat intersection of the durability of vinyl and timeliness of wood. It’s also highly customizable, offered in a spectrum of thicknesses and densities, and shapes and sizes.

That’s why fiber cement siding is the choice of your trusted contractors at Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. Contact them today to discuss the best siding options. With over 40 years of experience, you can feel confident you’re choosing the best in business.