Let us talk about siding. Our team has been in this business for a long time. We work on homes all over Junction City, from the older places downtown as well as the newer builds out near Milford Lake. Our team has heard just about every question you can imagine when folks are looking to upgrade their home's exterior in Junction City. It is a big decision and a real investment. You deserve straight answers about your Junction City siding project. Here are the questions our team gets asked most often about siding installation. This is what we tell our customers.
What are the best siding materials for Junction City's weather?
This is probably the first thing everyone asks. There is a good reason for this question. Our Kansas weather is not messing around. We get those scorching hot summers as well as freezing cold winters. Our team sees a lot of hail and high winds in spring and fall. You will need something that can take a beating and keep your home protected in Junction City.
From what our team has seen, and what holds up best around Junction City, you are usually looking at two main contenders: vinyl siding as well as fiber cement siding.
- Vinyl Siding: Vinyl Siding is popular because it is affordable as well as pretty low-maintenance. It comes in a huge range of colors and styles. Modern vinyl is tough. It resists moisture, so you do not have to worry about rot. You can even get insulated vinyl siding, which is a big plus for keeping your energy bills down in our extreme temperatures. The trick with vinyl siding in Kansas is making sure you get a quality product that is designed for impact resistance. Hail can definitely do a number on thinner panels.
- Fiber Cement Siding: If durability is your absolute top priority, fiber cement siding is hard to beat. Brands like James Hardie are built to withstand everything our climate throws at it. This includes extreme heat, freezing cold, high winds, as well as hail. Fiber cement siding is also resistant to rot, pests, and fire. It can even mimic the look of real wood, stone, or stucco. This gives you a really premium finish. The main downside is that it is generally more expensive than vinyl siding. It needs professional installation because it is heavy. Fiber cement siding also needs repainting every 10 to 15 years to keep it looking its best.
Both vinyl siding as well as fiber cement siding are solid choices for your Junction City home. Your budget, desired look, and how much maintenance you are willing to do will guide you.
How long does new siding usually last?
This depends a lot on the siding material you pick. It also depends on how well it is installed. You can buy the best siding in the world. If it is put up wrong, it will not last. That is just a fact about siding installation in Junction City.
- Vinyl Siding: Good quality vinyl siding, properly installed, typically lasts anywhere from 20 to 40 years. Some premium products can even go for 40 years or more. Our Kansas weather, with its UV rays and hailstorms, can affect that lifespan. Regular cleaning and choosing UV-resistant options help a lot.
- Fiber Cement Siding: This siding material is built to last. You can expect fiber cement siding to go for 30 to 50 years. It often lasts even longer, especially with good maintenance. Fiber cement siding is designed to hold up against the elements for decades in Junction City.
You are looking at a long-term investment either way. Fiber cement siding usually gives you a bit more longevity.
Will new siding improve my home's energy efficiency?
Yes, it can absolutely improve your home's energy efficiency. Old, worn-out siding, or even siding that was never installed with proper insulation, can be a big energy leak for your home in Junction City. When we install new siding, especially with an insulated backing or a house wrap, it creates an extra layer of protection against the elements.
This means your furnace and AC do not have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. This can lead to lower heating and cooling bills. It is not just about the siding material itself. It is about the whole system. This includes that important moisture barrier as well as proper sealing around windows and doors.
What does the siding installation process actually involve?
Our team understands that having work done on your house can feel like a big disruption. A good crew will make it as smooth as possible. Here is a general idea of how we usually tackle a siding job in Junction City:
- Initial Consultation: We start by coming out to your Junction City home. Our team takes a look at your current siding. We talk about what you are looking for. We will discuss siding material options as well as colors and your budget for your Junction City siding project.
- Material Selection & Ordering: Once you have made your choices, we order all the siding materials. Sometimes specialty colors or products might take a little longer to arrive.
- Preparation: This is a big step for siding installation. We will remove your old siding if necessary. Sometimes new siding can go over existing siding, but often it is best to remove it to check for underlying issues. Our team will also make any necessary repairs to the structure. This includes fixing wood rot, which is pretty common in older homes in Junction City. Then, we will put down a house wrap or moisture barrier to protect your home from water intrusion.
- Installation: Our crew gets to work installing the new siding. We start from the bottom up. We pay close attention to details like proper spacing for expansion and contraction. This is especially important with vinyl siding in our temperature swings. We also seal around windows, doors, and corners.
- Clean-up and Final Walk-through: We are not done until your property is spotless. Our team will pick up all debris. We use magnetic rollers to get any stray nails. Then we do a final walk-through with you to make sure everything looks perfect. We want to make sure you are happy with the siding installation job.
Most siding projects in Junction City, depending on the size and complexity of your home, take about 3 to 7 days.
Do I need a permit for siding installation in Junction City?
Yes, you do need a permit. Any significant exterior work on your home, including siding replacement, generally requires a building permit from the City of Junction City. This is for your protection. It makes sure the work meets local codes and standards.
The good news is that as your Junction City siding contractor, Junction City Siding Company handles all the necessary permits. We will make sure everything is filed correctly with the Building and Code Enforcement Division. If you ever pull a permit after work has started, you will get hit with a penalty fee. It is always best to do it upfront and correctly.
How much does new siding cost?
This is probably the question with the widest range of answers. Many things factor into the cost of new siding. It is not just the siding material itself. It also includes the size and complexity of your home, any necessary repairs, and the labor involved.
Generally speaking, vinyl siding is going to be your most budget-friendly option upfront. Our team has seen estimates for vinyl siding installation in Kansas range from about $2.80 to $4.04 per square foot for mid-grade options. It can go higher. Fiber cement siding, while more durable and often seen as a premium product, will typically cost more. It often ranges from $4.25 per square foot and up.
These are just averages. Costs can fluctuate. Things like window and door trim, soffit and fascia work, and even the removal of your old siding all add to the total cost. The best way to get an accurate price for your Junction City siding project is to have us come out. We will give you a free, on-site estimate tailored to your specific home and what you want to achieve. That way, there are no surprises with your new siding cost.
What kind of maintenance does new siding need?
One of the biggest benefits of modern siding is how little maintenance it needs. This is compared to older materials like wood that require frequent painting.
- Vinyl Siding: Vinyl siding is pretty low-key. You will want to clean it once or twice a year to remove dirt, pollen, and any mold or mildew that might build up. This is especially true on the north side of your house where it stays shadier. A garden hose and a soft brush with some mild detergent usually do the trick. Avoid high-pressure washing. It can force water behind the panels or damage them.
- Fiber Cement Siding: Fiber cement siding is also considered low-maintenance. Like vinyl siding, it benefits from a good cleaning every 6 to 12 months with a garden hose and a soft brush. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on a low setting (under 1500 psi). Use a wide fan tip to avoid damage. You will also need to keep an eye on the caulking around windows and doors. Reapply it if it starts to crack. You will also need to repaint the siding every 10 to 15 years.
No matter what siding you choose for your Junction City home, regular inspections are important. Just walk around your house a couple of times a year, especially after a big storm. Look for any signs of damage. Catching small issues early can save you a lot of headaches as well as money down the road.