When you hear the term “siding replacement,” does your inner DIY enthusiast come jumping out in a heartbeat or does your hand automatically reach out for the phone to call the professionals to take care of it?
Well, you won’t really know what the best option is unless you carefully weigh out the pros and cons first.
From the benefits and drawbacks to the average siding replacement cost in Calgary, delve into our comprehensive guide below.
Table of Contents | DIY vs. Professional Siding Replacement in Calgary: Pros and Cons
- What is Siding?
- What Are The Signs You Need Siding Replacement?
- How Often Should Siding Be Replaced?
- What is the Average Siding Replacement Cost in Calgary? Professional vs DIY
- DIY vs Professional Siding Replacement: A Rundown of the Pros and Cons
- The Ideal Solution: Jamieson Roofing’s Siding Replacement Services
What is Siding?
Siding is a protective outer covering for a building, typically made of horizontal overlapping boards made of vinyl, wood, aluminum, or fibre cement. It serves as an effective barrier against the elements such as rain, snow, and wind. On top of that, it provides insulation—resulting in warmer winters and cooler summers.
Beyond its incredible functionalities, siding can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a structure by adding texture and color.
What Are The Signs You Need Siding Replacement?
There are several signs that your home may need siding replacement, including the following:
- Peeling or cracking paint on the siding can indicate that the siding is no longer protecting your home properly.
- Visible moisture damage or mould growth on the siding is a sign that water is seeping through and causing damage to the underlying structure.
- Warping, buckling, cracks, and gaps in the siding can be an indication that the material is deteriorating and needs to be replaced.
- An increase in your energy bills or drafts inside your home could be a sign that your siding is no longer providing adequate insulation.
How Often Should Siding Be Replaced?
If your home’s siding appears to be showing any of the above-mentioned signs, that’s a huge indicator that it’s reaching the end of its lifespan and is likely crossing over to the other side.
On the other hand, the age of the siding can also be an indicator that a replacement is necessary. Depending on the material, here’s how often siding should typically be replaced:
| Siding Material Type | When It Should Be Replaced |
| Vinyl siding | every 10 to 20 years |
| Wood siding | Every 20 to 40 years |
| Aluminum siding | every 20 to 40 years |
| Fiber cement siding | every 50 years |
What is the Average Siding Replacement Cost in Calgary? Professional vs DIY
| Cost Factor | Professional Installation | DIY Installation |
| Vinyl Siding Material | CAD $2 to CAD $10 per square foot | CAD $2 to CAD $10 per square foot |
| Wood Siding Material | CAD $5 to CAD $15 per square foot | CAD $5 to CAD $15 per square foot |
| Fiber Cement Material | CAD $5 to CAD $13 per square foot | CAD $5 to CAD $13 per square foot |
| Aluminum Siding Material | CAD $3 to CAD $8 per square foot | CAD $3 to CAD $8 per square foot |
| Labour | CAD $2 to CAD $5 per square foot | N/A (cost of your time/effort) |
| Additional Costs | Varies (removal, disposal, etc.) | Varies (tools, permits, etc.) |
DIY vs Professional House Siding Replacement: A Rundown of the Pros and Cons
After carefully evaluating your home’s siding, have you come to the conclusion that it needs a replacement?
If you just answered “yes” to that, here’s another question you’ll have to figure out:
Will you be going down the DIY route for siding replacement, or will you call up the professionals to do it for you instead?
If you’re not quite sure which option is best for you, here’s a rundown of the pros and cons to help you reach a decision:
DIY Siding Replacement
Pros
Cost Savings: One of the biggest advantages of DIY siding replacement is the potential cost savings. By taking on the project yourself, you can eliminate the labour costs associated with hiring a professional contractor, as this factor typically makes up a significant portion of the total expenses. Say “hello” to significant savings, especially if you already have the necessary tools and skills.
Control and Flexibility: When you DIY your siding replacement, you have full control over the timeline, materials used, and the overall process. Feel free to work at your own pace and make changes as needed without having to consult with a contractor. If #Freedom is your way of life, then it sounds like DIY siding replacement is the perfect solution for you.
Learning Experience: Taking on a DIY siding replacement project is a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain hands-on experience. This could really be useful for future home improvement projects. After all, siding replacement is quite a challenging project. And if you can ace that—there’s probably no DIY adventure you won’t be able to conquer.
Personal satisfaction: Completing a home improvement project yourself can feel incredbibly rewarding and offer a sense of accomplishment. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you completed the project yourself and gained valuable knowledge in the process.
Every time anyone visits your house, we can already hear you saying, “Hey, friends. Did you know I completed this siding replacement siding all by myself?”
Don’t even shy away from low-key bragging—you deserve all the credit.
Cons
Time-Consuming: Siding replacement can be a time-consuming project, especially if you’re not experienced in this type of work. If you’re learning as you go or can only work on it during your free- time, it may take longer than expected— which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight timeline.
Quality of Workmanship: If you’re not an experienced siding replacement enthusiast, you might not achieve the professional look and durability that comes with expert installation.
That type of quality workmanship that professionals bring to the table is quite hard to replicate. You might end up with a result that’s just okay—the type that would haunt the thoughts of any perfectionist and even cause them to lose sleep at night as they dwell over the time wasted and that one slab of wood that doesn’t sit at a *perfect* 90-degree angle.
Risk of Errors: Without the proper training and experience, there’s a higher risk of making mistakes during the siding replacement process. This can result in costly repairs down the road, negating any initial cost savings. Mistakes are costly and may require you to hire a professional to fix them, increasing the overall cost and leading to more time & effort put into the project.
Physical Labor and Safety: Let’s not forget that safety should always come first. Siding installation can be physically demanding and poses safety risks, especially when working at heights.
Tools and Equipment: One of the main reasons a homeowner might opt for DIY siding replacement is the cost savings involved because you won’t have to pay labour fees. But keep in mind that you may need to purchase or rent specialized tools, which can offset some of the cost savings. Additionally, think of all the time you’ll spend looking around for the right tools and figuring out which brand would work better.
Professional Siding Replacement
Pros
Expertise and Experience: Professional contractors have the knowledge, skills, and experience to efficiently and effectively replace your siding. They are trained in the best practices and techniques, ensuring high-quality results that are always up to code. Professionals bring years of expertise that often ensures your home’s siding will look its absolute best and is ready to weather through it all.
Time-Saving: Hiring a professional contractor for your siding replacement can save you a significant amount of time. They have the tools and workforce to complete the project in a timely manner, allowing you to focus on other priorities.
Less Hassle: Hiring a professional means you don’t have to handle the physical labour or manage the project. So just sit back, sip a cup of tea, and watch your home’s siding achieve an amazing new glow-up—all without even lifting a finger.
Warranty and Guarantees: Many professional contractors offer warranties or guarantees on their work, giving you peace of mind knowing that the job was done correctly. This can provide added protection and support in case any issues arise after the project is completed. Of course, these warranties are typically in addition to the product warranty from the siding manufacturer itself.
Insurance: Professional contractors should have liability insurance and workers’ compensation, which protects you from liability if someone is injured on your property.
Cons
Cost: Hiring a professional contractor for your siding replacement will definitely be pricier than managing the project by yourself. While the expertise and convenience they provide can be worth the investment, it may not be feasible for everyone’s budget.
Apart from the labour costs, the material costs are likely to be higher as well if the contractor supplies them.
Less Control: When you hire a professional contractor, you may have less control over the timeline, and some other finer details of the project. You’ll need to rely on their expertise and trust that they will deliver the results you desire. At the same time, a reliable contractor should make the effort to coordinate important details with you.
Finding the Right Contractor: It can be challenging to find a reliable and skilled contractor who offers both quality workmanship and reliable professional customer service. You want to work with a team that offers both. This means you’ll have to do your homework in terms of online and offline research to ensure they have a good track record.
Contractor Availability: During peak seasons, it may be harder to book a reputable contractor without waiting. As such, the project might end up being completed during a less than ideal season or you’ll have to wait till the following year to check it off your to-do list.
The Ideal Solution: Jamieson Roofing’s Siding Replacement Services
Ultimately, the decision to tackle a house siding replacement project yourself or hire a professional contractor in Calgary depends on your budget, timeline, skills, and preferences.
But why go through the trouble of managing this project all by yourself when you can easily leave it up to a team of trusted experts?
From siding replacements to siding repair in Calgary, look no further than Jamieson Roofing. With almost a decade of experience, our team is well-known for bringing long-lasting and aesthetically appealing solutions.
Take your pick from our variety of styles and materials available. Trust us to be on your side and provide solutions that best suit your home, your personality, and your budget.
Talk to us today to learn more about our Calgary siding repair and replacement services.
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