When homeowners begin thinking about new siding, the conversation often starts with materials: should you choose vinyl, fiber cement or an engineered siding like LP® SmartSide®?
While that question matters, it is not the best place to begin.
The right siding solution depends on what is already on your house, why it is failing, what may be happening underneath it and what you hope to accomplish. Those answers are why we begin with an on-site evaluation instead of recommending the same product for every home.
Why Is Your Existing Siding Failing?
Homeowners often contact O.C. Taylor after noticing siding that is rotting, swelling or deteriorating. Others may have a leak, visible damage or an exterior that simply looks ready for an update.
Before recommending new siding, we look for the source of the problem. Was flashing installed incorrectly? Is water getting behind the siding? Are windows or other exterior openings contributing to the damage?
This is especially important for Triangle-area homes built with Masonite siding during the 1980s and 1990s. Some have already had a chimney, wall or other vulnerable section repaired. Evaluating those repairs and the condition of the remaining siding helps us determine what the home needs next.
The goal is not simply to cover visible damage. It is to understand why it happened so the same problem does not affect your new siding.
What’s Behind the Siding Matters
Installing vinyl directly over existing siding may sound like a faster, less disruptive option, but it can leave deterioration hidden underneath.
Removing old lap siding allows us to inspect the sheathing for rot, termite damage and other concerns before wrapping the house and installing the new exterior. Covering old siding can also create awkward layers around windows and doors.
There are exceptions. T1-11, for example, is an exterior wood panel product that functions as both siding and sheathing. It can sometimes remain in place after damaged areas are repaired. The right preparation depends on how your home was constructed, not simply its square footage. That’s why a discussion with the O.C. Taylor team is so important before any decisions are made.
Comparing Your Siding Options
O.C. Taylor works with several siding materials because different homes require different solutions.
Vinyl siding can be cost-effective, particularly when existing soffits and aluminum-clad overhangs can remain. However, vinyl expands and contracts as temperatures change, making proper installation essential. Repainting can also be complicated, especially when changing from a lighter color to a darker one.
Fiber cement siding may make sense when we need to match material previously installed on part of the house or achieve a specific profile available from a particular manufacturer.
LP® SmartSide® is often our preferred option because it combines durability, design flexibility and value. This engineered wood siding provides strong impact resistance and a natural wood-grain appearance. It can also be repainted in virtually any color, giving homeowners more flexibility if they want to update the exterior later.
An Opportunity to Update Your Home
Most homeowners replace siding because it is deteriorating, but the project can also become an opportunity to refresh the home’s appearance.
Board and batten, shakes or contrasting profiles can accent a gable or projection. Wider window trim may create a more updated look than small shutters. Online visualizers, such as LP’s Home Visualizer, as well as inspiration photos, can help you explore combinations before making a decision.
Depending on your home’s condition, siding replacement may also be completed in phases. If damage is limited to one section, we may recommend repairing the most concerning area first. In other cases, completing the entire exterior at once may provide better long-term value and a more consistent result.
The Key to Any Siding Project
Siding is a significant investment, and our goal is to help you make a decision you will feel confident about for years to come. If your siding is swelling, rotting, leaking or nearing the end of its useful life, talk with O.C. Taylor. We will inspect your home, explain your options and help you find the Smart Exterior Solution that makes sense for it.