Best Siding Options for Old Homes with Old Foundation

Homes with an older foundation require more careful attention, and special care may be necessary for home maintenance or upgrades. Siding is an integral part of your home’s curb appeal and insulation. However, you can’t choose just any siding for homes with an older foundation due to the potential weight. Choose your new home siding material carefully and work with an expert to remove the previous siding. Here’s how to choose the best siding options for old homes with an older foundation—including some that are often sold to unsuspecting or new consumers at a high cost.

Best Siding Options for Old Homes with Old Foundation

What is Home Siding?

Home siding refers to the side panels surrounding the home. These panels serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. Siding insulates the house, protecting the exterior from damage while also adding structural strength.

Siding may require replacement or upkeep. When moving into an older home, the siding is often one of the first things you should inspect.

Siding can be damaged by:

• Weather
• Pests
• Mold
• Water
• Decay with age

Why Home Siding is Important

Without home siding, you’d have a bare wall with little protection between your home’s interior and the harsh outside elements. While siding enhances the look of your home, its primary function is to protect your home and everything inside it.

Siding also provides insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures by protecting against extreme heat and cold.

A home without siding—or with severely damaged panels—is vulnerable to further structural damage, costly repairs, and potential mold growth.

Regular maintenance is essential, and if any sections of your siding appear damaged or degraded, consider a full replacement.

Repainting isn’t enough!

Painting or staining damaged siding only hides underlying issues. It does not address structural concerns, and in the long run, you’ll spend more on maintenance. Additionally, damaged siding does not insulate well, and faded siding is often a sign of weakened materials.

Best Siding Options for Old Homes with Old Foundations

Homes with old foundations require special care, particularly for maintenance projects or upgrades. Many fixtures in these homes may be antique or valuable, so they should be replaced or handled with care.

If you aren’t sure about something, research it online or consult experts. You may discover that a particularly ornate handle or hinge is valuable and worth restoring.

An older home with an older foundation requires lighter siding materials.

Choosing heavier siding—a mistake made by many previous homeowners—can put excessive strain on the structure, potentially leading to damage. Instead of strengthening the house, heavy siding can weaken it.

Fortunately, modern, lightweight siding materials are both durable and long-lasting. They provide structural safety and insulation while remaining manageable.

Heavier siding is typically designed for commercial buildings and new construction, making it unsuitable for older homes.

Unfortunately, some dealers attempt to sell expensive, heavy siding to consumers at high prices. As long as there are buyers, they’ll continue selling these unnecessary materials.

Here are four great siding options for older homes:

Natural Wood Siding

Natural wood siding is a classic and popular choice. Treated wood is stronger and resistant to moisture, pests, and other forms of damage. It can be painted in a variety of colors or left natural to showcase its grain, providing a timeless look.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is a great alternative to heavier metal options. Made from a blend of sand, water, and cellulose fibers, it is highly resistant to moisture, mold, and environmental hazards. This type of siding is extremely durable and can last up to 50 years.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is an increasingly popular modern option due to its affordability and durability. Many homeowners prefer vinyl over wood or engineered wood siding because of its strong insulative properties and long lifespan.

Plastic Siding

Plastic siding is a viable alternative to vinyl and offers a more rigid exterior. Some styles mimic the appearance of traditional wood while being lighter and more durable.

If you’re unsure which siding option is best for your home’s architecture and foundation, consult a local siding expert. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of different materials to make the best decision.

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