Siding does more work on a shore home than most owners give it credit for. It takes the wind, salt air, blowing sand and summer sun every day of the year, and it is the main thing standing between the weather and your wall framing. When a house sits empty for months at a time, small siding problems can go unnoticed long enough to become bigger ones. Here is a practical look at when siding needs attention, what to think about before replacing it, and how a siding project works with Avalon Construction & Property Management.
Signs Your Siding Needs Attention
Some wear is cosmetic. Some is a sign that water may be getting behind the exterior. A walk around the house, ideally after a windy stretch, is the best way to spot trouble. Look for:
- Loose, cracked, warped or missing pieces, especially on the windward side of the house
- Gaps or failed caulk around windows, doors, vents and corner trim
- Soft spots, rot or peeling paint on wood shingles and trim
- Stains, streaks or mildew that keep coming back in the same place
- Interior clues such as water marks on walls or ceilings near exterior walls
- Fasteners that are rusting or backing out
If you only see the house a few weekends a year, it is easy to miss these. That is one reason regular eyes on the property matter, whether it is you, a neighbor or a property manager.
Repair or Replace?
Not every siding issue calls for a full replacement. A few damaged courses after a storm can often be repaired or patched to match. A full or partial replacement starts to make more sense when:
- Damage shows up on several sides of the house, not just one area
- Repairs keep coming back season after season
- There are signs of moisture behind the siding that need to be opened up and inspected
- You are already planning other exterior work, like new windows, doors or a deck, and want everything to tie together
- You want to change the look of the house
Once the old siding comes off, the sheathing and wall wrap underneath can be checked. That is often where the real story is, and it is far easier to address while the wall is open.
Choosing a Siding Material
Shore homes on Seven Mile Island use a range of siding styles, from classic cedar shakes to painted lap siding and low-maintenance options. There is no single right answer. The best choice depends on how you use the house and what you want from it. A few questions worth talking through:
- How much ongoing upkeep, like painting or staining, are you willing to plan for?
- What look fits the house and the street, and are there association guidelines to follow?
- Does the new siding need to match or blend with siding that is staying?
- How will the siding work with your trim, windows and doors?
- What fits your budget now, and what makes sense for how long you plan to own the home?
We walk through the options with you, share samples, and help you weigh appearance, maintenance and cost so you can make a decision you feel good about.
How a Siding Project Works With Us
Most of our clients are not at the shore full time, so we set up siding projects to run without you needing to be on site. A typical project looks like this:
- Walkthrough and scope. We look at the existing siding, trim and openings and talk about what you want to accomplish.
- Selections and proposal. You choose the material and color, and we put together a clear scope of work.
- Scheduling. The off-season is a good window for exterior work at the shore, since the house is usually empty and there are no renters or guests to plan around.
- Tear-off and inspection. As old siding comes off, we check what is underneath and let you know right away if anything needs attention.
- Installation and cleanup. New siding and trim go on, and the site is cleaned up when the work is done.
Throughout the project, you can follow along in your JobTread client portal, which shows the schedule, progress photos and updates, so you always know where things stand from wherever you are.
Keeping New Siding in Good Shape
Once new siding is on, a little attention goes a long way. Check caulk joints around openings each spring, rinse off salt and sand buildup when it collects, keep plantings and irrigation from soaking the walls, and take a look after any major storm. If you are enrolled in our Home Care Program, the Elite plan includes two post-storm inspections, which is a simple way to catch storm damage early when you cannot get down to the house yourself.
If your siding is showing its age or you want to talk through options before spring, take a look at our portfolio for examples of our exterior work, then get in touch or call us at (609) 741-6996. Avalon Construction & Property Management serves homeowners in Avalon, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City and throughout Cape May County.