Let us talk about wood siding. It has a classic look as well as a warmth that feels right. It can really make a house stand out. But here in Moore, Oklahoma, we have crazy weather. This weather goes from scorching summers to hailstorms that hit hard. You need to know what you are getting into with wood siding. Moore Siding Company has seen a lot of siding come and go. Wood, while beautiful, demands respect as well as the right approach.
Before You Start: Planning Your Wood Siding Project in Moore
Our first step is to consider the type of wood. You have natural wood like cedar, pine, or fir. This gives you an authentic grain as well as a natural feel. In addition, there is engineered wood, like LP SmartSide. This product uses wood fibers that are treated and compressed to be tougher. Both types have their place. However, for the Moore climate, engineered wood often holds up better against moisture as well as fungal decay as well as impact.
Natural Wood vs. Engineered Wood for Moore, OK: What is the Deal?
- Natural Wood: Natural wood is beautiful. You can paint or stain it any color you want. If a board gets dinged, it is usually repairable. But here is the important part: natural wood needs a lot more upkeep in our Oklahoma climate. We are talking about regular painting or staining every 5-7 years. It also needs constant caulking as well as quick repairs if anything goes wrong. Natural wood is more prone to rot, warping, splitting, and even insect infestations if you do not stay on top of it.
- Engineered Wood: This material is designed to look like real wood. It does not have all the headaches of natural wood. Engineered wood has better resistance to moisture as well as insects as well as the temperature swings we get here in Moore. It can even stand up better to hail than natural wood. Some brands offer long warranties, like 50 years. This tells you something about their confidence in the product. If you are building new or doing a full replacement, especially in a neighborhood like the ones near I-35 that catch the wind, engineered wood is a strong contender for your Moore home.
Budgeting for Wood Siding in Moore, OK
Cost is an important factor. For a full re-siding job on an average 1,500-2,200 sq ft ranch home in Moore, natural wood siding can run you anywhere from $8,000 to $22,000. Engineered wood is usually a bit less. It is in the $9,000-$18,000 range. Engineered wood often gives you better value in terms of durability for our local conditions. Keep in mind that these are just averages. The type of wood, how complicated your home's layout is, and the condition of your existing walls will all affect the final price. Permits from the City of Moore usually add another $75-$250.
During the Project: DIY or Call a Pro for Your Moore Siding?
This is where many homeowners get stuck. You might wonder if you can do it yourself to save some cash. Or you might wonder if it is better to bring in the experts.
What You Can (Probably) DIY for Your Moore Siding
For small, isolated issues, you might be able to handle it. Think about minor repairs like reattaching a loose board. You can also fill a small crack with caulk or replace a single damaged piece. If you are comfortable on a ladder and have some basic carpentry skills, patching up a small section of wood siding can save you money. Spot repairs might cost $150-$500 if you hire someone. Doing it yourself cuts that labor cost. Moore Siding Company understands that some homeowners like to do things themselves.
- Cleaning: You can definitely clean your wood siding yourself. A low-pressure power washer or even just a garden hose with a soft-bristle brush works well to get rid of dirt as well as grime. Just be careful with that pressure washer. Too much power too close can damage the wood or strip paint. Do this at least once a year for your Moore home.
- Inspections: You should be inspecting your siding every six months. Look for cracks, splits, soft spots, mold, or warped boards. Pay extra attention around windows as well as doors. Catching these things early can save you a lot of headaches as well as money later on.
When to Call Moore Siding Company (or another Pro)
Moore Siding Company is a contractor. There are times when trying to DIY a siding project is just asking for trouble. Full siding replacement, or even extensive repairs, is complex. It takes specialized tools, experience, and a crew to do it right as well as safely. Our team at Moore Siding Company has the experience you need.
- Full Replacement: If your siding is rotting in multiple places, severely warped, or you have widespread pest damage, it is time for a pro. A full replacement is a huge job. Doing it wrong can lead to water leaks, mold, and even structural damage. In addition, pros can get the job done in days, not weeks or months like a solo DIYer. We handle full siding replacements in Moore, OK.
- Extensive Repairs: If you have large sections of damaged siding, especially after one of our famous Moore hailstorms, it is best to call someone. Matching older siding can be tough. A pro knows how to make sure the repair is smooth. Also, if you are dealing with rot that has gone deep, you might have underlying issues that need to be addressed before new siding goes up. Moore Siding Company handles extensive siding repairs.
- Engineered Wood Installation: While engineered wood is great, it needs precise installation. All cut edges need to be properly primed, painted, and sealed to prevent moisture from getting in. That is a detail that can make or break the longevity of the product. It is easy to mess up if you do not know what you are doing. Our team installs engineered wood siding correctly in Moore.
- Safety: Working on ladders, especially around a whole house, can be dangerous. Pros have the right safety gear as well as training. Do not risk a fall to save a few bucks. Moore Siding Company prioritizes safety on every job site.
After the Project: Keeping Your Wood Siding Looking Good in Moore
Once that beautiful new wood siding is up, the work is not over. Especially with natural wood, ongoing maintenance is important to making it last in our climate. Moore Siding Company wants your siding to last.
- Regular Cleaning: As we said, clean it annually. A gentle wash will remove dirt, mildew, and other gunk that can break down the finish over time. This helps keep your Moore home looking good.
- Repainting or Restaining: For natural wood, you will need to repaint or restain every 3-7 years. South-facing walls, which get hit by the Oklahoma sun, might need it more often. This is not just about looks. It is about protecting the wood from UV damage as well as moisture.
- Sealing: If you have a clear sealer on your wood siding, you will need to reapply it every 2-5 years.
- Pest Control: Wood is tasty to termites as well as carpenter ants. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation. Keep vegetation trimmed back from your house.
- Moisture Management: Make sure your gutters are clean and draining properly. They should drain away from your foundation. Check that your sprinklers are not constantly hitting your siding. Also, make sure the bottom edge of your siding is at least 8 inches off the ground to prevent moisture wicking.
Wood siding, whether natural or engineered, can be a fantastic choice for your Moore home. It adds character as well as curb appeal that is hard to beat. Just remember, it is an investment that needs care. If you are ever unsure, or if the job feels too big, give us a call at Moore Siding Company. We are here to make sure your home stays protected as well as looks its best. We are here no matter what Oklahoma weather throws at it.