But times change, and in the past few years the siding “regulars” have been overtaken by a new, more advanced material – fiber cement.

Fiber cement offers all the advantages of aluminum or vinyl, plus a few more.  Among the most striking? Fiber cement has the beautiful look of wood, without the high maintenance costs and requirements. Fiber cement siding can also have a stucco or smooth finish.

Fiber cement siding is made from a highly engineered mixture of cement, sand and cellulose fiber that has been cured with pressurized steam to increase its strength and dimensional stability. The fiber reinforces the siding and prevents cracking. Fiber cement will protect your home from rot, fire, wind and insects.

Fiber cement siding comes in a variety of colors which are “through and through” the material, or may be painted using water-based acrylic paint, which grips these products very well and doesn’t peel because fiber cement does not expand and contract like wood.

The pioneer in fiber cement siding is James Hardie, an Australian company that is taking the U.S. by storm. Over 4 million American homes are now protected by James Hardie fiber cement siding, making it the fastest growing siding choice in the country.

Certified Siding Professionals is the only James Hardie Preferred Remodeler in Omaha, Nebraska.  If this sounds like the kind of beauty and protection you want for your home, call us at (402) 680-7946 for a FREE in-home evaluation and estimate.

The survey results, as reported on the MSN Real Estate website, said: “Replacing exterior siding with upscale fiber cement… pays back a whopping 78%, on average, of the $13,461 average cost. The most cost-effective thing you can do to your home this year is to replace old siding with new, higher-end fiber cement.” The second best home improvement project is replacing an entry door with an upgraded steel door, which pays back 73% and “greatly improves curb appeal.”

Also cited among the top ten projects is new vinyl siding replacement, with foam-backed vinyl siding returning 69.6% of its $14,274 average cost; and midrange vinyl siding, which returns 69.5% of the $11,729 average price. Vinyl replacement windows offer a solid 69.1% payback on the average cost of $14,328 for replacing 10 windows. This does not include long-term energy savings realized by installing efficient glass and insulated frame packages.

The article also offers a caution about the growing pool of “unlicensed and uninsured workers” who are competing for remodeling work. The high rate of unemployment in the construction industry has flooded the market with “a lot of carpenters walking around looking for work,” according to Sal Alfano of Remodeling magazine. Alfano warns that, “A marginal worker may not perform well or may reach the limits of his skill on your job, although he did just fine at your neighbor’s place.” The best quality fiber cement siding is produced by James Hardie, the company that pioneered the material and is now found on over 4 million American homes.

Certified Siding Professionals is the only James Hardie Preferred Remodeler in Omaha, Nebraska. Call us at (402) 680-7946 for a FREE in-home evaluation and estimate.

1. Does the contractor have the right experience? – Just because a company has been around for decades does not mean they have gained the experience necessary for your particular home improvement needs. A company that is focused on basement remodeling is not likely to have much experience in roofing. Make sure you get a contractor who can perform the work you need done, not just a general “handyman” who might be learning new skills at your expense.

2. Is the contractor insured? – This is a critical question to ask. The contractor working in or on your home should have both liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask to see a current certificate of insurance as proof of their coverage. Otherwise, if an accident or injury occurs on your property, you are the one who may be held liable. Such liability may not be covered by your homeowner’s policy, meaning you would face expensive litigation on your own.

3. Will the contractor provide a written estimate, and then honor it? – If a contractor gives you a “ballpark” estimate and tells you not to worry, run! Insist on a detailed, written and signed proposal that includes specifics on materials, labor costs, scheduling, warranties and provisions for what constitutes “extra work” that may be billed separately. You should also insist on a payment schedule that progresses as the job progresses. Otherwise you may end up being surprised by a much larger invoice at the end of the project.

4. Is the contractor factory-trained by the manufacturers whose products he installs? – The answer may appear to be obvious, but you would be surprised at how many contractors install products and materials without the proper training or certification. This can be a HUGE problem down the road if there is a problem because most manufacturers will not honor a materials warranty unless their product was installed by contractor they have trained or otherwise approved. A guy with a pickup truck who shops for materials at the local home store is very unlikely to be factory-trained, leaving you exposed if there is a problem or product failure.

5. What guarantees and warranties does the contractor provide? – In addition to the manufacturer warranties on products and materials, you should insist on a quality guarantee on the contractor’s workmanship. A minimum of five years is safe, during which time any problems with the work should be corrected at no cost to you by the contractor. Without a written guarantee, you have no recourse if any part of your home improvement should fail to perform as promised.

If you choose Certified Siding Professionals as your contractor you can check off all five of these important concerns! Call us at (402) 680-7946 for a FREE in-home evaluation and estimate.

1. GUTTERS – Have your gutters cleaned and checked for leaks, gaps or debris that could clog them at the wrong time. Backed up gutters allow rain and melted snow to seep into your home and cause serious damage.
2. ROOF – Call someone to check your roof for shingles or tiles that are cracked, missing, curling or shedding granules. The time to make roof repairs is now, before the cold and ice arrive.
3. DOORS & WINDOWS – Check your doors and windows for gaps that allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Recaulk edges and repair any cracked window panes. Remove and store screens until Spring.
4. CHIMNEY – It is a good idea to have your chimney cleaned before lighting a fire in the fireplace or starting up the furnace. But you should also have the exterior of the chimney checked for loose bricks or mortar, or gaps in the flashing that might allow snow and ice into your home.
5. EXTERIOR – Check your home’s siding for loose panels or shakes. If you have wood siding check carefully for mold or rot that might indicate a growing problem. If you have not scraped and painted for at least 5 years you might have to make that investment now, or replace your wood siding with a more durable material like fiber cement.
6. FOUNDATION – Check for cracks or gaps that may have appeared over the summer. Seal them up to prevent water or small animals from entering. Clear leaves and debris away from the foundation walls.
7. OUTDOOR PLANT CARE – Wrap and cover shrubbery to prevent damage from low temperatures and snowload. Prune trees and cut back overhanging branches that may droop onto your roof when covered with snow.
8. DRIVEWAY & WALKS – Repair any cracks, reseat bricks and apply driveway sealant before the first frost.
9. HEATING SYSTEM – Have your furnace cleaned, replace filters, and clean heating ducts of dust and buildup. If your home has radiators, bleed off trapped air that may have expanded during the warmer weather.
10. SMOKE, CO2 & RADON DETECTORS – Now is the perfect time to replace the batteries on your smoke, radon and carbon monoxide detectors; or to install them in key areas in your home.

Call Certified Siding Professionals at 402-680-7946, or visit our web site at: www.certifiedsidingprofessionals.com

Since siding comes in a variety of materials, price points and finishes, the choices can be overwhelming. To lessen this feeling, visit one of the many Omaha siding contractors and discuss your project with their design consultant or estimator. Share with them your budget constraints, the look you hope to achieve and your lifestyle. This information will allow them to recommend solutions assist you in making the right choices for your project.

To begin, consider the different types of siding and compare their features and benefits.

•    Cedar shakes and wood clapboard siding offer the beauty of wood but require regular maintenance to retain that beauty. Fiber cement siding and vinyl siding, on the other hand, can offer the look of wood but require much less maintenance.

•    Fiber cement siding is available from a number of manufacturers including James Hardie. Less expensive than wood or stucco siding, fiber cement siding is a durable and affordable product. In appearance, fiber cement siding often consists of overlapping, horizontal boards that imitate traditional wood siding, clapboard and shingles. Fiber cement siding can be pre-painted at the factory or custom painted on site. Once painted and installed, fiber cement siding requires very little maintenance.

•    Vinyl siding is an excellent choice for Omaha homeowners that want to increase their home’s energy efficiency with a low maintenance product. Vinyl siding comes in a broad spectrum of colors, resists rot and is more affordable than many other siding options.

•    Aluminum siding is another low maintenance option. Although no longer as popular as fiber cement siding or vinyl siding, aluminum siding is highly durable, requires very little maintenance and is easily repaired.

Once you’ve chosen the type of siding that meets your budget and lifestyle, consider the contractor. Choosing the right contractor to install your siding is key to a successful project. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Verify that the contractor has insurance and the proper Omaha contractor licenses. Find out who holds the warranty and what happens after the sale.

For 6th year in a row, Residing Your Home with James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding is the #1 Return on Investment.

Call Certified Siding Professionals at (402) 680-7946, or visit our web site at www.certifiedsidingprofessionals.com for a FREE in-home evaluation and estimate.

2.  Does it cost more to install siding during the winter?
Just the opposite! Because our schedule is lighter from January through March, we often offer discounts on installations during that period. In addition, siding in winter makes it easier for us to work around landscaping in your yard. You could end up saving quite a bit of money!

3.  In order to receive a winter discount, when would my siding need to be installed?
Winter discounts begin in early January. Work must be completed by March 31.

4.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of a winter siding installation?
Advantages:

• Save money on installation
• Lower home heating costs, starting immediately
• Easier to work around landscaping without doing any damage
• You’ll have a beautiful “new” home in the spring!

Disadvantages:

• There may be minor delays if weather conditions are excessively harsh

5.  What are some common concerns people have about winter installations?

• Will my home freeze during the installation?  No. Siding is generally installed over the existing exterior of the home, so the winter winds will not be howling through open walls!
• Will the freezing temperatures compromise the integrity of the siding in any way?  No, if there were any chance of that we wouldn’t do it.  The only types of winter construction that are affected are concrete/masonry work and certain roof installations.  We would not do any work one your home unless the weather is compatible.

We have completed hundreds of winter installations over the years and never had a problem.  Everybody wins:  we keep busy and our customers save money.

Do you have any other questions about winter installations? Call Certified Siding Professionals at 402-680-7946, or visit our web site at: www.certifiedsidingprofessionals.com

Unlike wood composite siding, choosing house siding from James Hardie makes sense. It provides low maintenance, while resisting shrinking and swelling, so it holds paint much longer than wood composite siding or engineered wood. No wonder it’s protecting over 4 million homes in North America alone.

Guaranteed for up to 30 years, even in the most severe climates on earth vs. Rot caused by severe moisture exposure is a common problem in wood composite siding.

Fiber Cement Siding resists shrinking and swelling so it holds paint longer than wood. vs. Shrinks and swells when exposed to moisture which causes paint to crack and flake.

— Pest Resistance —
Resistant to termites and other pests known to cause damage. Wood Siding is subject to decay and pests.

GET A FREE SIDING ESTIMATE!
Find out how we can make your home safer, warmer and more valuable with James Hardie Siding. Call Certified Siding Professionals at (402) 680-7946 for a FREE in-home evaluation and estimate

Fiber Cement Siding is Non-combustible. Approved for fire-rated construction vs. Vinyl siding will melt or burn when exposed to a significant source of heat or flame.

Can be painted any color you can imagine and lasts longer than with wood vs. vinyl siding color cannot be changed and is susceptible to fading. And it’s difficult to get a perfect match when repairs are necessary.

Fiber Cement Siding is so durable it’s guaranteed for up to 30 years, even in the most severe climates on earth. vs. vinyl siding becomes brittle in cold weather. Vinyl Siding can be damaged by hail, limbs, and other flying debris.

James Hardie siding’s strength and thickness provide impact resistance caused by hail or wind. vs. Premium vinyl siding is only 5/100″ thick.

GET A FREE SIDING ESTIMATE!

What you might not think about is the cost of installing and maintaining your wood siding. Are you prepared to spend a large sum of money on installing wood siding just to have to constantly power wash and clean it to maintain that clean and traditional look? There is a less expensive and easier-to-maintain way to side your home with that same homey appearance: fiber cement siding.

Fiber cement siding is composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber, giving it tremendous strength and dimensional stability. Along with being less expensive and easier to maintain than wood, here are 5 reasons that fiber cement siding is a good choice for your home:

1. Cold Weather Climates- Fiber cement siding holds up against the effects of temperature swings in cold weather climates. Unlike other siding materials, fiber cement does not become brittle in cold climates. Fiber cement siding can even be installed to withstand hurricane-force winds.

2. Wet, Humid Climates- Fiber cement siding resists rotting and cracking, even in extremely damp climates. Unlike other siding materials, fiber cement siding does not expand and shrink under wet conditions.

3. Resistance to Impact Damage- Fiber cement siding is much thicker than other types of siding. This thickness, along with the inherent strength of its materials, makes fiber cement siding strong enough to resist impact damage caused by rain and hail.

4. Fire Resistant- Fiber cement siding is non-combustible and achieves the highest possible flame spread rating. Fiber cement siding is approved for fire-rated construction.

5. Resistant to Insect Damage- Although it looks like wood it is not, so fiber cement siding resists damage from termites and other wood-eating insects.

If you are ready for siding that looks beautiful but is more durable and easier to maintain than wood, you can’t go wrong with James Hardie® Siding, the country’s leading fiber cement siding. And when it comes to James Hardie Siding, nobody installs it as well as Certified Siding Professionals.

Call Certified Siding Professionals at (402) 680-7946, or visit our web site at www.certifiedsidingprofessionals.com for a FREE in-home evaluation and estimate.

These two items are crucial to a job’s success. Trade licenses are important indicators of quality, reliability and the ability to cover any unexpected injuries or other problems. Contracts literally spell out what the contractor and the homeowner are obligated to do — if a job goes poorly, you’ll know what was agreed upon to help protect yourself from financial loss.

Follow these 13 hiring guidelines to help make sure your project is problem-free and high-quality.

1. Clearly define your project: Before you begin talking with contractors, read remodeling magazines, search the Internet for information on designs and materials. Even rough ideas on paper give a potential contractor a better sense of what you hope to accomplish and what is required to make it happen.
2. Management issues: Large projects, especially those that may involve more than three different specialists (i.e. plumber, electrician, carpenter, mason) will go better if you have a general contractor to manage all the various tasks and timelines.
3. Structural issues: Projects that eliminate walls, add rooms or otherwise impact the structural integrity of your home, should involve an architect or a structural engineer.
4. Ask around:  Ask neighbors, friends and Angie’s List about good, local contractors, but don’t hire based on only one conversation.
5. Check references: Get names of previous customers and find out if they were pleased with the work and the timeline of the project, and if they’d hire the contractor again. Get the names of subcontractors and ask if they work with the contractor often and does he pay on time. If your prospective contractor balks at providing references, find another one. Check with trade associations to learn how your contractor stacks up among his or her peers.
6. Get estimates: Get at least three written estimates. Documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.
7. Where can I reach you? Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address, or use only an answering service. Never hire someone who comes unsolicited to your door and can’t provide you proof of qualifications – especially if he or she pressures you to hire fast and pay cash up front.
8. License for hire: Some states or cities have no licensing requirements for contractors, which can make it difficult for homeowners to check up on contractors before they hire. Don’t rely on the contractor’s word to know whether his or her license is valid: verify it through appropriate agencies.
9. Insurance and bonding: Check the status of the contractor’s bonding and liability insurance coverage, too. A good contractor will come prepared with proof that he or she is covered.
10. Budget and payment options: The typical pre-payment is typically between 10 and 15 percent of the total value of the project. Even the most carefully planned project can change, especially if hidden problems are found. Never pay for a project with cash; always use a credit card so you have recourse in case something goes wrong. Before you sign off and make the final payment, check that the work is complete to your satisfaction.
11. The contract sign: Don’t assume your contract covers all your needs. Know the details of the contract, as well as how any change orders will be handled. Check that your contract includes a lien waiver, covering payments to all subcontractors who worked on the project. Never sign a blank contract.
12. Punch list: This is how the contractor will deal with the list of small items remaining to be completed at the end of the job. A good rule of thumb is to determine the cost of those items, double it, then withhold that amount from the final payment, until the list is complete.
13. Prepare your family for the stress: This is one of the most overlooked, but critical considerations. How will the project change your routine, especially if it’s a kitchen or bath? Where will materials be stored? What are the working hours for the crew?