Siding will protect your home from infestations and weather damage, but for older homes, asbestos siding may cause more problems than protection. Asbestos siding used to be common before the material was banned in 1989 after it was discovered to be harmful to your health. If you have an older home and want to replace the siding, you will need to determine if you have asbestos siding before removing it. Let’s take a look at the characteristics of asbestos siding and how it can be removed effectively.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has flexible fibers. It is a mix of natural silicates that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion, which is why it was used to insulate homes and prevent fires. This insulation material was thought to be helpful in preventing home damage from the natural elements, protecting against pests, and improving insulation, but was later determined to cause a higher risk of lung disease and respiratory issues.

What Does Asbestos Siding Look Like?

There is not one mold for asbestos siding, but there are some characteristics that can help you spot this material. It is important to know if you have asbestos siding, ceilings, shingles, or other insulation because when it is moved or disturbed, the particles can float into the air.

Siding that utilizes asbestos will feel denser than other siding materials. If the panels feel dense or have a pressed-in wavy pattern, it is most likely asbestos siding. It may be hard to identify asbestos siding, so if you have any doubts, consult with a real estate agent or home inspector.

Chalky Texture

Asbestos-containing material will often have a smooth but chalky surface, especially if it has been in the home for a long time. This chalky surface is specific to siding because the material will be compact in the siding piece. For shingles or other insulation, it may have a grainy texture when touched. 

Age Of Your Home And Siding

While asbestos siding does have some defining characteristics, it is not always possible to determine it by looks alone. Older homes built between 1920 and the 1960s will most likely have asbestos siding, unless a previous owner has had it replaced. If you are unsure about the age of your home or if your siding contains asbestos, schedule a professional home inspection. 

Professional Asbestos Removal

Because of the major health concerns of breathing in asbestos, removing it from a home should be handled by a skilled team. Once the particles are disturbed or moved, they can remain undetected in the air for days or weeks. Professional removal and replacement will help contain the asbestos particles and keep them from attaching to other surfaces in your home. 

Many asbestos-containing materials can be covered over without health concerns. You can often place new material over top to save you the money needed to remove it. If it needs to be removed in order to make room for a new material, you will need asbestos abatement. This can cost thousands of dollars to effectively remove and prevent further issues in your home. While it may be expensive to remove, the long-term health effects of breathing in asbestos will be more costly. Hiring a professional team that has health-rated equipment will keep your family and home safe.

Can Asbestos Siding Be Painted?

Yes, asbestos siding looks like many other types of siding can have a surface that can be painted. If the siding is not chipped, flaking, or cracked, you can change the color of the siding panels. Avoid scraping the siding as this could cause asbestos to come to the surface. While painting, wear a mask and protective clothing to lower the risk of breathing in harmful materials. Since asbestos siding is often durable, painting over it can save you money rather than replacing it. 

Siding Installation From Unlimited Siding

While our team does not handle asbestos removal, we can help replace your siding once the material is removed. Unlimited Siding offers multiple siding types to help improve the curb appeal of your Utah home. If you are looking to provide better protection for your home or change the aesthetic, our siding options can help. We offer vinyl siding, LP Smartside, and board & batten siding. We want to improve your home at affordable prices and long long-lasting materials. Contact us to get a quote or schedule your siding installation today!

The exterior materials of your home are often put in place to prevent pests, protect more fragile materials from weather, and for aesthetic purposes. Siding is one exterior add-on that can help extend the life of your home and prevent dealing with stinky or slimy pests. Bugs that invade your siding can be extremely difficult or even dangerous to deal with. Upgrading or maintaining your siding will prevent pests from taking over your home.

Early Signs Of Pest Infestations

Different kinds of pests can find their way into your home if you are not diligent about preventative measures. Looking for signs of infestations early on will help you minimize damage to the home. Knowing what to look for can help keep a minor issue from exploding into a major repair. 

Some common signs of pest problems include: 

• Droppings near or behind your siding
• Chew or gnaw marks
• Unusual noises around your home
• Visible nests, webs, or clusters of debris
• Warped panels
• Discoloration
• Mold or mildew growth

Prioritize Seamless Installation

Professional installation of siding is a crucial component to prevent pests. Fewer gaps reduce the likelihood of pests crawling into them or places to build nests. Easy entry points are great for wasps, ants, roaches, and beetles to live and build a nest. Having new siding installed or making repairs will ensure that each panel is securely in place and maintains a tight fit that is a deterrent to pests.

A Smooth Surface Is Not Ideal For Nests

When bugs or birds are looking for a place to build their nest, they will look for texture, which is necessary for anchoring the nest. A sleek texture does not have grip for the materials of a nest or web to attach to, which will force them to look elsewhere for their resting place. New siding will reduce hiding spots, angles, or crevices that are great for pests to reside. Smooth and nonporous materials are best for home siding if you want to prevent pests.

New Siding Is Less Prone To Warping 

Modern siding materials are more durable than siding of the past, so replacing siding can help prevent cracks, warping, and breaks. When your siding is damaged or unattached from the home, you are inviting pests into your space. Vinyl siding is also a great option for homes that want to take precautions against pests, because it is resistant to weather damage and warping. 

Some siding companies also offer protective coatings or mesh that will help keep pests from burrowing in your siding. These can help prevent the pests from finding vulnerable spots in older siding. Durable materials and installation will minimize the risks of pests.

Are Some Materials Better For Repelling Pests Than Others?

Wood siding has been known to be a breeding ground for pests. Older homes often had wood siding because it was affordable and easy to paint. However, in the modern world, there are a variety of materials that are more durable against pests. Let’s look at some popular siding materials that can better protect your home from bugs and birds. 

Another affordable option is vinyl siding, which is also durable against pests and rodents. Vinyl is a low-maintenance option, especially if it is installed by a professional to ensure there is no gapping. It provides a relatively secure barrier between the more vulnerable materials of your home and pests.

Aluminum siding does not provide a food source for termites or other insects like wood does, so it can help deter these pests from living on your home. Aluminum can still have small gaps when it is applied to a home, so other pests like wasps or birds could still cause damage. Maintenance will be required to keep aluminum siding in good condition. 

Fiber Cement is a newer offering for homeowners that is made of a mix of wood, cement, and sand. This siding is resistant to pests because this material does not rot. When applied properly and caulked, the fiber cement also doesn’t have small openings for bugs to crawl into. 

Prevent Pests With New Siding From Our Team

Unlimited Siding and Raingutter Inc. is an exterior contractor that specializes in home exterior remodels, including new siding. Working with Unlimited Siding will help prevent pests by installing durable siding options and helping you have peace of mind that all gaps are sealed. When you are looking to protect your home from the elements and pests, trust our team. We work with the homeowner to help them enhance the appearance of the home while also making it last through the years. With years of experience, Unlimited Siding can help boost your curb appeal and prevent pests from taking over your home. Learn more about our services or reach out to schedule your project today!

Looking for a way to upgrade the exterior of your home? Looking up vinyl siding trends is a good way to start, as you can get an idea of what other homeowners have been gravitating towards.

At Unlimited Siding & Raingutter Inc., we provide high quality products and installations that keep with current trends. That way we can help homeowners make the best choices for their properties.

Whether you’re remodeling an older home or building a new one, staying up to date with vinyl siding trends can help improve curb appeal, increase property value, and give you the house refresh you need. We have compiled a list of 5 different trends for you to try for a home exterior makeover in 2025.

1. Bold & Dark Color Palettes

Excellent for a bold pop that’s sure to stand out, darker colors on homes are all the rage. This has been replacing the lighter, more neutral colors like beige that have been trending for many years. If you’ve been looking for a fun way to incorporate deeper shades, then this trend is perfect for you.

Some of the popular dark colors homeowners are using are:

• Slate Gray
• Deep Blue
• Rich Earthy Tones

With modern technology nowadays, paints are also made with better color retention, allowing hues to stay vibrant and dark even with constant sun exposure. This means that this trend is a worthwhile investment in your home’s future.

2. Mixed Materials for Added Texture

One of the vinyl siding trends that adds some visual interest is the mixing of materials. Incorporating textured materials like wood accents, stone, or brick with the vinyl siding creates a visually appealing, eye-catching look. This trend helps homeowners:

• Achieve a custom, high-end appearance without exceeding their budget
• Highlight architectural features
• Add depth and contrast to their home’s design

Mixing and matching materials for the exterior helps to create focal points for your home and break up large wall spaces, blending modern trends and traditional craftsmanship.

3. Vertical Siding Installation for a Modern Look

Although horizontal vinyl siding remains a consistent classic, some homeowners are creating an intriguing look by installing their siding vertically. This has quickly become one of the most common vinyl siding trends because of the following benefits:

• Improving water runoff, which can help extend the life of the siding
• Enhancing modern and farmhouse-style exteriors
• Creating the illusion of height

This can be a quick and cost-effective way to modernize the exterior of your home, making it perfect for homeowners who want to refresh the look of their property without committing to a full makeover.

4. Eco-Friendly & Energy-Efficient Siding

As people become more environmentally conscious, homeowners are wanting to choose materials for their homes that are more sustainable and energy efficient. Vinyl siding has rapidly become popular for its ability to be both. Here are some of the many benefits to vinyl:

• Highly durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements
• Low maintenance, requiring fewer resources over time
• Energy-efficient when paired with proper insulation, helping homeowners lower their heating and cooling costs

5. Board & Batten Style Comeback

Board and batten was a popular style for home exteriors back in the Victorian era but 2025 vinyl siding trends has helped it return to the neighborhoods. This design uses wide boards with narrower battens, or strips of wood, placed in between. It adds some dimension and interest that blends a rustic look with a modern charm. This style is great option for:

• Farmhouse and cottage-style homes
• Combining traditional and contemporary styles seamlessly
• Adding texture and dimension to exterior walls

Vinyl Siding Trends for You

At Unlimited Siding, we specialize in high-quality vinyl siding so you have a look that you will love and will last for years to come. Whether you want a classic vinyl look, a vintage board and batten style, or a dark and sleek modern look, we have what you’re looking for. Our vinyl siding has a wide range of customizable options so your home reflects you.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your home, then a siding update may be just what you need. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!