The siding is a crucial component in every home. Aside from adding beauty, this exterior component protects your house from outdoor elements, like rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. If you’re considering a new siding and are still wary of making decisions, it’s best to learn more about it. Read this guide to help you.
What Are the Benefits of New Siding?
Siding offers more than just protection for your home against damage. By installing a new one, you can also achieve the following:
● Enhanced Curb Appeal: A fresh siding installation provides a clean, updated look, significantly enhancing curb appeal. Various styles, colors, and materials are available, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your home.
● Increased Energy Efficiency: A high-quality and well-installed siding offers enhanced insulation by retaining heat and keeping cool temperatures in your home as needed. This minimizes the use of your heating and cooling systems, reducing electricity bills while keeping your household comfortable all year long.
● Reduced Maintenance: Old or worn siding may require more maintenance than usual, costing you significant time and money in the long run. Replacing these components with modern materials minimizes upkeep and potential repairs.
● Boosted Home Value: With the many features and advantages of new siding, it can significantly boost your home’s value, earning you major returns. This is especially beneficial if you’re planning to sell your property down the line.
What Are the Types of Siding Materials?
There are different materials used for siding, each with unique features to match your home or needs. Some of the most common ones include:
● Wood: The natural look of wood makes it a timeless and popular siding choice. It’s available as shakes, shingles, and clapboards and is easy to repair and replace. Although durable, wood siding is still prone to rot, fire, and pests.
● Vinyl: Vinyl’s durability, affordability, and easy maintenance make it a cost-effective choice for many homeowners. However, it can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures, cracking in the cold and warping in the summer.
● Fiber Cement: This siding material is a combination of wood fibers and cement and is sturdy, non-combustible, and pest-resistant. That said, fiber cement can be heavy and difficult to handle, making professional assistance necessary.
● Engineered Wood: Engineered wood is a great choice if you want wood siding but with added durability. This lightweight alternative can be vulnerable to moisture, so it may need further treatment to enhance water resistance.
What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing New Siding?
Learning about some of the siding materials can give you an overview of your options. Now, here are some considerations when choosing to ensure you get the ideal one for your needs:
● Durability
As the siding is your home’s first line of defense against outdoor elements, choosing a durable material is crucial. In addition to the siding’s level of strength, you must consider how it can withstand the climate and typical weather conditions in your area.
● Maintenance
Different siding materials have varying maintenance requirements. So, determine the level of commitment you can provide to maintain your siding’s condition and appearance. Note that higher upkeep may also mean further expenses for cleaning, re-staining, or re-painting.
● Aesthetic Appeal
Since siding impacts curb appeal, it’s essential to consider which material best complements your home’s color, architecture, and overall aesthetic. Many siding options also come in various style options and offer flexibility in design.
● Installation
While replacing siding on your own is possible, hiring an expert can save you time, money, and effort. Their expertise and access to specialized tools help ensure efficient installation and quality work. Some siding materials are also more complicated to install, making professional services ideal.
● Cost
Installing new siding can be a significant investment, so it’s best to have a budget. When choosing siding, consider the price of the materials and the potential long-term expenses to determine the most cost-efficient option. Adding in potential labor fees will also help estimate the overall installation costs.
Learning about siding can help you make more informed decisions if you’re replacing the current ones in your home. If you are still unsure what materials to choose or want expert advice on installation, you can always consult a professional. Contact a trusted contractor or visit a local lumber yard to get started on your home remodeling project!
Also Read:
Lois Lane is a professional blogger and a seasoned Content writer for wellhousekeeping.com. With a passion for simplifying complex Home Decor topics, he provides valuable insights to a diverse online audience. With four years of experience, Lois has polished his skills as a professional blogger.
