Siding protects the home from a myriad of exterior environmental elements. It also helps regulate the interior temperature and improves energy efficiency.
New siding offers a fresh, updated look to homes and appeals to potential buyers looking for durability and low maintenance.
From low-maintenance vinyl to rustic cedar, a diverse range of siding options allows homeowners to make their design statement. Vibrant colors evoke an energetic personality, while earthy tones offer a grounded and serene aesthetic.
Curb Appeal
Siding does more than protect a home from the elements; it reflects a homeowner’s design personality and sets the first impression for passersby. The right color and material can accentuate an architectural style or contrast with the landscape for a more modern look. Homeowners who invest in curb appeal are often rewarded with higher resale value. Whether it’s a new front door or a fresh coat of paint, there are many easy ways to boost your home’s exterior appearance.
New vinyl siding is a high-impact upgrade. Available in various colors and styles, including textures that mimic wood, vinyl is both durable and low-maintenance. It’s available in many different profiles, making it easier than ever to achieve a custom look. And if you’re not ready for a full-scale remodel, new window replacements can make an immediate impact.
Aside from siding, simple landscaping upgrades can significantly elevate a home’s curb appeal. Plants are easy to care for and can add an element of color or texture to the yard. A trellis can add structure and form to a garden and encourage growth. And a simple DIY project like adding a garden gate can create a more welcoming entrance for guests.
Another easy way to improve your home’s exterior is to update your storm door. A brightly colored door can draw attention, and can contrast beautifully with a dark shade of siding. If you’re unsure of the right color, consult a color wheel to find complementary hues.
Brick and stone veneers are a more permanent addition, and require more maintenance than other materials. However, they provide a unique look that adds warmth and charm to any home. If you’re concerned about costs, consider a faux option that offers the same look for less.
While it may seem counterintuitive to spend time on your home’s exterior when you could be spending more time inside, a good-looking exterior is key to boosting your home’s curb appeal. The first impression of a home is crucial, and will affect how potential buyers view its value.
Durability
When you’re choosing the best siding for your home, durability is one of the most important factors. Durability can help you reduce the costs of maintaining your house by lowering the need for repairs and replacements. Modern siding materials are built to withstand harsh weather conditions like storms and wind gusts, while also protecting homes from moisture infiltration, rot and insect damage.
Traditional wood siding has an aesthetic charm that many homeowners love, but it can have some durability challenges. It can be vulnerable to damage from moisture, termites and fungal growth, causing it to rot or warp. It’s also often required to be painted or stained regularly, which can be expensive.
Fiber cement cladding, which is an alternative to vinyl siding, can help you avoid these issues by offering high-performance benefits like fire resistance and impact strength. It’s available in a wide range of colors and textures and has a natural appearance that can be blended with a variety of other siding types to suit your home. Additionally, fiber cement is highly resistant to rot, mold and pests, making it a great choice for homeowners who want durable exteriors that require less maintenance.
Another durable option is stone veneer, which can provide a classic, rustic look to your home while offering superior weathering and protection. This type of siding is also naturally insulating, helping your home stay warmer in cold weather and cooler in hot weather.
Brick veneer siding is another option that’s long-lasting and provides a warm, cozy look that many homeowners enjoy. It’s a good fit for most climates, and it can be combined with other siding types to enhance your home’s aesthetics.
While steel siding offers the advantage of extreme durability, it may not be a suitable choice for your home due to its brittleness and proneness to corrosion. If you choose to install steel siding, it’s essential that you hire a professional contractor to ensure proper installation and long-term durability. In addition, it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s warranties and certifications, as this can indicate the quality of the product.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient siding is designed to insulate your home and keep it at a comfortable temperature year-round without requiring too much power from your HVAC system. This decrease in the amount of work your furnace and air conditioning systems have to put in reduces your energy consumption, which, in turn, leads to decreased power bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
The energy efficiency of different types of siding depends on their R-value, which measures how well they insulate. The higher the R-value, the more insulating the material is. Most building codes require that all of the materials in your walls—including drywall and insulation—have an R-value of 13. In terms of siding, insulated vinyl has an R-value of up to 4, making it one of the most energy efficient types of siding available.
Many homeowners choose to install energy-efficient siding as part of a larger home improvement project, such as a roof replacement or HVAC upgrade. However, it’s important to closely examine your own home and energy needs to determine if the upfront cost of high-R-value siding will be recouped in the long run through lower utility bills.
Siding can also add to the resale value of your home, as it indicates that your house has been updated and is in good condition. This can be particularly appealing to homebuyers who are interested in purchasing homes that have been maintained and are ready for a new owner.
Aside from its appearance, the cladding of a home plays an important role in protecting the structure and keeping it looking beautiful. It prevents rain, snow and other forms of precipitation from infiltrating the walls, which could lead to mold, rot and other structural issues. It also helps protect the underlying structure of your home by blocking wind and other weather from blowing debris onto it. As such, it is an essential component of any building and should not be overlooked when choosing a siding type. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, consider investing in the best quality of siding you can afford to make it as attractive and appealing as possible.
Cost
Re-siding your home can be a significant investment, but it’s an important project to undertake to boost curb appeal and protect your property from the elements. However, the cost to side your house varies according to the type of siding you choose and your home’s size, shape, and location.
Most homeowners choose vinyl, which costs from $3 to $12 per square foot to install. This durable, weatherproof material comes in a wide range of colors and can be easily customized to suit your personal style. It also resists mold and mildew, but it can fade over time. Another popular option is insulated vinyl, which is up to 50% more energy efficient than non-insulated versions. This option adds about $4,000 to your total bill, but it pays for itself in lower energy bills over time.
Other common siding materials include wood clapboard, which is available in both natural and painted varieties. It is a timeless look that can add beauty and value to your home, but it must be regularly resealed to prevent moisture damage. Other options, such as shingle siding and stucco, are more expensive but offer a variety of aesthetics and durability.
When calculating the cost to side your house, consider how much work will be involved in the installation process. The more complex the design of your home, the higher the cost will be. For example, a two-story home will cost 15% to 30% more than a simple box-shaped ranch. This is because a second level of the house requires more scaffolding for workers to reach, resulting in added labor costs.
Before hiring a contractor, it’s important to get quotes from several different companies to ensure you’re getting the best price for your project. When obtaining estimates, ask for details about the types of materials and styles you want to use, as well as the estimated timeline for completion. Additionally, find out if any additional services will be required, such as power washing or the removal of existing landscaping. Lastly, be sure to factor in the season, as most siding contractors charge a premium during late spring through mid-fall.