The exterior of your home is the first thing people see. It’s also the part of your house exposed to the weather elements. Hence, it’s essential to look good while protecting from water and weather damage. That’s why siding makes an important part of your home.
Siding is an often overlooked aspect that can substantially impact the value and strength of your house. Luckily, people are now understanding its importance. In fact, DataM Intelligence states that the siding market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2022 and 2029.
In this article, we’ll explore the various benefits of quality siding and why it’s a wise investment for homeowners.
Understanding Quality Siding
Siding is a protective layer for your home. It can be made of many materials, including metal, wood, vinyl, and fiber cement. Siding comes in many colors and textures to match your style and preferences.
Here are key factors to consider when understanding quality siding:
- Material: Vinyl, wood, fiber cement, stucco, stone veneer, and metal are some of the siding materials available.
- Durability: Consider the climate and weather conditions in your area. Quality siding should withstand the elements, including wind, rain, snow, and sunlight, without warping, cracking, or fading.
- Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the performance of siding. Hiring experienced professionals to ensure correct installation is advisable, especially for materials like fiber cement or wood that may require specific techniques.
Financial Benefits of Quality Siding
Quality siding can offer numerous benefits, some of which include the following:
- Energy efficiency: Quality siding can help you save on your energy bills. By reducing heat transfer and air infiltration, quality siding will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This can be extremely beneficial in cities with a higher electricity bill average.
For instance, the average electricity bill for a home in Texas is $213 a month. This is more than the national average of around $137. Houses in cities like Austin, Texas, can leverage siding for energy efficiency. Siding in Austin homes can save residents a few dollars on monthly electricity expenses.
- Durability: When it comes to durability, there’s no comparison between high-quality vinyl siding and lower-grade materials. High-quality vinyl siding has a proven lifespan of over 50 years, five times longer than its competitors.
- Reduced maintenance costs: Because their material is more durable, quality sidings require less frequent replacement due to weather damage or insect infestation. This means fewer trips out into the elements for repairs or replacements and more time relaxing at home instead.
Enhancing Curb Appeal
Siding can help you create a home that looks more attractive and modern. This is especially true if you choose to use a siding material that complements the overall design of your home. If you want to give your house an updated look, consider replacing your old siding with new vinyl or fiber cement products.
If you’re looking for ways to express your personality through design, consider investing in some rustic wood shingles or shakes. These materials will add character and charm while also adding value. If this isn’t quite right for you, there are plenty of other options, too. Remember, not all sidings are created equal, so research before making any decisions.
Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home
Siding is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. It’s not just about aesthetics. The right siding can help keep your house cool during summer and warm during winter, protecting it from damage from extreme temperatures.
There are many materials to consider when choosing new siding for your home: wood, vinyl, or fiber cement. If you want something more sustainable than wood but want a natural look, consider a fiber cement board (FCC). This material is made from recycled paper fibers blended with Portland cement and compressed into boards.
FCC boards are available in many colors, textures, and finishes, so they’ll match any style of architecture. They also resist cracking better than traditional wooden boards do over time due to their added strength and durability.
Installation Process and Maintenance Tips
When you choose a contractor, make sure they are licensed and insured. This information is found on their business card or their websites. According to Americraft, such licensed professionals are dedicated to offering you the best services. They will have the right tools and resources for a smooth installation process. They can also help you with some maintenance tips.
See if your contractor has experience installing the type of siding you want in your area. Most contractors specialize in one type of siding or another. Hence, asking questions about their experience with this product type is important before deciding.
Another good way to check out a potential contractor is by asking for references from other customers who have hired them recently. If possible, visit some sites where previous clients have had work done by the same company.
The location of the contractor also matters. Local contractors will likely be familiar with your area’s building codes and regulations. This can help ensure that your siding project complies with all the requirements.
Let’s consider the same example of Austin, Texas. According to austintexas.gov, a building permit is not required for siding smaller than 128 square feet and is not meant for fire resistance. In that case, a local siding contractor in Austin will know such regulations, so you won’t face any problems.
Siding’s Impact on Sustainability
The quality of siding can have a significant impact on the sustainability of a building. Sustainability in construction involves considering the environmental, social, and economic aspects of materials and practices. Here’s how the quality of siding can influence sustainability:
Here are some ideas for making your house more sustainable:
- Material selection: High-quality siding materials are often more durable and have a longer lifespan. This means they must be replaced less frequently, reducing the overall environmental impact of manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of siding materials.
- Energy efficiency: Quality siding can contribute to the energy efficiency of a building by providing better insulation. This can reduce the need for heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Attempts for energy efficiency and reducing costs are visible in cities with high electricity bills. For example, Austin is ranked 13th in total installed solar capacities. Siding quality can give a boost to such attempts.
- Maintenance and longevity: High-quality siding may require less maintenance, reducing the need for frequent painting, repairs, or replacements. This can lead to lower resource consumption over the life of the building.
Conclusion
Siding is a great way to increase the value of your home and make it more energy efficient. It can also improve the look of any building, whether old or new. If you’re considering replacing your siding, choosing quality materials that will last for years while helping protect our environment simultaneously is vital.
