Siding makes a significant part of your home’s exterior. It can either make or break the look of your house. To ensure you stay protected no matter the weather, you must choose the right material. A good siding choice will not only keep your home safe and beautiful but will also boost its energy efficiency.
Here are things to consider when choosing a material.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Siding
Energy Efficiency
Your siding plays a major role in preventing energy loss, especially during the colder months. With the right home exterior material, you can save on your utility bills. Heating and cooling equipment is responsible for at least half of your monthly energy costs. If your siding is not efficient enough, your HVAC system will work harder than it should to reach your desired temperature, which results in higher energy consumption. Replacing your siding can help seal your home better, which eliminates drafts. Look for siding that features excellent thermal performance or high R-value.
Durability
Among the main purposes of your siding is to protect your home against the elements. Your siding should be strong enough to withstand high winds, heavy rains, and extensive exposure to the sun while also being impervious to fire and pests.
Ease of Installation
Siding installation is not as easy as you think. A good installer can install the new material quickly, resulting in a less disruptive project. They know how to install your new siding in a fast but efficient manner. The faster it takes your project to complete, the more you’re going to save, and the less noise and mess you are going to deal with.
Upkeep
How well you take care of your siding plays a major role in its lifespan. As much as possible, go for high-quality material that doesn’t require maintenance. Some materials like wood need more care than others. While wood is appealing and gives your home a more inviting look, it requires the most maintenance. It needs regular refinishing to stay in good shape and maintain its appearance.
Aluminum is another popular material but it would need repainting once the enamel coating has faded. It’s also more prone to scratches, pitting, and denting. Today, there are various options that have the look of real wood but don’t require as much maintenance. At Peninsula Siding Company, Inc., we install James Hardie® fiber cement siding. It’s made from a non-flammable composite of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. These materials are pressed together to create shingles or planks. It doesn’t only possess the appeal of wood but it’s also highly resistant to termites and other insects.
Appeal
With a beautiful home exterior, you can make a good first impression on your friends, guests, and even potential buyers. Your siding can bring out the beauty of your home. It’s one of the first things people see as they approach your property. This part of your exterior can also say a lot about your personality, personal preferences, and priorities as a homeowner.
When the need for upgrading your home’s appearance arises, the first thing you think about is repainting your siding. While painting will almost instantly change the look of your exterior, it will not fix deeper or underlying issues related to the siding’s performance. Moreover, a siding replacement will both address aesthetic and performance problems. Today’s siding installation companies offer a wide range of products that are both appealing and highly efficient.
Return on Investment
Siding replacement involves significant costs and homebuyers are aware of that. You’re more likely to attract prospective buyers with a new siding. Fewer people would want to purchase a house that needs a lot of repairs or work. This project is definitely something that you should consider if you’re thinking about selling your property in the future.
Keep in mind that this project is a major investment that will give your home’s value a boost. According to experts, homeowners usually recoup over half of the money spent on the project. It’s among the exterior renovations that offer the greatest returns on investment.
Tips on Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home
Get Inspired
A beautiful siding will increase your home’s curb appeal, making it more important to choose the right one. However, this could be a challenge with all the options available today. You shouldn’t only pick the best material but also the perfect color and design for your home.
You can visit home improvement websites like Houzz and Pinterest for inspiration and ideas. Another option is to drive around your neighborhood, which can also help you make sure your new siding doesn’t stick out from the rest of the houses in your area.
Consider Your Climate
When looking for new siding, you must consider your climate. Take note of materials that are suitable for the weather and temperatures in your area. Do you live in a place where it rains or snows a lot? Does your home receive constant sun exposure? Make sure that your new siding is ideal for your location, so you stay comfortable and protected all-year-round.
Hire a Reputable Contractor
A good siding contractor can help you choose the best materials for your home. Choose a contractor who has a valid license and insurance. You can ask friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues for any installers they can recommend. The internet is also a powerful tool when it comes to finding skilled professionals.
However, make sure to read reviews or customer feedback. Request for references and portfolios to get more idea about the quality of their workmanship. Obtain at least three quotes before hiring a contractor. Compare the estimates not based on the prices but the quality of work and materials to be used.
At Peninsula Siding Company, Inc., we only work with the leading manufacturers in the industry like James Hardie, to provide you the best services. We have been constructing and remodeling homes for three decades. Call us at (650) 529-6798 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.