Your home’s siding doesn’t only serve as a protective barrier, it also plays a huge role in making your house exterior visually appealing. Whether you are building a new house or renovating your current residence, there are many siding options available on the market today. Your choice will be dependent on a number of factors, from your budget to the climate in your area.
For example, fiber cement siding has seen an increased demand because of the need to use materials that can withstand extreme changing climatic conditions. Whether you prioritize durability, maintenance, or environment-friendly materials, advancements in manufacturing of siding materials have led to a variety of products with plenty of choices, making it even easier for you to discover one that’s perfect for your home.
We’ve outlined four factors you need to consider when weighing your siding choices: budget, durability, maintenance, and design.
Budget
Your budget is an important factor when choosing which type of siding to use for your house. Have your budget in mind before you meet with potential siding contractors. A good contractor can provide you with a proposal that best fits your needs for your siding installation.
Factors Affecting Siding Budget
Project estimates can vary greatly depending on your choice in contractors, materials, and house size. Here are some things that may affect the cost of your siding project:
- Is it replacement siding, or new construction? Consider there may be additional costs for repairing or replacing sheathing under the siding.
- Can your old siding be repaired, or do you need to replace? Sometimes repairing is the best option, and a good contractor won’t push you to replace if it’s unnecessary.
- Does your old siding contain asbestos? You’ll need to hire contractors who can properly handle this dangerous material.
- Is your house oddly shaped? The more corners, eaves, and stories you have, the trickier it is to install the siding.
Warranty
Check for warranty offerings based on the siding you will go with. Some questions to ask:
- How long does the warranty last?
- What does it cover (materials only, or including re-installation)?
- Is it prorated over time (warranty decreases as time passes)?
- Will the company still be able to handle your warranty claim years down the road?
Do your homework before meeting with potential contractors, and remember, investing more money into the project up front can often save you repair or replacement costs down the road. Don’t be afraid to ask potential contractors to provide you with references from previous customers.
Durability
Is your chosen siding material strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear of temperature shifts, wind, sun, and other climate factors in your area?
Since your home’s exterior can be exposed to harsh weather conditions, consider what types of siding are best suited to houses in your area. Moisture in your siding can lead to rotting, mildew and other damage both internally and externally. If some areas are out of reach from sunlight, they are prone to mold and rot. Choose a house siding option that is resistant to rain, wind, temperature extremes, and sun.
R-Value
Check the R-value rating for energy efficiency. This will determine what level of insulation you’ll need beneath the cladding. The higher the R value of a siding material, the better the thermal insulation.
Maintenance
maintenance for house siding
Each siding material requires a different level of care and maintenance. Consider whether the siding you choose will need periodic repainting or sealing, or whether a simple yearly cleaning is enough to maintain it. Understanding how to care for your home’s exterior siding will help you maximize its longevity, and choosing a lower maintenance material can save you a lot of time and money over the years.
Design
home siding design options
Curb appeal is a big deal for homeowners, and first impressions can add thousands to the value of your home. Today’s siding technology offers you countless color and style options to consider when choosing materials for your home.
The architectural style of your house, its lines, angles, etc should match the type of siding you choose. Whether you prefer wood look, stone, or something else, your contractor can help you make the best design choice for your home, and manufactured materials such as HardieBoard (fiber cement board) mimic the look of wood and other more expensive siding choices—without the big hit to your wallet.
Go with a trusted siding contractor
Choosing siding for your home’s exterior is a big decision, but it doesn’t need to be a hard one. Take time to research your options and choose a reputable and experienced contractor to do your siding installation. Even if you choose the most durable siding material, poor installation will cause you problems with moisture and rot in the future.
We at Peninsula Siding Company are here to make the gorgeous home of your dreams a reality. We will thoroughly and accurately assess your specific needs, provide you with expert recommendations, and deliver a quality product that you will be proud of. Call us at (650) 287-4208 or fill out our form to arrange a quote today!