Add Value and Beauty with Siding
What is siding and why do we see it everywhere today? It’s a protective outer covering that is added to a house. Along with a sturdy roof and foundation, siding is one of the first layers of defense when it comes to protecting your home. Vinyl siding was first introduced to the market in the early 1960s as a replacement for aluminum siding. This new material was so cheap, beautiful, and versatile that the use of siding had more than doubled through the 1970s! Today, it’s the number one covering for single-family homes in the United States.
What Types Are There
There are seven different types of siding:
- Wood
- Vinyl siding
- Metal siding
- Stucco siding
- Brick
- Fiber cement
- Stone
While all these different types have their advantages and disadvantages, vinyl siding is one of the best options when it comes to the overall value versus cost. The PVC that it’s extruded from and gives it immense durability throughout all seasons also makes it a very affordable option. While beautiful, brick, fiber cement, and stone can be very expensive, making the upgrade not cost-effective. Stucco, another gorgeous option, might look out of place in the Northeast where the weather would quickly damage the fine plaster and the shifting soil and freezes we see in Virginia can cause cracking as settling occurs. Vinyl, however, can now be made in many different colors and even patterns, so you can get the look of a much more expensive exterior without the added cost of using “real” wood, stone, or brick.
Why Should I Replace It?
When it comes to your home’s structural integrity, longevity, and beauty, did you know that the exterior of the home can be just as much if not more important than the interior? Whether you are looking to eventually sell your home or just want to make updates to your forever home, siding is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to increase curb appeal without breaking the bank. The exterior of your home is the first thing that people see when they pull up to your place. It doesn’t matter what the inside holds if the outside is covered in stained, stripped, cracked, or fading siding. If you are trying to sell, people may not even approach a house to look at the inside if the outside hasn’t had regular maintenance. A severely damaged exterior can mean that a house may have bigger issues than someone wants to deal with at that time. If you are just trying to improve the value and curb appeal of your home, new siding will have the biggest overall impact on the value of your home. A project that usually runs anywhere from $10,000- $19,000 (prices vary with installation, material, and color) can reap as much as 89% of its costs back when it comes time to sell, so a $10,000 project can add as much as $8,900 to the asking price of your home! The other reason to replace siding is for cosmetic reasons. Trends in homes, just like everything, come and go, so a style that you thought was gorgeous when it was replaced in the 1990s will not have the same allure or buying power that new siding and styles may bring.
What Are the Benefits?
The benefits of new siding are considerable and is an at-home facelift that sees immediate results. Being able to see the transformation in the look of your home is astounding. Upgrades like these can increase our pride and satisfaction in ourselves and our homes. Plus, a well-kept home just looks more inviting. Then there is function. Siding isn’t just another pretty face. Vinyl siding is your home’s first line of defense. When properly installed, it can help with heating and cooling bills, from utilizing the sun to helping insulate the home. It can also help prevent rot, mold, and other forms of decay. When you don’t keep up on maintenance, or when you don’t replace pieces of siding that are failing, you expose the layer underneath the vinyl to the elements and different pests that can cause damage. When you go to replace the siding, a good contractor will also inspect your home before the new pieces go up and repair any damage before covering it again. If you are in the market to replace your siding and increase the value of your home, get a free estimate from Tri County today.
We have over 20 years of experience in home improvements. Our team of professionals is dedicated to ensuring that you are satisfied with the process of selection and installation. Tri County is known as the most valued and trusted name for home siding in northern Virginia.