The Secret of Choosing the Perfect Siding for Your Home
The siding you choose to put on your home is a vital part of its appearance and protection against the elements. Knowing how important this decision is can make it difficult to choose.
Here are some tips for choosing the perfect siding for your home.
Check the Siding’s Water Resistance
The first thing to consider while you are looking at different types of siding is how water resistant it is. If it is not very resistant, it will decay at a faster rate, which will force you to replace the siding sooner than you’d prefer. The durability of different siding materials can vary greatly, even with factors other than water. Some siding can be on for decades and only need to be maintained every six to seven years. Resistance to nature, rot, and insects is an important detail to keep in mind.
Know its Energy Efficiency Rating
Another important factor for home siding is energy efficiency. Each material comes with an R-value. The higher the R-value is, the better thermal insulation your house will have. If you’re not sure which is best for your home and location, talk with one of our team.
Create a Budget
Before you begin going through choices for siding, create a solid budget. As with many other home improvement projects, siding is an investment. Choosing a good brand is likely cheaper than resigning after choosing one that’s cheap.
Decide on the Best Siding Material
You have options for siding material depending on budget and aesthetic.
- Vinyl siding. The most common material and the most inexpensive for siding is vinyl. It is used by around 30% of siding projects because of its low cost and durability. It is also easy to clean and has a warranty of 30-40 years, but it’s not the best choice if you’re concerned about extreme weather.
- Wood siding. Wood is the most eco-friendly with a natural look, but tends to be more expensive. It is also easily replaceable and easier to install, reducing the overall cost. Regular maintenance and painting is required with wood, however, and insects or water can damage it.
- Fiber cement siding. (James Hardie) This type is top of the line and becoming more dominant in the industry. While it is more expensive than vinyl the benefits out way the price difference.
For more information about siding options and what is best for your house, contact Tri County Windows and Siding.