New siding acts as a layer of insulation that helps regulate indoor temperatures. It prevents cooled and heated air from escaping your home, which means you’ll use less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.
A high R-value is key when selecting siding for your home. The higher the R-value, the better the siding will insulate and help reduce your energy costs.
Improved Insulation
Besides improving curb appeal, new siding also helps fend off harsh weather elements that damage and sully homes. Its ability to help reduce noise inside the home, especially through the infamous Stack Effect, is also an added benefit.
The most popular house siding material today is vinyl, which boasts an R-value of 21 and a wide range of color options. It’s lightweight, low maintenance and affordable. But some homeowners are interested in natural stone, stucco, wood and fiber cement siding.
A few manufacturers offer insulated siding, which is designed to add an extra layer of protection. LP’s SmartSide oriented strand board (OSB) offers this, as does Alside Satinwood steel siding, which duplicates the look of natural wood in clapboard, Dutch lap and board-and-batten styles.
Fiber cement siding is a relatively new option that’s eco-friendly and durable. It comes in a wood grain-like finish and can be made to resemble shingles or stucco. It’s available in two insulating levels—HZ5 for northern climates and HZ10 for southern climates—as well as in a variety of shapes and profiles.
While rich wood siding has a classic appeal, it’s costly and time-consuming to maintain, as it must be periodically chalked and painted or stained to protect the wood from weather damage. But if you do the work, it can last 25+ years.
Reduced Moisture Damage
Moisture damage is one of the most serious problems homeowners face with their siding, resulting in costly repairs. While this isn’t always an easy issue to resolve, it’s important to take the time to inspect your siding and find out what’s causing moisture buildup or water damage.
Fortunately, there are some telltale signs you should watch out for:
Bubbling or bulging siding often indicates that the boards are warping underneath your paint. If this isn’t addressed immediately, it can lead to dry rot which eats away at the boards and even the structural foundation of your home.
If you see that your shingles or trim are lifting or peeling, this can also be a sign of moisture issues. Similarly, if you can push into your siding and feel that it’s soft or mushy, it could be due to moisture absorption.
Moisture can enter your walls through gaps in your siding, or through downspouts that aren’t properly positioned or have a lot of debris clogging them. Additionally, liquid moisture can also enter your walls through capillary suction if it’s trapped in soils or around the foundation of your house.
New siding is designed to keep moisture out of your home, reducing the risk of moisture and water damage that can lead to expensive and extensive repairs. However, it’s important to do your part by regularly clearing the snow from your property and redirecting gutter downspouts as needed.
Increased Home Value
The appearance and durability of your siding can have a big impact on the value of your home. If your old, worn-out siding looks shabby, it can actually reduce the overall value of your property. However, if you have bright new siding installed, it will instantly increase your home’s curb appeal and could attract more buyers.
Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose a siding material that suits your style and fits your budget. Wood siding is a popular choice for homeowners because it offers a natural look and helps to insulate the house, keeping cool air inside during summer and warm air outside during winter. Cedar siding is particularly energy efficient and is a good choice for homes in coastal areas.
Metal siding is also growing in popularity because of its durability and sustainability. It resists moisture damage and doesn’t require refinishing. If you opt for steel siding, you can also choose from a range of colors that will not fade over time.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, vinyl is an excellent choice. It is also available in a variety of color options and has the added benefit of being fire-resistant. Vinyl’s polyvinyl chloride composition makes it hard for a fire to start or continue burning. Additionally, it’s highly recyclable and is a safe choice for your family’s health.