When it comes to your home exterior, your siding is one of the most important aspects of it. Good siding matters beyond aesthetics, as it also helps protect your home from the elements, keeps your home temperature regulated, enhances curb appeal, and more. Clearly, it's crucial that when that part of your home gets worn out over time, you shouldn't ignore the issue. Here are some things to consider for your siding replacement.

1. Current Condition

Take a good hard look at your exterior siding. Does it appear to be faded or cracked? Do you live in an area where you've had a lot of storms that may have caused a lot of damage to that part of your home? If you're siding is looking worse for wear, it may be time to replace it sooner than you may have expected. Failure to replace it promptly when it's damaged can cause major issues inside your home. Remember, your siding protects your home from the elements, so when there's vulnerability such as cracks, holes, and other issues, your interior may become susceptible to water damage, mold, and pest infestations.

2. Preferred Material

The great thing about siding is the variety of materials available. Have you always dreamed of living in a cozy home like the ones you may see on the East Coast? James Hardie cement board might be right for you. Do you love the appearance of cedar shakes or the reliability of vinyl? Whatever material you choose comes with some pros and cons that you should consider. Your local climate and the property you live on can mean one type may be better for you than another. For example, most siding can protect your home from winds up to 110 mph, according to The Spruce. If the wind does strip it away, your vinyl siding is much easier to reinstall compared to others. So, with these considerations in mind, regardless of how much you may prefer one material, don't forget to compare the benefits and the downside of installing it.

3. Color and Style

Do you prefer a particular color outside your home? When it comes to siding, this is something you should consider as well. Some siding is easier to stylize than others. When you choose vinyl siding, it's very easy to paint in any color or paint finish that you like. You should also think about how your siding will match with other features of your home, such as your doors, windows, roofing, awnings, and landscaping features. You may choose to match everything or have a siding that has a more direct dramatic effect by way of contrast. So, if you pride yourself on having a green home that uses only natural materials, brown cedar siding is an ideal option.

4. Installation

Bear in mind that a siding replacement is a major project to take on. It’s a professional project that should only be completed by a team of experts. Do your due diligence and find a contractor that has plenty of experience not only with installing siding but also with installing the type of siding that you desire. Some might require specialized techniques, so you want to ensure that the person you bring on has proved that they've handled that before. Be sure to get a quote or estimate for the work you need done so you can know what to expect. Don't forget to ask about certification, insurance, and warranty. In the case of a warranty or guarantee, if they install a siding that doesn't live up to your expectations, they can come back to do repairs without an additional fee or at least give you your money back within a certain period.

5. Energy-Efficiency

Good siding does more than protect your home from the outside elements. It also helps to keep your interior comfortable by preventing air leaks. It prevents air leaks due to the insulation that it provides. By preventing these leaks, you'll save money since you won't have to put your HVAC unit on full blast to keep your home cool in summer or hot in winter. Your home is much more likely to be at a comfortable temperature. A good siding replacement can protect your home from vulnerabilities. Siding such as cement and vinyl have higher ratings when keeping your home properly insulated from cold or heat. So, as we live in a part of the country with varying weather, the siding you choose can play a big role in just how comfortable your home can remain during intense winters or hot summer months.

6. Maintenance

Like any other home feature, you can expect to need to maintain your siding. Failure to do so can result in cracks and other damages that can cause further problems in your home mentioned earlier. Since all siding isn't the same, they also have different maintenance requirements based on the material. Some siding is more likely to peel, crack, fade, or rot than others. For example, while cedar is beautiful and provides a natural element to your home, expect to protect it more than other siding materials since it’s more likely to rot, especially if you live in a humid environment or somewhere that sees a lot of rainfall. When it comes to vinyl, you can expect to maintain it by staining or painting it. Certain siding is also resistant to harsh weather and UV rays. In other words, think about a combination of what you want but how well it will hold up in the area you live in. Whether you're dealing with harsh UV rays, hail impacts, or constant rain, all of these things can affect the lifespan of your exterior and how much work you'll need to put into it after the initial installation.

7. Environmental Safety

Are you concerned about your carbon footprint on the environment? When it comes to your home renovation projects, such as a siding replacement, the type of materials you use can affect that. So, if you want to live in a home that's as green as possible, avoid materials that contain harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs. You'll find that our company offers renewable materials like cedar.

8. Rate of Return

Like any other home update, think about the rate of return possible. If your siding has become worn down and is at the end of its life cycle, a siding replacement can help increase the resale value of your home. It's a big part of your curb appeal and is one of the first things people see when they approach your property. A new siding will create better exterior aesthetics and will be more efficient and functional. That’ll be a big selling point if you want to put your home on the market anytime soon. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, using cement siding can recoup 77.6% of the installation cost, while replacing wood siding with vinyl siding can recoup 74.7% of the fee.

As you can see, your siding is a major part of your home. While it's a part of the outside appearance, it also plays a much bigger role. So, if it’s time for a siding replacement, call The Dillman Brothers for a consultation today!