Re-siding a home is a big investment. The right choice could add lasting beauty and value to the property.

The three main siding types in America are wood, vinyl and fiber cement. This article takes a look at the costs, pros and cons of these options. Contact Alpha Elite Contracting LLC now!

It’s important to maintain proper clearance between the siding and trim. This allows the material to expand and contract as it weathers.

Curb Appeal

The phrase “curb appeal” is thrown around a lot in the real estate and home improvement industries. It may sound like meaningless jargon that gets tossed around on home design or real estate shows, but it actually has a significant impact on the value of a house.

Curb appeal is the instantaneous impression a person gets when they view your home from the street. It can be influenced by the condition of your landscaping, the color of your siding, and your front door. It also includes the state of your sidewalks, walkways, and driveway. A positive curb appeal will encourage people to explore the property further, while a negative one can deter them from even setting foot inside the home.

Boosting your curb appeal doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of DIY projects that can make a big difference in the way your home looks. For example, painting the shutters on your home a fresh coat of paint is a cheap and easy way to update its look. You can also spruce up your entrance by building a trellis and training a vine to it. This will give your exterior a beautiful accent that will last for years to come.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, upgrading your curb appeal is a smart move. It can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price. Potential buyers will take into consideration how your home looks from the outside and compare it to others in your neighborhood. If you have a poorly maintained exterior, they may decide to look elsewhere.

Siding is a material used to cover the exterior of homes, commercial buildings, barns, and sheds. It’s available in a wide variety of colors and styles, making it an easy way to improve the curb appeal of your home or business. When properly installed, it can also protect the structure from harsh weather conditions and lock in heat or cool air. Many homeowners choose to install a style that complements the architecture of their home, whether it’s clapboards or shingles. It’s also possible to purchase vinyl that’s made to resemble brick, stone, or shakes for an attractive and affordable option.

Energy Efficiency

Upgrading your home with energy-efficient siding is a smart way to save money and boost its value. These durable, low-maintenance materials are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and can prevent moisture damage that might otherwise reduce your home’s durability and increase its repair costs. Additionally, insulated vinyl and wood siding can help maintain a more stable indoor temperature. This minimizes the need for heating and cooling systems, resulting in significant savings on your energy bills.

Traditional siding allows heat to escape during the winter and cool air to enter during the summer, resulting in substantial energy loss. Upgrading your siding with a material that offers insulation can significantly reduce these losses, leading to noticeable decreases in your energy bills.

Insulated siding can be installed over existing walls and, depending on the thickness, can reduce heat loss by up to 19%. It also helps prevent the infiltration of unwanted air from the outside and seals out humidity, increasing your home’s comfort and reducing moisture-related problems such as mold, mildew, and termite infestations.

Energy-efficient siding can be made from a wide variety of materials including wood, fiber cement, and aluminum. However, steel siding has gained popularity among homeowners due to its long-lasting strength and resistance to dents. It also provides a more modern look and doesn’t attract termites, eliminating the need for pest control. Additionally, metal siding can reflect sunlight, preventing your carpets and furniture from fading.

Many homeowners report a significant decrease in their energy costs after installing insulated siding. While these upgrades may cost more upfront than uninsulated siding, the long-term savings can pay for them in no time and help you enjoy a sustainable, eco-friendly living environment. Energy efficient siding can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers, boosting its value should you decide to sell it in the future. In addition, your energy efficiency efforts can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner planet. Investing in an environmentally friendly home not only improves the health of your family, but it can also help you find financial assistance and tax benefits.

Durability

Unlike some other home exterior improvement projects, siding has the potential to stay in place for decades. This makes durability a critical factor in choosing the right material for your project. It’s not just about preventing damage from extreme weather or the elements; it’s also about preserving the look and value of your property over time.

Modern siding materials are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including wind, sun exposure and moisture infiltration. This durability protects the structure of your house, preventing the build-up of mold and mildew and extending its lifespan.

Traditional wood siding is an attractive option that adds natural character to a house, though its lifespan can be limited by severe weather or other factors like fungal decay and insects. It also requires regular treatment with stain and paint to retain its appearance. For homeowners who want the aesthetic of natural wood without the maintenance demands, fiber cement and engineered wood siding offer an attractive alternative.

Both of these products come in a variety of styles and colors to complement any architectural style, but their real draw is in their superior durability. Fiber cement and engineered wood products withstand impacts, fading and other common weathering concerns for years to come, saving homeowners from the cost and hassle of replacement or repairs.

Some manufacturers produce siding products with built-in insulation that improves energy efficiency for a lower cost and reduced carbon footprint. These products include foam backing that provides rigidity and a more refined appearance than uninsulated siding. The extra thickness also helps reduce noise and insulates the walls below it, promoting healthy indoor air quality.

In addition to the insulating properties of these products, many manufacturers offer a range of warranties that signal the confidence they have in their products. For example, James Hardie siding offers a 30-year non-prorated warranty that’s transferable in the event of a sale.

A specialized tool called a snaplock punch creates indentations on the edges of a fastener flange, allowing it to securely attach to a corresponding groove on the wall. These indentations help keep water away from the vulnerable areas of joints and seams, preventing moisture infiltration that can lead to mold and mildew growth and structural damage.

Maintenance

Siding is a functional material that adds to the beauty of a home. It creates a tight barrier on the exterior of homes that keeps rain, harsh winds and snow from seeping in and damaging sheathing and framing materials. It also helps prevent dirt, insect infestations and other environmental issues from infiltrating the home.

Modern siding is designed for longevity and minimal maintenance, with the exception of periodic cleaning. Many modern cladding products require little to no painting or staining and can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water from a garden hose. Vinyl is a popular choice as it requires less upkeep than shingle or cedar shake siding and eliminates the need for paints that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Masonry or stone veneers are the most durable of all types of siding, but can be cost-prohibitive when compared to other options. However, they won’t crack or warp, resist insects and are fire-resistant.

When it comes to adding value to your home, remodeling experts suggest that upgrading or replacing your exterior siding is one of the best investments you can make. New siding can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal, which will lead to increased market value.

Before you begin your new siding project, it’s important to understand some of the common terms used in this industry so that you can speak the same language as your contractor. This will help ensure that your project runs as smoothly as possible and that you’re happy with the finished product.

Fascia

The fascia is a board or panel that runs horizontally along the edge of a roofline and provides a smooth surface for caulking, painting and other finishing touches. It also protects sheathing and framing from moisture, which can lead to wood rot and other serious structural problems.

Sheathing

A layer of plywood, oriented strand board or foam boards that is installed over the exterior framing of a home before siding is applied. Sheathing provides strength and rigidity, as well as a flat surface for mounting the siding panels.