Not only do you want your house to look great, you also want to keep the cost of living in it to a minimum. With heating bills on the rise and cooling bills no better, the exterior finishes on your home become more and more important. Are your windows and doors as energy efficient as they could be? How about the roofing? Another exterior home improvement that has a major effect on the appearance and efficiency of your home is the siding. The type, style and color chosen can all have a significant impact on your home.
Replacing the Original or Existing Siding
When your old siding becomes worn and chips, cracks and other gaps appear it is past time for a replacement. Air can pass easily through these holes in your exterior finish, reducing the efficiency of your heating and cooling units. Although siding does not produce an airtight fit, when the wind and condensation can pass through into the walls you are bound to feel the effects.
Not only will this siding deterioration make your house less comfortable, it can also result in a build up of moisture that can lead to mold and mildew growth. Air quality will suffer and when that moisture is left to sit, repair costs can escalate well beyond the cost of siding replacement.
Which Type of Siding Is Best?
Besides choosing the siding that will best compliment your home's style, you also need to consider the maintenance levels and cost. Vinyl siding comes in many different colors, is virtually maintenance free and creates an effective barrier against heat loss. This style of replacement siding is also affordable, making it an incredibly popular choice with homeowners looking to replace or upgrade.
Wood siding is another possibility that provides an excellent finish on your home's exterior. Since wood has a slightly better insulation value than plastic it will provide a more comfortable atmosphere in your home. But wood siding will need to be maintained - including being cleaned and stained regularly. On the affordability scale, vinyl is often cheaper but wood is still reasonably priced and comes in a wide variety of profiles.
Fiber cement siding is another choice, although cost wise it falls between wood and vinyl siding. It does require some maintenance, although fiber cement is much more durable than wood. Be warned that this type of siding is heavy and difficult to handle as a DIY product. But with a professional installer hired to handle the job for you, fiber cement siding may be a good option.
Installation Concerns
Always be sure that the proper elements are installed underneath your siding as well, providing insulation and protection against colder temperatures and nasty weather. This includes speed board or plywood, as well as insulation (if required) and vapor barrier. Think of your siding as the coat on your home - it needs to look good, as well as keep the house protected and warm. But you also need to dress well underneath to be comfortable and presentable. All of the materials necessary should be installed with your siding, whether in a replacement job or as a new install.
The siding that you choose will effect the overall look of your home, to be sure. But it will also have an impact on the level of energy efficiency in your home. Be sure to have old, worn siding replaced before costly repairs and heating/cooling bills result. Choose between vinyl, wood or fiber cement siding to find the ideal option for your home and include all of the necessary materials underneath. That way your home will be well protected and beautiful from the outside in.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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