Choosing siding for your home will not only affect the aesthetics of your home, but it can be an investment in the comfort and safety of your home. Making sure you consider all the relevant factors will help you decide which option is best for your home.
Aesthetics
The amount of flexibility you have to change the aesthetics may be decided by a homeowners association or even local guidelines. If you want more options in the color of your siding, you might find vinyl is the right choice. Generally, vinyl siding comes in a wide range of colors, so it's easy to match door and window frames or choose a color that stands out among the surrounding homes. Another option is wood siding. Since you can paint wood siding, you have just as many, if not more, color options than with vinyl. Another benefit of wood siding is it can be stained, which can allow you to achieve the look of more expensive wood, without the price.
Durability And Longevity
When choosing siding, another important factor is how durable the siding is and how well it works in your particular climate. Although vinyl siding is inexpensive relative to other siding options and can last for decades in ideal conditions, it is prone to damage. People living in more extreme climates may find it easy to have their siding damaged from hail or in windy conditions when benign items can become projectiles. In this instance, fiber cement siding might be a better option. Fiber cement has several qualities that make it ideal for extreme climates. It is water-resistant, which is important in any climate, but it can be especially important in extremely cold weather due to damage from freezing water. In climates with extremely hot conditions, fiber cement is less vulnerable to hail or projectiles in high winds. Additionally, if you live in areas that are extremely dry and prone to wildfires, fiber cement is fire-resistant.
Efficiency
The efficiency of your siding should also factor into your decision. Choosing an energy-efficient siding helps reduce heat transfer between the outside and inside of your home. This means your home will stay warmer when you're using heat and cooler with the AC. Overall, energy-efficient sidings can save you money in terms of utilities. The most energy-efficient options are insulated vinyl and some forms of metal siding, like aluminum and steel. Insulated vinyl is often the preferred option because of the combination of energy efficiency, aesthetics, and price. Both aluminum and steel siding has similar properties. Aluminum can be used in any climate, whereas steel is not appropriate for coastal homes due to corrosion.
With many siding options, it can be overwhelming to make a choice. In addition to changing what your home looks like, you need to consider the safety and efficiency of your home.
For more information, contact a local company, like HomeTeck Roofing & Remodeling.
