How To Choose Siding
Outside of remodeling your kitchen or
building an addition, installing siding on the exterior of
your home is the single most effective home renovation
project that you can under take. You can expect a return on
investment in the range of 85-88%, depending on the type of
siding material you choose. What should you look for when
choosing siding and how best to select the style and color
for your home? Let’s examine the many options available to
ensure the most successful installation possible.
Gauge the difference
One of the most common reasons for deciding to install
siding is to provide superior protection from the elements.
In areas where wind and rain can prematurely age a wood
paneled exterior, vinyl siding is an excellent way to extend
the life of your home and eliminate the need for painting.
Vinyl siding comes in a variety of gauges – an increased
panel depth equals a greater defense against weather related
forces. Finding a balance between price and gauge is an
important factor when choosing siding for your home.
Vinyl or Aluminum
If you live in a region frequented by severe weather,
especially hail storms, vinyl siding is your best choice, as
it is resistant to dings and dents. However, aluminum siding
is a popular alternative in a wide range of other climates
and is extremely economical. Benefits include its ability to
repel water and yet remain relatively rust resistant, as
well as its insulating qualities. Unlike vinyl siding,
aluminum siding obtains its color from a coat of paint at
the factory, so while it will remain relatively maintenance
free for years to come, eventually it will need to be
repainted.
There have been several recent technological advances in the
development of vinyl siding that have served to increase the
likelihood that vinyl is your best option. These
improvements have created vinyl siding with increased
insular properties and improved strength, although they come
at an elevated cost. If you can afford to go the high tech
route, than you will no doubt reap the long term reward of
lower energy costs and above average resale value.
Keeping Up Appearances
Siding was designed with the intent to mimic the look and
texture of wood. With this in mind, choose the siding that
most reflects the style of your home. There are numerous
profiles available to enhance its appearance and create a
visually appealing façade. Variations include a traditional
clapboard siding, the more decorative Dutch lap or an
intricate beaded profile. Further options are also available
and include the cedar-like “shakes” patterned siding and the
ornamental scalloped-edged design.
Of the many choices you expect to make when choosing siding,
what color siding you should select will probably be the
easiest decision you will have to make. While the color
palette offers a wide range of options, most are fairly
neutral and up until recently were rarely found in darker
shades. Again, technology has pushed the envelope, adding
rich red and vibrant yellow tones to the available color
spectrum.
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