Whether you just purchased a newly constructed home or have lived in your current house for years, there will come a day when you're admiring the outside of your home only to discover that your siding has seen better days.
Properly installed siding should last for quite a while, but storms, pest damage, and general neglect can wreak havoc over time. If your siding is looking visibly old, has moisture or pest damage, or if accidents have led to numerous replaced panels over the years, it might be time to re-side your home.
Here are 5 things every homeowner should keep in mind when preparing to have their siding replaced.
Naturally, you will want to re-side your home with a material that is durable in order to get the most life out of the new siding as possible. All siding is designed to be your home's first defense against the elements, but depending on the climate and the material you select, some materials might perform longer. The most durable siding choices include modified hardwood, steel or aluminum, and fiber cement siding. All of these materials, particularly fiber cement and metal, are incredibly strong and will hold up longer than most other types of siding.
Where you live often dictates the best kind of siding material for your home. Do a quick Google search for a phrase such as “best siding material for homes in [your area]” to better determine your ideal siding material.
Color choice is a surprisingly important factor to think about prior to re-siding. Your choice of color will have an effect on curb appeal as well as potential energy savings.
Consider which colors are favored in your neighborhood and whether there are any homeowner's association restrictions on colors. While you want your home to stand out from the others, a drastically different color scheme (typically very bright colors) may be a downside if you ever need to sell.
If you live in a hot climate, stick with lighter colors. Lighter colors will keep the home cooler since it reflects light and heat, which equals lowered energy bills in the long run. Some siding options even include paint with solar-reflective pigments that help keep your home cool.
Also, a siding material such as wood requires repainting your siding every few years to keep the color looking fresh.
When choosing siding be sure to consider the amount of maintenance needed and what you’re willing to take on. Neglect due to lack of care is the most common reason for siding problems, so the more low-maintenance the material is, the better.
High-maintenance siding, such as wood, certainly looks beautiful but be prepared for careful annual cleanings as well as periodic re-staining and sealing, which might require the help of a professional. If you enjoy the look of wood and caring for your home yourself, an equally stunning yet lower maintenance choice would be modified wood or steel siding that’s made to look like wood.
Lower maintenance siding adds more value to your home than a higher maintenance one as well.
If you're considering selling your home soon, you probably asked yourself, "Is re-siding my house worth it?"
The ROI for re-siding your home is substantial, and even higher than other remodeling projects like a deck addition or bathroom remodel. In fact, the 2017 Cost Vs. Value report by Remodeling Magazine found siding replacement to have a 76.4% ROI, higher than replacing your roof (68.8%) or adding a family room to the home (69.3%). If your home needs re-siding it is worth it to invest in siding replacement, even if you plan on selling soon.
As a side note, if you’re in a neighborhood where other homes have been remodeled and updated, re-siding will help increase curb appeal. This is especially true in neighborhoods where new homes are being constructed as potential homebuyers are more apt to purchase a home that fits in with the rest of the neighborhood visually.
Over the past few years the green movement has gradually changed the way home remodeling and construction as a whole is approached. Keep the environmental impact of the materials you choose in mind, as well as how the material may affect energy expenditure of the home.
When it comes to siding, you should opt for materials that have a low carbon footprint and may be recycled after it reaches its life expectancy. Choosing materials that are sustainably-sourced and materials that have low VOC off-gassing is also important. Steel or aluminum siding meets many of the requirements but there are other options such as modified wood (as a soft- or hardwood alternative) that fit the bill.
Re-siding your home isn't a project to be taken lightly, as it can be costly and has a significant effect on home value, but is a worthwhile venture when approached with careful consideration. Rather than simply re-siding your home with the same material and calling it a day, carefully consider the above 5 factors to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.