Siding is a key component of protecting your home from the elements. Not only does it keep out rain and snow, but it also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your house, boosting curb appeal and increasing resale value.
Every home has unique considerations for the siding it needs. That said, certain aspects of quality siding will always serve similar purposes. Here are nine significant ways siding protects your home. We’ll also cover different types of siding to help you pick the right one for your home in preparation for the next time you need a siding replacement.
- Protects Against the Elements
The biggest benefit of siding is that it provides a protective layer against the elements. By protecting your home from rain, snow and wind-driven debris, you can avoid costly repairs due to water infiltration or damage caused by weather events.
- Increases Your Home’s Energy-Efficiency
High-quality siding helps keep your home’s interior comfortable year-round by providing a strong layer of insulation. By reflecting the sun’s rays and trapping warm air in the winter, you can save money on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Keeps Out Unwanted Pests
Siding also acts as a barrier against pests such as mice, squirrels and birds. Without siding, these animals can easily access your home through cracks or other openings – leading to health hazards like contaminated food or diseases caused by animal droppings. Quality siding options keep out pests while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of your own home.
- Keeps Out Water
High-quality siding also keeps water out of your home. Water infiltration can cause major damage to your home’s structure and lead to mold or mildew growth, which can be hazardous to your health.
- Supports Your Home’s Structural Integrity
Siding is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. It helps keep out moisture and humidity that can cause wood to rot or warp. It also provides extra support in areas such as windows and doors.
- Prevents the Growth of Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew growth can lead to serious health issues if not addressed quickly. Fortunately, siding helps prevent these problems by creating a barrier against moisture infiltration. This stops water from seeping into your house and prevents harmful spores and other contaminants from propagating within the walls of your home.
- Keeps Your Home’s Interior Comfortable
Similar to your roof, siding gives your home insulation, like a blanket over your house in the winter. By providing insulation, siding helps keep the inside of your home comfortable year-round. It reflects the sun’s rays away from your house during summer, keeping temperatures cool inside. In winter, it traps warm air to help keep you and your family cozy. Good siding allows you to enjoy a more consistent interior temperature throughout the year without spending extra energy bills.
- Boosts Your Curb Appeal and Resale Value
High-quality siding can boost your home’s curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell. Due to the wide variety of materials and customization options available for siding, there’s no end to how you can dress up your home while protecting it simultaneously. Not only does this increase your resale value, but it also makes it easier to find a buyer in the future – something that’s especially essential if you plan on living in your house for many years.
- Reduces the Need for Maintenance
Siding is a low-maintenance option that requires little upkeep over time. As long as the siding is installed properly, it should last many years without the need for repairs or replacements. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your house will remain protected from the elements without spending extra on regular maintenance.
Different Types of Siding
When choosing a siding option for your home, it’s important to consider the available materials. There are several types of siding that each have their benefits and drawbacks, such as:
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular options on the market due to its affordability and ease of installation. It boasts a high level of durability as well, which means that it is a great choice for any home, especially those with a modest budget.
Steel Siding
One of the most popular siding options is steel siding, which is well known for its durability and fire resistance. It’s also more resistant to impact than other materials, making it a great choice for homes in areas prone to extreme weather events.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is a lightweight and low-maintenance option ideal for homes in coastal areas due to its corrosion resistance. It’s also easy to install and maintain, making it a great choice for those looking for an affordable solution.
Wood Siding
An elegant, timeless aesthetic can be added to any home with wood siding, as it adds a touch of class. It’s also highly durable and easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for an elegant yet functional solution.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Siding?
You can look out for a few symptoms to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your siding. If the siding is cracked or warped, it may be time to replace it. Additionally, if your energy bills are rising despite making no changes in usage habits, that could indicate that your existing siding needs to provide more insulation.
It is also possible for mold or mildew growth to indicate water infiltration caused by poor-quality siding materials. Lastly, if the siding has faded or discolored over time, it could be time for a replacement.
It is important that the siding on your home not only looks good, but is also durable. With Last Exterior Solutions, LLC in Rockford, IL, you can find high-quality and durable siding options that protect your home from the elements while still looking beautiful year-round.
We also handle other exterior projects, including gutters, gutter protection through guards and covers, roofing, doors, windows and more. Contact us at (815) 964-2220 for more information on our products and services.