You probably don’t give your siding a lot of thought. After all, unless it’s damaged, it probably appears to be doing its job. We also tend to get used to our surroundings over time, so may not be paying a lot of attention to it. But that’s a mistake.
Many homeowners don’t recognize that there are reasons to replace exterior siding, even if it appears to be in relatively decent condition. In this guide, we’ll go over the 7 benefits of replacing your exterior siding so you can start thinking about this project for your next renovation.
The Benefits of Replacing Exterior Siding
Below are some of the biggest benefits of replacing exterior siding on your home. Even if your siding is in relatively good, working condition, you might find the following reasons compelling enough to start your project sooner rather than later.
1. Improved Curb Appeal
Let’s start with the most obvious benefit of replacing your siding: a boost in your curb appeal. New siding can drastically change the look and feel of your home from the street. It can help the landscaping pop, create contrast, or help it stand out from the rest of the homes in the neighborhood.
You can also change the look and style of your home by integrating different types of siding. Using standard lap siding on the lower portion of the home with shingles on the gables and dormers offers a texture combination that can really grab the attention of the folks walking or driving by. You can also change the color of the trim, such as choosing contrasting colors or a monochrome look to make a real impression.
2. Increased Energy Efficiency
There is more to modern siding than just looks. Today’s siding can improve a home’s energy efficiency over its performance with old siding. For one, modern siding and installation methods help reduce air leaks and provide more insulation than previous siding versions. Also, modern siding can reduce thermal bridging, which is when heat or cold can transfer through solid barriers.
It’s also worth noting that certain siding materials are designed to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it and allow it to heat the home. Vinyl, fiber cement, and composite siding can be manufactured with reflective coatings and additives to help solar heat bounce off the home and reduce cooling costs.
3. Reduced Maintenance
Who doesn’t want to take back some of their free time? By replacing weathered wood siding with more modern materials such as vinyl, composite, or fiber cement, homeowners can forget about scraping, patching, and painting and spend more time relaxing. These modern materials are extremely low maintenance, requiring a simple cleaning rather than labor-intensive repairing, painting, or sealing.
And this isn’t just a short-term solution, either. Homeowners can enjoy decades of minimal maintenance with materials like fiber cement. Most experts agree that these boards can last between 50 and 60 years in normal conditions with just regular cleaning.
4. Increased Resale Value
Investing in new siding can be intimidating, as it’s not the least expensive project one could choose to boost their curb appeal. However, it has major returns and can significantly boost the value of the home.
Most experts agree that the return on investment for new siding is between 69% and 85%. The final amount will depend on the material chosen, with longer-lasting, more durable materials yielding a higher ROI. This means that a siding project of around $20,000 will increase the home’s value by $13,800 to $17,000.
It’s also worth noting that resale value isn’t the only factor. The new siding’s improved curb appeal and promise of low maintenance can reduce a home’s time on the market if that’s something that buyers are looking for.
5. Check-in on Structural Integrity
You can’t see what’s going on within your walls unless you crack them open, and siding replacement is a great time to check it out. By removing the old siding and installing a new system, homeowners will get a better look at areas where leaks or structural problems might exist. The repairs might involve removing and replacing sheathing and framing or resealing windows in order to restore the building envelope and structural integrity.
The sooner these issues are discovered, the better. Waiting for carpenter ant, termite, water, or other structure damage to show visible signs could lead to very expensive repairs. Finding them when replacing siding is a much more affordable plan.
6. Better Resistance to Elements
New siding will typically outperform older siding in extreme conditions. Composite and fiber cement are both extremely durable materials that can withstand high-speed impacts from wind-driven debris and other hazards. They’re also durable in extreme temperature changes, performing well in both low-temperature and high-temperature situations, preventing warping, buckling, or cracking.
However, much of what determines how resistant a home’s siding is to the elements is the installation. Existing siding systems might have already been installed on the home at the time of the purchase, meaning homeowners didn’t witness the installation and don’t know what’s going on below the surface. But, with a new installation performed by a professional crew, they’ll be able to rest assured that their new siding system is durable and ready for harsh conditions.
7. Give Your Home a More Luxurious Feel
One of the final benefits of replacing your home’s siding is the luxurious feel it will have. Replacing vinyl siding with fiber cement or composite siding will give it a completely different feel, especially when you’re outside, enjoying the backyard. Even replacing older vinyl with a newer vinyl system will help grain and texture stand out, renewing the look and giving homeowners something to enjoy while they relax on the back patio or deck.
Contact Pro Home Improvement for Your Siding Project Today
If it’s time to tackle your home siding replacement, Pro Home Improvement has you covered. Our company has been in business since 2006 and we value our Michigan customers. We have years of experience handling all exterior projects and we pride ourselves on innovative design, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional service. Contact Pro Home Improvement today to learn more about our services.