Montana Siding is a critical part of your home’s exterior. It’s also a big investment, so it’s important to choose a siding that fits your style and budget.
Natural wood siding offers the most authentic look, but it requires more maintenance. Other siding materials were developed as replacements for natural wood, so they’re a more durable and economical choice.
The exterior of your home makes the first impression that visitors and potential buyers have, and curb appeal is a powerful indicator of how well you’ve cared for and maintained your property. The right landscaping, doors and windows, and siding all play a role in creating an inviting first impression that boosts your home’s value.
Siding offers many opportunities to add to the curb appeal of your property, including color and texture. Lighter colors can create a more modern appearance, while darker colors offer a classic, sophisticated look. Fiber cement and vinyl siding also come in a variety of textures that mimic the look of natural materials, adding depth to your home’s aesthetic.
When choosing the color for your siding, consider the architectural style of your home and your surrounding neighborhood. Avoid going with a design that strays too far from the style of your home, as this can cause an unwelcoming contrast that will turn off potential buyers.
If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, a fresh coat of paint or a new siding installation can help it stand out in the housing market and attract more buyers. A clean, updated exterior also reassures buyers that the house has been well-maintained and cared for by its current owners.
Replacing your front door, windows and porch furniture will further improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more welcoming to guests. In fact, replacing these features can increase your home’s value by up to $20 – $30k.
While some homeowners choose to remodel their homes for both financial and efficiency reasons, others do so because they enjoy the pride and sense of community that comes with a beautifully-kept home. While it’s important to prioritize household repairs and upgrades based on their impact on your quality of life, the decision to replace your home’s exterior is an excellent one that can pay off handsomely when it comes time to sell.
Durability
When it comes to choosing siding for your home, durability is an important consideration. The type of material you select and how it’s installed will have a significant impact on its lifespan and how much maintenance it requires.
Traditional wood siding, for example, offers a warm aesthetic and timeless appeal but requires regular upkeep to avoid damage from rot, insects and termites. Fiber cement siding, on the other hand, is more resilient and can withstand harsh climates such as hail. It can also mimic the appearance of brick or stone, which can add to a home’s value.
Another option is insulated vinyl, which has insulation built into the ridges of the panels. This can help reduce your energy costs and make homes more comfortable. However, like other types of vinyl, it may not be as durable as natural materials. It’s also susceptible to damage from hail, baseballs and other objects that fly through the air.
Many manufacturers offer siding that’s treated to resist damage from termites, rot and water. For instance, LP SmartSide trim and siding uses the SmartGuard process during manufacturing to improve core strength and resist moisture and termites. LP SmartSide products are also backed by a 50-year warranty, so you can rest assured your investment is secure.
Siding color and texture also play a critical role in curb appeal. For instance, dark colors can give a house a stately presence, while lighter hues can create an open, welcoming feel. Textured options, such as those that replicate the look of real cedar or stone, add depth and interest to a facade. Windlickers Roofing & Exteriors recommends coordinating the color of your siding with the architectural style and landscaping of the surrounding area to ensure it’s harmonious.
Familiarizing yourself with common siding terminology can also help you communicate with your contractor or builder more effectively. Learn the difference between a fascia and a frieze, for instance, so you can discuss your home’s needs with confidence. If you’re ready to add a boost of curb appeal, contact the professionals at Windlickers Roofing & Exteriors today!
Energy Efficiency
Siding is a powerful tool for enhancing curb appeal, reflecting personal style and increasing home value. When choosing siding, it’s important to consider how it will fit in with the existing design of a house. Siding can also provide a boost in energy efficiency, making it a wise investment for homeowners and builders alike.
While some types of siding are more expensive upfront, they can save money in the long run by lowering maintenance costs and boosting the home’s R-value. Additionally, some siding is insulating and will help keep the home cooler during the summer, adding to the overall comfort level of a home.
Wood siding is a classic choice that elevates a home’s beauty and charm. It can be crafted into a variety of styles, including clapboard and shingles, to create an elegant aesthetic. Proper maintenance can ensure the durability of wood siding and protect it from rot and pests.
Composite materials are a newer class of siding that offer a combination of different materials to achieve a certain look. One of the most popular choices is fiber cement, a durable, moisture-resistant material that’s fabricated from Portland cement and natural cellulose wood fibers. It can be cut and installed like wood, but is much less prone to damage from moisture or wind.
Other types of non-wood siding include corrugated aluminum and steel. Some of these are best suited for specific climate conditions, while others may be difficult to maintain and may not last as long as other options.
When deciding on a color, it’s important to look at the landscape of a property and what colors will complement it. It’s also worth considering the neighborhood and whether or not certain colors might clash with other homes. Additionally, homeowners should also think about how often they want to touch up or repaint the siding.
While the siding itself is an essential part of a home’s exterior, trim and architectural elements play just as big of a role in the final look of a home. Trim is like the finishing touches on a painting, and it can make or break how a home looks. Choosing high-quality trim will help preserve the integrity of the siding and prevent costly repairs in the future.
Maintenance
No matter what type of siding you choose, it’s important to take regular maintenance steps. These include cleaning and repairing minor damage as soon as possible. Siding is designed to withstand a variety of weather elements, but over time it’s normal to experience signs of wear and tear. Taking immediate action to repair this damage can prevent moisture penetration that could lead to rot or mold inside your walls.
Depending on the material, different types of siding require different levels of maintenance. Wood and natural stone are more susceptible to moisture penetration than vinyl or fiber-cement options. Moisture infiltration can cause serious structural damage to the underlying walls and affect the insulation within them, so it’s important to be proactive about repairs to avoid costly future problems.
Wood siding can also be stained or painted to add visual appeal and protect the surface from rot and insect damage. It’s recommended to stain or paint wood siding every 4-6 years to maintain its appearance. While the investment is more upfront, it may save you money in the long run by preventing expensive future repairs.
Vinyl and composite siding are less prone to moisture penetration, but they can still suffer from fading and discoloration over time. If you notice fading, it’s recommended to repaint your home siding annually to maintain its appearance and protect the surface from moisture and sun exposure.
It’s important to note that certain chemicals can damage your siding, so it’s important to know what to look for and what to avoid when cleaning vinyl or composite. Avoid using chemical cleaners with high concentrations of bleach, liquid grease remover, or furniture cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface and diminish its water-repellent qualities. Instead, use a low-pressure garden hose and a soft medium bristle brush.
Other things to keep an eye out for are signs of mildew, gaps, or cracks in your siding. If you see any of these, contact a professional to repair them right away. It’s also a good idea to inspect your siding after any major weather events and before starting your spring cleaning.