Today’s housing market comes with its fair share of challenges for homeowners looking to sell. When it comes to a potential home, buyers are expecting perfection both on the inside and out. Siding installation can significantly improve the outward appearance of any house so that a buyer can take one look and instantly imagine himself at home.
What is siding?
Siding is the outside covering of a house whose purpose is to act as a barrier between the house and the elements of nature. Typical siding materials include wood, vinyl, and aluminum. In recent years, a new type of insulated, foam-backed siding has also become a popular option.
Each type of siding comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wood siding looks attractive but is known to require more maintenance throughout the years than other siding options. Vinyl siding is an affordable alternative that usually requires less upkeep than wood; however, vinyl siding can also be rather flimsy and require repairs when damaged.
Aluminum siding is a heavy-duty option that can withstand even the harshest of weather. As a result, it requires far less maintenance than its vinyl and wood counterparts. On the other hand, aluminum siding can be a much more expensive endeavor than wood or vinyl, as it is costly to purchase and difficult to install due to its weight.
Insulated siding is a good option for homeowners considering siding installation. Insulated siding offers the look of vinyl but comes with a fitted foam backing that adds an extra protective layer between the siding and the house. Insulated siding is also the most energy-efficient option for homeowners looking to save money on heating and cooling bills; however, it comes with a higher upfront cost than regular vinyl siding.
Who needs siding installation?
Any homeowner whose property has an older, worn exterior should consider siding installation to improve the house’s outward appearance. Homeowners who have been struggling with high energy costs over the years should also consider siding installation, as it can end up saving them money in the long run.
Benefits of siding installation
The primary benefit of siding is that it can make the exterior of the home more attractive. When it comes to buyers, a first impression can make or break a potential sale. With siding, you’ll never have to worry about visible paint chips on the outside of your house. Instead, your siding will provide a nice, neat look that buyers are sure to appreciate. Siding can also help keep a house insulated, which, in turn, can save the homeowner a fair amount of money on heating and cooling costs throughout the years.
Downside of siding installation
The major downside of siding is the cost of installation. The price can vary based on the materials in question, but either way, siding installation is usually not a cheap endeavor. While the more handy and ambitious can attempt to install siding on their own, an outside contractor is usually required to do the work.
An important thing to know about siding is that it is not maintenance-free. Since siding can easily get dirty, it does have to be washed on occasion, usually with a pressure washer. Siding can also buckle or crack as the result of bad weather or unavoidable flying objects, such as stray tree branches or the neighbor’s baseball. Homeowners with siding should be prepared to set some money aside for inevitable siding repairs down the road.
Finally, be aware that visually-speaking, not all siding is created equal. Unless you are willing to pay top dollar, certain types of siding – particularly vinyl – will end up having seams, which, to some, might look less attractive.
The bottom line
Although costly upfront, siding can be a worthwhile addition to homes both old and modern. Instead of spending time and money repairing and repainting a worn exterior, consider investing in siding installation instead. It will turn the home into a far more pleasant place both inside and out.
