The home’s siding is something many homeowners forget about until something goes very wrong. Replacing your siding sooner rather than later actually has quite a few benefits. Discover four of these benefits and more below.
What Is Siding?
Before we discuss the benefits of replacing your siding, it’s important to understand what siding is and the role it plays in the exterior of your home. Siding is a material placed on the exterior of a home to protect it from the elements, insects or animals, and heat loss. Thanks to the many types, colors, and designs available, siding can also be used to boost the curb appeal of a home. Common siding materials include vinyl, aluminum, steel, wood, and fiber cement. The one you choose will depend on the climate you live in, the level of durability you’re looking for, the look you hope to achieve, and your budget.
How Often Should Siding Be Replaced?
The best siding should last for many years with some regular maintenance. The siding’s actual lifespan may vary depending on the material. The following are some average lifespans for common siding materials:
- Vinyl: 30-40 years
- Aluminum: 20-40 years
- Steel: 40+ years
- Wood: 15-40 years
- Fiber cement: 50+ years
All siding requires some maintenance, such as cleaning, painting, or staining, every so often. Having to do more extensive maintenance more often, however, may be a sign it’s time to just go ahead and replace the siding. Other signs include:
- Severe damage, such as from pests or harsh weather
- Loose or missing siding
- Cracked, warped, or sagging siding
- Rot
What Are the Benefits of Siding Replacement?
Once you’ve replaced your siding, you’ll begin to experience many benefits, some more obvious than others. Let’s take a closer look at some of these.
1. Enhanced Structural Integrity
Damaged, missing, or rotting siding can put the structural integrity of your entire home at risk. Where siding has been affected, water may leak into your home, causing damage to the interior walls, windows, doors, and even foundation. Installing new siding, however, can prevent water from entering your home and causing more serious damage. Save on expensive repairs costs and feel confident that your home will remain mold-free with new siding.
2. Increased Protection
Aside from acting as a waterproof barrier against rain and snow, the durability of new siding means that harsh storms are less likely to strip the paint, saving you time and money on touchups. Certain siding materials are even made to withstand winds up to 180 miles per hour.
In addition to protecting your home from the elements, new and fully functional siding can ensure pests stay out. You won’t need to worry about termites squeezing their way into your home through cracks when they don’t exist. Without cracks or holes in your siding, birds and rodents can’t burrow their way into the siding and cause even more damage. Some siding materials, including fiber cement, aren’t particularly appetizing to these pests, which may be worth considering if you’ve experienced infestations before.
3. Improved Energy Efficiency
Today’s siding options offer excellent insulation for the home. During the cold winter months, your new siding will keep the heat in and the cold air outside where it belongs. In the warmer months, you won’t find your air conditioner working extra hard to keep your home at a nice, cool temperature thanks to your upgraded siding keeping the hot air out. Some siding materials can even deflect the sun’s rays, helping to keep your home even cooler. Enjoy a comfortable indoor environment with the extra benefit of lower energy bills.
4. Added Curb Appeal
Cracked, warped, missing, or faded siding isn’t just impractical; it’s also just plain ugly. Constantly patching up or repainting your old siding can be time-consuming and expensive. Replacing the siding entirely, on the other hand, can get your home looking like new again.
With the wide range of materials, colors, and textures available, your customization options are nearly endless. Give your house a classic craftsman look, a sleek modern appearance, or anything in between with the right siding. Along with added beauty comes increased resale value. If you plan on selling your home within the next several years, siding replacement would be a terrific investment.
Need Help With Your Siding Replacement Project?
If you’re convinced it’s time for a siding upgrade, HT Roofing & Construction is here to help with the process. We’re proud to serve residents of the Lenexa area. In addition to siding replacement and repairs, we offer residential and commercial roofing services as well as exterior painting, gutter, and shingle services. Contact HT Roofing & Construction today to discuss your siding options and get a free estimate.
