Is purchasing and installing new siding a good investment? Or is it a necessary evil? Perhaps it’s something in between. For the average residential homeowner, replacing siding becomes essential when existing siding no longer performs optimally, shows meaningful signs of deterioration or excess wear and tear. For most homeowners, installing new siding is a wise use of their personal finances. In almost all instances, replacing siding will add value (intrinsically and directly) to a home.
4 Positive Financial Benefits Of New Siding
1. Delivers Improved Energy Efficiency (Cuts Down Utility Bills)
When siding no longer performs optimally, it becomes a sieve for energy leakage. Heating and cooling consumption increases meaningfully, leading to a sharp increase in utility (HVAC) expenses. In this environment, homeowners experience heat loss in colder weather, making the home feel drafty. Conversely, they witness cool air escaping in warmer months (resulting in the air conditioner working overtime to compensate). As a result, the home feels stuffy, and the indoor air becomes stale, giving rise to unhealthy allergens.
Installing energy-efficient siding such as (i) insulated vinyl siding -including a layer of foam insulation, (ii) insulated fiber cement siding -made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers (plus a layer of foam insulation), and (iii) wood siding -a naturally insulating material- addresses concerns with skyrocketing heating and cooling costs. Typically, new siding involves adding new airtight insulation that eliminates heat escape and keeps outside air from adversely affecting the indoor air quality and atmosphere.
2. Increases Home And Property Value (Including Resale Potential)
Think of replacing siding as a tangible benefit to your home’s market value. Even if you don’t intend to sell your home in the near future, installing new siding reflects a commitment to improving its aesthetic quality. Removing old, dated, and unattractive siding can instantly transform your home’s curb appeal. Modern siding alternatives, including vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood, and manufactured stone veneer, attract homeowners and generate a perception that the home is contemporary and up-to-date with current housing trends.
Boosting the resale value of your home by adding new siding reflects wise decision-making if you, as the homeowner, seek to place it on the market shortly (within the next two to five years). Replacing siding will generate a meaningful return on investment because prospective home buyers are generally willing to pay a premium for new (or almost new) siding, knowing they will not need to repair or replace it for many years. Selecting a modern siding material and design enlarges the pool of potential home buyers.
3. Provides Added Durability (Allows Extended Longevity)
Siding that has reached its expected lifespan may no longer perform optimally. Issues of moisture intrusion and wood rot in underlying sublayers frequently arise when siding has exceeded its usefulness. These problems result in questions of structural integrity. Delaying further could create complex challenges (for example, mold and mildew formation) that may adversely affect a home’s occupants.
Hiring a reputable siding contractor to replace old siding with reliable, dependable new siding allows the siding professional to assess the underlying layers of the home to determine if any issues require further attention. Any underlying area that appears structurally compromised can be repaired or replaced to reinforce the home long-term. Installing a new insulation layer or a waterproof barrier could enhance a home’s functionality. Additionally, many newer siding materials come with a built-in layer of insulation that better protects the house from weather extremes.
4. Reduces Maintenance And Upkeep (Lessens Repair Expenses)
Historically, siding has required substantial maintenance. In the past, many forms of siding involved removing and replacing existing paint or stain every two or three years. Homeowners had to painstakingly decide when to replace the existing siding if repainting or restaining it proved difficult or infeasible. Additionally, aluminum siding (a popular siding option in previous generations) had a high susceptibility to weathering and damage due to wind, hail, or other adverse weather conditions.
Recently, reputable and established siding manufacturers have focused on producing low-maintenance or maintenance-free siding alternatives. Homeowners are busier than ever and wish to prioritize their time on other pursuits that don’t involve routine siding upkeep. Consequently, vinyl and fiber cement siding have become increasingly popular. They represent the new wave of siding that homeowners prefer. These siding products don’t typically require painting and are not susceptible to fading, chipping, cracking, or flaking.
Working With An Expert Siding Professional
For homeowners in Northeastern Illinois, quality, durable siding is essential with the changing seasons. Hot, humid summers transition into cold, snowy winters. Your home needs siding that can withstand wind, rain, snow, ice, hail, and other adverse weather conditions commonly associated with Northeastern Illinois. At 3JM Exteriors, we work closely with homeowners to identify the appropriate siding. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate.