Siding comes in a wide variety of options that choosing the right one can be overwhelming for some people. To help make your siding selection easier, here’s what you should consider when choosing new siding.
1. Material – In addition to traditional wood planks and shakes, you’ll find manufactured siding made from vinyl or fiber cement. Each material has its own set of pros and cons that you need to consider before making your choice. Vinyl is known for its low maintenance requirements while fiber cement is known for its heat and impact resistance. Many homeowners prefer wood siding for its natural look, but it requires a lot of care and maintenance.
2. Curb appeal – Siding covers a significant part of the house exterior and can affect how appealing it will look when seen from the curb. Take the time to compare combinations of siding style, color and material, and try to obtain samples when possible. The roof complements the siding and should also be considered when choosing siding materials. If your home is based on a specific architectural style, the right kind of siding can give it an authentic look, which can help boost your home’s curb appeal.
3. Maintenance requirements – While tasks like storm damage repair are best left to professionals, others, like siding care and maintenance, are best done by homeowners. As described above, vinyl requires virtually no maintenance while others may require more work to keep it looking good. Since you will be cleaning your siding on a regular basis, make sure you choose the type that you know you will be able to maintain over its lifespan.
4. Energy efficiency – Certain types of siding are made of or with material with insulative properties. These energy-efficient options can help reduce thermal transfer between your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces, which can result in lower heating and cooling costs. Energy-efficient manufactured siding will bear certification from ENERGY STAR®.
The Badger Company is your leading provider of siding installation as well as residential and commercial roof repair services. Give us a call at (608) 413-3627. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.