Unless you’re deeply into real estate, home improvement, or construction, the topic of siding may be foreign to you. You may be wondering whether keeping up with your home’s siding is a worthwhile investment – or even important at all. After all, what benefit does siding offer other than curb appeal?
So, is the cost of repairing your siding worth it?
The answer, in short, is yes. Having a good quality siding properly installed on the exterior of your home can help to keep out both pests and moisture, provide better insulation for your home, and increase the value and overall curb appeal of your property.
If you want to know more about why siding is important for your home – and not just any siding, good quality, professionally installed siding – read on. In this article, we will discuss what siding is, what the benefits of maintaining it are, some signs you may need to install new siding, and some frequently asked questions from homeowners about the siding of their home.
What is Siding?
Siding is generally made of wood, brick, or synthetic materials, and is the material that covers the outside of your home. Although it’s generally considered to be for decorative purposes, siding can also function as an extremely important buffer between the interior of your home and outside elements.
Similarly to how insulation helps to trap heat and keep moisture out, siding serves a similar purpose. Without siding, your home may be at risk for mold development or even foundational cracks.
Benefits of Siding
Keeps out moisture. Having improper siding installed can lead to mold and mildew growing around the interior or your home. Without proper siding, moisture may even get into your foundation and freeze, causing deep cracks and sabotaging your home’s structural integrity.
Keeps out pests. Good-quality, well-installed siding can act as a barrier preventing pests such as insects, birds, and small animals from nesting in your home.
Insulation. Proper siding can help to preserve heat, prevent drafts, and reduce damage caused by heavy storms and snows.
Curb appeal. As a homeowner, you have a multitude of siding options, many of which are beautiful and have options for any style. You can install siding made of wood, aluminum, brick, or other synthetic materials that come in a variety of colors.
Signs You May Need to Install New Siding
If you’re not sure when it may be time to install new siding for your home, consider the following situations. First, you should install new siding if you are planning to sell your home soon. Adding new siding is likely to increase the value of your home. Second, if your siding is warping, bending, or pulling away from your home, you should have it repaired or replaced. Additionally, if you notice signs of moisture intruding on the interior of your home – such as mold, loose wallpaper, peeling paint, or a general feeling of dampness – it is a sign that you should consider having your siding replaced.
Related Questions
What Are the Benefits of Siding?
The main benefit of installing siding on your home is protection against natural elements. Icy weather, thunderstorms, and strong winds can all cause damage to homes that do not have proper siding. Additionally, siding helps to insulate your home against cold weather, increasing comfort and lowering your heating bill. Without properly installed siding, moisture can build up in your home’s structure and cause mold and mildew growth.
Does Siding Increase the Value of Your Home?
One popular rumor is that siding is entirely for curb appeal and not worth investing the actual money into. On the contrary, installing new siding can actually increase your home’s value which means you get a return on your investment. Values vary on where you live.
What Happens to a House Without Siding?
Without siding (and even with siding that hasn’t been installed properly), you as a homeowner run the risk of allowing moisture to enter the structural foundation of your home. Although this may seem innocuous, the presence of standing water over extended periods of time leads to mold growth, cracks in the foundation, and other major damage to your home’s structural integrity.
Siding in Check?
To conclude, you should be investing as much money as is needed to make sure your home’s siding is up to par. If you don’t, you run the risk of exposing yourself to mold-based illnesses and damaging priceless possessions that are kept within your home. You also run the risk of needing to spend even more money getting rid of mold or replacing wood, fabric, and wallpaper on surfaces within your home after being damaged by excessive moisture and pests.
If you’re noticing damage and you believe it’s time to get your siding replaced – or at least schedule an inspection – make sure to contact a professional today.
If your home needs new siding installation or exterior repairs, Excel Home Improvement Services in Romulus is a great choice. As exterior home improvement contractors, the overall look of your home is our goal to improve, upgrade and leave a lasting impression. We specialize in new roof installation, gutter installation repair, siding installation, and more.
When you hire our professional home improvement company you can rest assured you are getting the highest level of quality and craftsmanship. Call for a Free Estimate today!