As homeowners, we spend a lot of time getting the interiors of our homes to look a certain way. Think about it. How many hours have you spent scrolling Pinterest looking for the perfect kitchen layout? Or shopping for furniture that makes your living room look juuuuuust right? Or combing the aisles of your local hardware store for that perfect paint shade?
It’s funny, then, that many of us can go years without thinking about the exterior of our homes. With all sorts of designs, colors, and materials available to us, there is no reason that the outside of our home can’t be as representative of you as the interior is. It all starts with installing beautiful and quality siding.
If you’ve recently had siding installed, you are likely looking for ways to keep it looking beautiful for years to come. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to create a gorgeous home that can stand the test of time. Keep reading to become a siding maintenance expert.
Why Siding Is Important
While new siding can hugely affect the overall appearance of your home, it isn’t just there for aesthetic purposes. Here are just a few of the benefits of having well-maintained siding on your home.
- Environmental Protection 🌧️ – The primary function of siding is to protect the structure of your home from environmental damage. Hail, snow, rain, and even sun can all impair the structure of your home and lead to serious risks for the inhabitants.
- Energy Efficiency ⚡ – Your siding is a powerful barrier against outdoor elements and temperatures. If you have older siding, you may find that your heating and cooling systems have to work overtime to maintain a steady internal temperature. This means that you could be dealing with unnecessarily high energy bills. New and well-maintained siding will help keep costs low.
- Resale Value 💸 – Thinking about selling your home in the near future? Siding maintenance will help ensure that your home has a higher resale value. Keep in mind that different siding types have different rates when it comes to ROI.
Siding Maintenance Tips
Want to ensure that your siding is in it for the long haul? Here are the maintenance tips you should start adding to your routine today.
- Keep It Clean – Regularly cleaning the exterior of your home will help promote the longevity of your siding while also ensuring that it looks beautiful. Most homeowners opt to use a power washer for a deep clean. However, if you have a softer type of siding, you may find that a power washer does more harm than good. Instead, you can clean your siding with a soft bristled brush and some soapy water.
- Trim Greenery – While plants and greenery may look beautiful, things like ivy or plants growing too close to your home can lead to damage to the siding panels.
- Regular Inspections – We recommend doing a self-inspection of your siding at least once a year. If you see any areas you are unsure about, it is best to call a siding professional to make sure that there isn’t a larger, underlying problem. Things like rust, dents, or holes could all lead to damage to your house.
- Fresh Paint – The easiest way to keep your siding looking beautiful for years to come is to re-paint it every 10-15 years.
8 Types of Siding
If you are in the market for new siding, it is important to take the time to educate yourself on the many different siding material choices that you have available to you. All of these options have different pros and cons when it comes to cost, durability, and maintenance levels so that you can find the style that is right for you!
1) Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is easily one of the most popular choices on this list. In terms of pricing, it sits firmly in the middle, making it an affordable option for homeowners. Vinyl siding is also known for having many different color and style options to match any taste.
All that being said, the fact of the matter is that vinyl siding isn’t great when it comes to standing up to extreme weather conditions like hail. You will likely have to replace it sooner than you would other types of siding.
2) Natural Wood Siding
If you are looking for a beautiful and classic siding option that is guaranteed to boost your home’s curb appeal, don’t overlook wood siding. Wood siding has wonderful versatility in the sense that you can stain it throughout the years to get your desired color and look.
However, wood siding does have some cons, including higher levels of maintenance. It is prone to wood rot and very attractive to pests like termites, so homeowners have to take extra care to maintain it.
3) Insulated Vinyl Siding
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may want to consider insulated vinyl siding for your home. Identical in appearance to vinyl siding, this version has insulation built into the panel, which helps you to maintain your home’s internal temperatures.
4) Composite Siding
When durability is at the top of your list of priorities, composite siding is the choice for you! This low-maintenance type of siding is designed to be able to stand up to all sorts of weather conditions and types of environmental damage. However, if you are looking to make a style statement, you’ll likely find that your color options are more limited than they are with other siding materials.
5) Manufactured Wood Siding
Love the look of wood but don’t want to spend all that time taking care of it? Manufactured wood siding is the one for you! Made of engineered material and designed to mimic the look of wood, it is one of the most low-maintenance options on this list while also being very beautiful.
6) Metal Siding
Metal siding is more commonly used in commercial or storage buildings but may be worth looking at if you are interested in giving your home a modern, industrial look. Metal is a great choice when it comes to sustainability, and durability. It is basically impervious to mold growth and pests like insects. Its fire resistance makes it a perfect choice for those who live in climates where wildfires are common.
7) Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is an extremely high-quality siding material that is popular among homeowners. It is one of the more beautiful types of siding that can be designed to mimic the look of other types of materials. Along with that, it is hugely durable, standing up to a variety of climates.
That being said, you can expect to pay a decent amount if you choose fiber cement siding. It is more costly than many of its counterparts.
8) Stucco Siding
Stucco siding looks significantly different than its other siding counterparts. Unlike the panels that are used in traditional siding options, stucco is a cement-like material that is applied to the outside of your home. It is most commonly seen in Spanish or Mediterranean-type homes. Stucco is great in terms of durability and maintenance but has a distinct look that isn’t appealing to all future buyers.
How Long Does Siding Last?
The lifespan of your home’s siding will vary widely, depending on the materials chosen and how well they are maintained. Most siding types will last a few decades, with 30 years being the average for most homes.
Consult With a Siding Professional
Have questions that we didn’t answer? The expert team at Best Exteriors has the answers you need. Our siding professionals are experts in a variety of siding materials, including James Hardie fiber cement siding. Contact us today to get a free consultation.
