Siding is the material attached to the exterior surface of your house to protect it from the elements. Every house except brick, stucco, or masonry houses needs siding. As explained by professional siding contractors in Northern Virginia, the siding, along with the roof, creates a watertight barrier that keeps heat, cold, water, and wind from seeping into your building.
Siding can be made from wood, asphalt, vinyl, steel, aluminum, and composite (a combination of different materials). In addition to being made from different materials, siding also comes in various styles and shapes.
Reasons why your home needs siding
What does the siding on the house actually do?
1. It is an essential part of the building envelope
The building envelope helps prevent energy loss or gain and makes it possible to regulate the home's internal temperature. If your siding is damaged, the home's energy efficiency will be severely impaired.
As a vital part of the system that creates your home's energy performance, the siding stands as a barrier against strong winds. Without the siding, which works in combination with your home's insulation, it would be harder to maintain your home's temperatures at the desired levels.
2. Helps to create the waterproof envelope
Water infiltration is a constant threat in modern construction. It is the number one factor in the deterioration of both the interior and exterior features of the building. The roof, gutters, foundations, and siding act as your home's first line of defense against water. By providing a watertight seal on the house's exterior surface, the siding plays a vital role in minimizing damage by moisture infiltration.
3. Keeps vermin away from the house
Without the protective covering offered by siding, the materials that make up the walls of your house would be exposed to all sorts of creatures. Siding provides a uniform surface – without cracks or openings – which serves as an effective barrier against pests.
By keeping water out, the siding also makes the home's materials less attractive to grubs and worms. Without siding, it would be easy for birds, rodents, and insects to burrow into the home walls to make their nests there.
4. Adds to the home's curb appeal
Siding also has a decorative function; it is a big part of what creates your home's overall appeal. By choosing the right kind of material and professional siding contractors in Northern Virginia, it is possible to completely alter the appearance of a building and make it more attractive.
For instance, adding wood siding can give your home a classic look. Given the almost infinite variety of siding colors, designs, and textures available, there is no limit to how you can improve your home's curb appeal.
5. Boost your home's value
The quality of the siding will affect the value of your property. Ragged siding will make the home look cheap and unkempt. This will depreciate the home's value. New siding, on the other hand, will create an impression of a home that is well looked after.
When trying to sell your home, the siding on the building can make all the difference. Even if the structures underneath the siding are in good condition, visitors will get the wrong first impression if the siding is old and damaged.
6. Keeps your costs down
Siding is a critical factor in how much it costs to live in your home. The siding plays a vital role in how much you spend on utility bills because it affects your home's energy efficiency.
Due to how it protects the building from water, pests, and structural damage, siding in good condition will help you avoid unnecessary expenses. But if the siding is in poor shape, it can create damage beyond the cost of its replacement.
What to think about when choosing the type of siding for your home
Considering the number of siding options in the market, how can you tell what kind of siding to buy for your home?
· Durability
The siding is going to be exposed to the full brunt of the elements. How will it react to prolonged exposure to high temperatures? Does it have the ability to withstand freezing cold and strong winds?
· Ease of maintenance
How much maintenance does the material require? Do you need to apply sealant periodically, and can you do it yourself? Will a simple wash suffice?
· Versatility
If your home has different types of external surfaces with varied needs, can you use the siding across all those surfaces? How will this impact home maintenance?
· Aesthetics
What design options are available with this particular siding, and do the options match the style of your home?
· Ease of installation
How hard or easy is it to install the siding? How long does it take, and how much does it cost? Can you do it yourself?
· Energy efficiency
What is the R-value rating (its resistance to heat flow) for this particular siding, and what kind of insulation works with it?
Conclusion
Always take into consideration all your options before making a decision. As a Mastic Preferred Contractor, our team of professionals at A&M Roofing is available to discuss all the pros and cons of your siding options. Contact us today to learn more about our services or request a free estimate.