Siding is an important element of a house’s exterior. It protects the house from harmful weather elements, including snow, rain, and strong winds. In some instances, it plays a vital role in your home’s security and enhances curb appeal.

With the role siding plays in a home, poor vinyl siding installation can negatively affect the home over time. Aside from this, let’s look at whether siding repair increases a home’s value and cheaper siding options.

What is the Cheapest Option for Siding?

Vinyl siding is an affordable and versatile siding option for many homeowners. Unfortunately, with the low price tag, vinyl siding isn’t as durable as other options. It cracks, buckles, and fades easily over time, needing replacement sooner than other siding materials. But on the bright side, it comes in a range of colors and decorative patterns.

Should You Remove Old Siding Before Installing New Siding?

Although you can install vinyl siding over your current siding, removing old siding is a better idea. Here are some reasons why removing current siding is better than lap siding.

  • Checking for wood rot – the biggest reason for removing the old siding is to discover what is underneath it. Mold, wood rot, and moisture damage are common occurrences, especially when the high-quality siding isn’t properly installed. These problems can be addressed before they get out of hand.
  • Avoiding pests – other surprises that lurk under the siding are pests. When you remove old fiber cement siding, you might find a nest of squirrels or bees.
  • Protect exterior walls from water damage – siding protects exterior walls. However, layering new siding on top of the old siding makes a seamless fitting impossible. It’s common to find pockets between the sidings or see layers stand away, creating unsightly spaces. These spaces offer moisture a way in. Also, snow and rain can build up in the spaces causing major structural damage.
  • Cleaner finish – layering new siding over old sidings results in an incongruent look. The new vinyl siding won’t match the shape of old aluminum and wood finishes.

Does New Siding Increase Home Value?

According to Remodeling Magazine, adding new siding will increase the value of your home by 76.7% of the entire project’s cost. Whether the home siding you choose will retain this value over time is a completely different ballgame.

That said, vinyl siding will increase a home’s value by:

  • Improving appearance – old siding might have dents and cracks, leaving your home susceptible to weather elements, pests, and water damage and unsightly. Vinyl siding is available in different colors and profiles designed to develop your desired look. Since you only have a couple of seconds to make a lasting impression, new siding will help you make the right one.
  • Durability – if a home buyer knows they’ll not be spending more money on repairs and renovations soon, they are more inclined to spend more buying the house. Properly installed siding improves house protection from extreme weather conditions and durability over time.
  • Maintenance – home buyers see value in low-maintenance products that give them back money and time. Cedar shake siding is beautiful but is high maintenance. On the flip side, vinyl siding has low maintenance. It’s simple to clean with soapy water using a garden hose. Also, stone siding is easy to maintain but there are some precautions to take like avoiding chemical base cleaners.
  • Energy efficiency – siding improves a home’s insulation making it more energy-efficient. This leads to lower heating and cooling bills. Reduced energy bills are appealing to most homebuyers.

What Color Siding Has the Best Resale Value?

Neutral colors improve resale value best because they appeal to a wide group of potential buyers. However, you still have to consider other factors when picking the right color:

  • Neighborhood – consider the local real estate market and your immediate neighborhood. Different real estate markets value different colors, some dark and others light colors.
  • Architectural style – consider the style of your home when considering the trim and siding colors, especially with popular styles like Victorian and Colonial.
  • Homeowner’s Association requirements – some neighborhoods have homeowners associations directing the colors to be used. Abide by these rules lest you attract heavy fines.

What Next?

Sidings are necessary to protect your home and increase its resale value. However, to reap these benefits, contact Maryland siding contractors so it can done properly from the start. Without this, the house may suffer extensive damage which compromises structural integrity.

Reach out to Dunsmore Exteriors for a quick consultation and guidance on the best siding for your home.