Using Siding to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal and Value
As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you want the first impression of your home to be more “WOW!” than “Meh,” then there isn’t any easier or more affordable way to give your home better curb appeal than siding.
Take a look at your current siding. Are any of the panels loose, sliding, or sagging? Have years of dirt and exposure to the elements turned its color dull, faded, or lifeless? The good news is that new siding will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to breathing new life into the exterior of your home. With a trusted contractor, you can turn the exterior of your home into an eye-catching masterpiece.
Siding will boost your home’s curb appeal and value, but there are some considerations you need to keep in mind when choosing the right siding for the statement you want to make. In this article, we will walk you through what you need to keep in mind as you shop for siding that will “WOW!” passersby.
Style and Color
Since we’re talking about adding curb appeal to your home, of course, the design and color of the siding you choose will probably play the biggest role in that decision.
Full disclosure, though: That choice might feel overwhelming because you have so much to choose from. In materials alone, siding can be made of vinyl, aluminum, steel, wood, brick, stone, and fiber cement. Each material is further customizable.
For example, James Hardie fiber cement siding is easy to paint, but also comes in a wide variety of colors using a Color Plus technology from James Hardie. It is also available in several different textures.
The best thing to do to whittle down your choices is to look at the architectural design of your home and the rest of your exterior. Don’t be afraid to go bold, but make sure these elements of your house will be complemented by your siding choice.
Maintenance
The majority of homeowners are going to want a siding that doesn’t require a great deal of regular maintenance. The level of maintenance that is required depends entirely on the material you choose. While wood can require repainting every few years, the Color Plus paint finish that is used in James Hardie Siding’s fiber-cement material is warranted for 15 years.
It looks remarkably like wood but performs much better and requires much less maintenance. If you’re trying to sell your home, think about what kind of maintenance prospective homeowners would like to take on.
Durability
It’s only common sense that homeowners will want a siding that is going to last the longest amount of time before it needs to be replaced entirely. Keep in mind that your siding is going to be your house’s first line of defense against harsh elements.
You want to make sure you choose a material for your siding that is going to offer the most protection. James Hardie Siding’s fiber-cement material is fire-resistant, insect-resistant, and weather-resistant. Fiber cement siding absorbs less moisture than other materials which prevents cracking and splitting. It can also withstand harsh weather conditions because of the cement mixed into the material.
Climate
The climate your house is in should be a big factor in your siding decision. You want to make sure that your siding holds up to sun, rain, wind, snow, and anything else Mother Nature has to throw at you.
For example, if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes or severe storms, you want to find siding that has a high wind speed rating. If you live in a colder climate, you could benefit from siding that is insulated to save on heat loss and energy. Fiber cement siding is a great option for all types of weather.
Budget
Finally, knowing ahead of time how much you want to spend on the project is definitely going to be the main factor in calculating the cost. Prices will also vary based on the style you choose and the amount of siding you need for your project.
But remember, regardless of your budget, new siding is going to increase the resale value of your home. According to Consumer Affairs, a siding installation has a high return on investment with 83% of expenses recouped on resale.
No matter what color or design you choose, the most important thing you can do as a homeowner is to partner with trusted James Hardie Siding professionals like Siding Pro. Our combination of superior products and excellent customer service is what makes us one of Colorado Spring’s premier siding and home exteriors companies. Contact one of our experts today to discuss what we can do to help you choose the right siding that will boost your home’s appeal today.
