(StatePoint) With climate change spurring an uptick in extreme weather events in recent years, homeowners today know that to keep their property — and the people in it — best protected, the siding they select matters.
“Not only will the right materials better insulate against extreme temperatures, but durable materials will also help guard against wicked weather and storms,” says Jon Lapp, siding project manager, ProVia. “And of course, siding has a major impact on the look of your home exterior.”
The good news is that you don’t need to sacrifice curb appeal in the pursuit of high-quality siding. Here’s what to know when making this important upgrade:
• Materials: Your choice of materials can impact how you feel about your house for years to come. To that end, consider the most popular home siding material, which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, is vinyl siding. First introduced in the 1960s, its popularity is no accident. Thanks to its low cost, ease of installation, minimal maintenance and long-term beauty and durability, it’s a favorite choice among installers and homeowners. Just be sure that the siding you select is formulated with weather- and heat-resistant materials, as well as UV blockers to protect against color fade.
• Insulation: Did you know that most wall insulation is placed only between the studs? Since wall studs represent up to 25% of the wall surface of an average home, that’s like having one entire wall with no insulation at all. Insulated siding blankets your home, providing continuous insulation between the studs and exterior wall of your home. Look for insulated siding options that are tested and proven to increase the R-value (a measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow) of an exterior wall. One such option is CedarMAX insulated vinyl siding from ProVia. One of the most energy-efficient exterior claddings on the market, it can help reduce your energy bills. It’s also built with a strong, rigid foam backing that can bridge the subtle bows and dips present on almost every wall. This will make for longer, straighter panels for increased curb appeal, as well as greater impact resistance against rain, hail and contact with your child’s fastball. And because it resists fading, chalking, cracking, peeling and thermal expansion and contraction, it will have a longer, more environmentally-sustainable life.
• Color: Color and beauty are huge factors in your home improvement decision. To get it right, start by using the color selection tools on your manufacturer’s website. It’s important to know that the monitor settings on your device can impact the way the color displays, so contact the dealer to see real color samples made from its actual products before making a final decision. Choose from classic whites, earth tones, bright and colorful shades, or bold, darker hues. Just be sure your beautiful new siding contains anti-weathering ingredients that prevent weather and sun exposure from causing it to fade.
Additional siding information and resources can be found by visiting provia.com/siding.
“Approach this home improvement project carefully. With the power to boost your home’s beauty and energy efficiency, new siding can offer a great return on investment and protect your home for years to come,” says Lapp.
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