Learning About Commercial Windows

Factors To Consider When Choosing Siding

19 July 2023 by Lucas Cox

The siding you choose is a critical investment in the safety and comfort of your home. With many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which material is best. Taking the main factors into consideration will allow you to make a choice that works well for decades.

Style

If style is a primary concern, some types of siding offer more colors and styles than others. Vinyl siding is more popular when you want a range of colors. This type of siding is also ideal if you want your home to stand out and be a unique color. Vinyl has the benefit of being more cost-effective than other materials.

Another option is fiber cement siding. The main advantage of this type of siding is it can be made in various colors and textures to mimic other materials. Depending on the color and style you choose, fiber cement can resemble concrete or wood. It is also available as either shingles or lap siding, which works well to give your home visual texture.

Efficiency

Efficiency can be a primary concern for households that want to better manage their energy costs. Before selecting a specific siding material, it is important to make sure your household insulation is adequate, otherwise, no matter what siding material you choose, you will still waste money from lost energy.

Efficiency is determined by "R-value" with higher R-values meaning the material is more energy-efficient. Since other aspects of your home, such as the walls and insulation, influence the R-value, you will need to determine your current R-value before you decide how efficient your siding needs to be. If you simply want the most efficient siding available, insulated vinyl will be the appropriate choice. The R-value of insulated vinyl can be as high as 4, with other common siding materials being less than 1.

Climate

Your climate should influence the siding material you choose. The goal should be to choose a material that works best for your climate, so it lasts longer. Although insulated vinyl is a popular choice, if you live in an area with a higher risk of severe weather, your vinyl siding can be more easily damaged by hail or strong winds. One type of siding that is the most resilient in many weather conditions is metal. Metal works well in extreme temperatures and is resistant to wind or hail damage. Your options for metal siding will be either aluminum or steel. Aluminum is less expensive, but steel is more durable. Metal siding can be fabricated in a range of styles and colors to better match the rest of your home.

Many factors will influence your decision when choosing siding for your home. Careful consideration will allow you to choose a material that keeps your home comfortable and protected.

For more information, contact a local siding installation contractor.

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