Why does a house need a roof? Or windows? Or doors? The purpose and function of these essential house features is quite obvious. However, there are other vital features of a home whose purpose is not so obvious – like siding. Have you ever wondered what exactly siding is? Or the benefits of siding to an energy efficient and comfortable home? Moreover – have you ever been curious as to why vinyl siding is often touted as the best siding choice? In this article, we will be covering what siding is, the purpose of siding, the benefits of siding, and in particular, why you should choose vinyl siding.
What is Siding?
Siding is any material that covers, protects or clads the exterior walls of a home or residential building. It is made from a variety of materials, with some of the most common being vinyl, fiber cement, stucco, wood and brick.
The Purpose of Siding
Siding has two main purposes: it protects your home from the elements while keeping your home properly insulated; and secondly, it gives your house great curb appeal, and unique character and charm.
Why Siding is One of the Most Important Features of a Home
Without properly installed siding, water can enter your home and cause major damage like mold or foundational issues. And, given that many materials contract and expand with fluctuating temperatures, siding is often used to cover the joints of your house. If the joints are not fully covered or sealed, and water or other forms of precipitation like snow enter your home this can cause extensive damage.
Siding also plays a vital role in lowering your energy bills. If your home is not properly insulated with effective siding, your heating and cooling units will be working that much harder year round, which inevitably will increase your utility bills.
The Benefits of Siding
- Increased curb appeal
- Eco-friendly (if you choose vinyl)
- Good ROI thanks to energy efficient nature of vinyl siding
- Lowers your utility bills
- New siding can repair unseen structural damage in your home
Why Choose Vinyl Siding
The type of siding you choose will depend on your needs, budget and aesthetic preferences. However, we almost always recommend vinyl siding for new siding projects for several reasons.
Not only is it one of the most popular siding choices, it is also known for its ability to withstand the elements, while also being able to effectively mimic the look of other siding types like stone, wood, and slate (and at a much more cost-effective price point).
Vinyl siding is the most energy efficient siding material, especially if paired with insulation siding, which adds another level of insulation to your home. Vinyl siding alone has an R-Value of 0.61, which is great, but if you want to really increase your energy savings, you should consider insulated siding.
Advantages of Vinyl Siding:
- Durable and typically includes a 25+ year warranty
- Plenty of color options
- Versatile in textural options
- Easy to clean
- Often the most economical option
Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding:
- Not waterproof (only water-resistant)
- Can sometimes warp under extreme weather conditions
- You cannot repaint it
Why Vinyl Siding is the Best Choice for Maryland & Virginia Homes
Both vinyl siding and reinforced vinyl siding are excellent choices for homes in Maryland and Virginia. This is mostly due to the fact it can withstand extreme weather events, which these two regions are susceptible to throughout the year. Combine this with its budget-friendly price point, ROI and potential for added insulation during installation, vinyl siding is one of the best choices.
