When you have a house, you have siding. If this is your first home, you may find yourself bewildered at the sheer amount of emphasis placed on siding. Don't fret. This article is for you.

What is siding?

Siding, to a homeowner, is the protective exterior of the house. It is your first defense against the elements and it helps to insulate the inside of your home against drastic changes in temperature.

Why is siding so important?

Good question. There's quite a bit of hullabaloo about siding because it directly benefits a homeowner in several ways--almost all of them long-term.

  • It can increase the curb appeal (and arguably, the value) of your home. The exterior of your home is what people see first, and the prettier the outside is, the better it is for your property value and market value if you are to sell your home in the future.
  • New siding, or siding that is installed right, will save you a fortune in utility bills. How? It's a major component in insulating your home against the outside weather. The quality of the siding, along with the install, can make or break the efficiency of your home and the bottom line for your bills.
  • It will absorb most of the wear and tear on your home. If you have your siding inspected and replaced regularly, then there is a good chance that you can catch damage to your home right then and there and prevent more costly repairs. For example, if damage is done to your old siding, allowing water to leak through, then if it is caught in time it can be easily remedied by replacing the siding. It isn't necessary to make repairs from further inside the home if the existing damage is completely covered by the new siding.

What is siding made of?

There's an array of materials that can be used for siding. You can choose from wood, vinyl, composite, stone veneer, metal, plastic, or insulated--just to name a few!

Selecting the best siding for you will depend on elements like cost, location, climate, and the company you go through.

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