Siding is an often-overlooked improvement to your home, but its impact can be large. Regardless if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Maryland, there are advantages to considering a change in siding.
For sellers:
- A siding refresh will help your home appear more modern and up-to-date, increasing its appeal in the eyes of potential buyers.
- New siding is considered a valuable upgrade that can significantly boost a home's selling price and command a higher selling price.
For buyers:
- Protect your new home. Some signs that indicate that your siding may be older and could benefit from being replaced with energy-efficient siding include warping, cracking, or fading. New siding can also reduce your energy bills. Also, because a large amount of your home’s exterior may be covered with siding, this is a quick and easy way to make your home look brand new.
- After a big purchase, this may not be the highest priority on your list, but replacing your siding can help make your new house your home. You can customize your look with a variety of styles, colors and combinations to create an aesthetic that is 100% you.
Siding Upgrades for Energy-Efficiency
Many homeowners in Maryland overlook the impact of new siding on energy efficiency. Siding plays a crucial role by acting as a protective barrier. It helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Energy-efficient siding for homes should also improve the home value, increase comfort and reduce the maintenance required to keep your siding performing as it should.
Energy-efficient siding materials, such as fiber cement and vinyl, offer excellent insulation properties. They can effectively block heat transfer, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Additionally, some siding options, like metal siding, have reflective coatings that can further reduce heat absorption, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.
If you’re looking for the most energy-efficient siding for homes, there are a variety of factors to consider. Here are some quick guidelines in deciding which type of siding is best for your home:
Wood Siding
Pros:
- Wood is a naturally insulating material, so it ranks high for energy efficiency.
- Wood siding provides a classic and desirable appearance to a home, improving its overall aesthetic.
- Available in a large variety of paints and stains.
- It’s an eco-friendly option as it is recyclable and biodegradable.
- If properly maintained, it can be durable and long-lasting.
Cons:
- Although durable, wood requires regular maintenance and repairs—including painting and staining—to fix or avoid holes, warping and rotting. Incorrect maintenance can create more extensive issues, requiring larger and more expensive repairs.
- Wood is vulnerable to fire damage and may not be well suited to areas with increased fire risk.
- Wood is an expensive siding option.
Stucco
Pros:
- It provides effective, energy-efficient insulation.
- Stucco provides an attractive look for your home.
- When properly maintained, some stucco can last a lifetime.
- It’s resistant to fire and pests.
- Color is integral to the material, making repainting unnecessary.
Cons:
- Stucco can be equally as expensive as wood siding.
- It can be susceptible to rain damage, so it may be poorly suited to wetter areas.
- When not mixed with epoxy, stucco can crack and require expensive repairs.
Vinyl Siding
Pros:
- Vinyl siding is thermally resistant, making it highly energy-efficient, especially when paired with foamed siding.
- It’s cost-effective, as the material is less expensive and can be easily retrofitted.
- Vinyl is available in many styles and colors.
- It’s highly resistant to harsh weather and hides minor damage, so it requires less maintenance.
- The material is recyclable.
Cons:
- Repainting vinyl can be tricky and sometimes voids its warranty.
- A damaged panel typically requires a complete siding replacement.
- Vinyl may need to be replaced after only 10 to 20 years.
Fiber Cement and Composite Siding
Pros:
- Composed of either cement materials or wood fibers, fiber cement and composite siding are a more affordable alternative to natural stone or wood siding for a high-end look.
- Its wood materials retain natural insulation.
- It is fire and pest-resistant.
- It offers lower maintenance needs than wood siding and may last up to 50 years.
Cons:
- Although durable, cement products are non-recyclable.
- Though less costly, fiber cement isn’t as energy-
efficient as stone but is more energy-efficient than most of the other options.
Steel Siding
Pros:
- Steel siding keeps homes cooler.
- Steel and aluminum are recyclable materials.
- It is available in a variety of styles to provide an attractive modern look.
- Durable material means that it’s low maintenance and resistant to weather, fire and pests, lasting up to 50 years.
Cons:
- While more affordable than wood, steel and aluminum siding is still expensive.
- It can be a poor choice for homes in colder regions as it does not retain heat well.
- It may rust or fade over time.
Finding the Right Energy-Efficient Siding for Your Home
If you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home, it’s necessary to consider these different siding options with the energy-efficiency and style needs of your home in mind. The ideal siding can ensure that you reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint, as well as improve other aspects of your home, such as value, appearance, and comfort.
Maximize Your Energy Savings
To further enhance your home's energy efficiency, consider these additional tips:
- Proper Installation: Ensure your siding is installed correctly to avoid gaps and leaks.
- Air Sealing: Seal any gaps around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent air infiltration.
- Insulation: Adequate insulation in your walls and attic can significantly improve energy efficiency.
By selecting the right energy-efficient siding and implementing these additional measures, you can enjoy a more comfortable, energy-efficient and valuable home. For a professional and qualified evaluation in Maryland, contact Thompson Creek.
This blog content is provided by Thompson Creek Window Company and is hosted on this website as part of a paid partnership.
Follow Along