Spot your home’s good ‘side’

Selecting new siding is one of the most important decisions homeowners face when building new or remodeling an existing home. With so many options — both classic and modern materials — there’s a lot to consider.

Many manufacturers are now combining traditional styles and materials with high-tech finishes, delivering products homeowners can love for years to come. Among all the options on the market, vinyl siding — with its various styles, textures and colors — remains the most used product.

Whether you are building a home or remodeling one, there are four key areas homeowners should account for when determining which siding option meets your needs: durability, design, maintenance and affordability.

Durability

Siding selection is typically a once-in-a-lifetime decision, making durability a key factor for many. Homeowners should look for a siding option that is resistant to every element, including rain, wind and even the sun. Manufacturers now offer siding products with technologies that resist the damaging impact of the sun, preserving color for the lifetime of the home.

Design

Perhaps the most overwhelming decision for most when considering siding options is deciding on a style and color. There are seven primary siding material options available to homeowners — vinyl, metal, wood, brick, fiber cement, stucco and stone — and countless color and style options within each material type.

Maintenance

Beyond style and color, homeowners also are seeking siding that is low maintenance, which reduces or eliminates the cost and personal time expended for proper upkeep. Each siding material type has a different level of care and maintenance required. Vinyl typically requires just soap and water for periodic cleaning.

Affordability

Lastly, set a budget. Do your homework on the options and secure estimates, then compare them with your budget. Don’t forget that sometimes investing a little more into the project up front may reduce issues and maintenance costs down the road.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.