Siding and windows make a dramatic impact on the exterior of your home, shielding it from weather damage while increasing its resale value.
Are you contemplating home improvements and wondering if it makes financial sense to replace siding and windows at once. Many homeowners decide this route due to its convenience and lower cost.
Siding is a protective layer
Siding is your first line of defense against weather elements like sun, rain, snow and heat. Additionally, siding helps keep moisture out of the house and inhibits mold growth.
Homes and commercial buildings often choose siding based on aesthetic appeal, offering a distinctive visual. Selecting the best material for your needs can be an expensive investment for home owners, so it’s essential to select one that meets all requirements.
Insulated siding has become an increasingly popular alternative to vinyl siding in recent years. These products integrate exterior cladding and insulation into one package, increasing energy efficiency and cutting heating costs while still preserving your home’s style and curb appeal.
Stucco is a type of siding commonly seen on Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes. Made up of cement, water, lime and other aggregates, stucco provides excellent insulation but can be expensive to install and prone to cracking due to settlement or weathering.
Wood is a popular siding option, both natural and engineered. It’s durable and can be painted to match your home’s interior; however, it tends to be more costly than other materials and susceptible to termites.
Composite siding has grown increasingly popular over the past two decades as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to wood. While these sidings mimic traditional siding, they contain polymers, fiberglass, stone, sand and other materials which make them more environmentally friendly and easier to maintain.
Aluminum and steel are popular siding materials that can mimic wood grain patterns when painted. These durable siding options may be best suited to coastal climates or areas prone to storms or hail damage.
Fiber cement siding has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the years. Constructed from wood fibers and real cement, this durable option comes in an array of colors and is easy to install with high compressive strength.
When selecting siding for your home, consulting a professional is recommended. They can help narrow down the choices and find what works best with both your house and budget. Plus, they provide 3D modeling of your house to demonstrate exactly how each option will appear on your house.
Windows are a source of light
Windows are an integral part of your home’s energy efficiency, as they allow light into your space and reduce utility bills. Plus, strategically placed windows can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your house too – saving you money every month while making it look fantastic!
Light is not only essential for improving the aesthetic of your home, it has been linked to improved moods, better sleep and overall wellbeing. The right amount of natural light has been linked with enhanced wellbeing such as increased energy levels and better concentration.
One of the best ways to bring more natural light into your home is by installing windows with expansive views. Sliding, bay, bow windows, and other operable options can provide stunning panoramas from any room of your residence.
You can also use glass blocks and patterned or obscured glass to diffuse natural light in your home. These options are especially helpful in bathrooms and showers where privacy is desired.
If you want to bring even more light into your home, consider installing clerestory windows. These are perfect for rooms with high ceilings as they create a seamless transition between outdoor living space and indoor living area.
The sun is the source of many different types of light, including direct beam and reflected beam sunlight. Bringing more natural sunlight into your home can have numerous positive effects – improved health, lower energy costs, increased happiness.
Making your home more energy efficient can be done in several ways, but one of the most efficient is replacing outdated windows with new ones. To achieve ENERGY STAR ratings on replacement windows, certain types must let more light in than other styles; finding an optimal balance can help save you money on electricity bills.
Making your windows more energy-efficient is another way to make them more comfortable for you and your family by installing low-emissivity or argon-filled glass. This helps keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer by minimizing heat loss. Not only will these savings give your family a healthier lifestyle, but they’ll also reduce monthly utility bills too!
Siding is a way to enhance the appearance of your home
Siding is an integral component of a home’s exterior, protecting it from weather damage and other external influences while adding visual interest. Furthermore, siding plays an integral role in improving energy efficiency and safety by blocking out external influences.
New siding is a great way to spruce up the look of your home and increase its value. You have many materials, textures, and colors to choose from in order to achieve exactly the aesthetic you’re going for.
Texture is a major trend in home design, and siding is no exception. Combining different styles and textures gives your house an eye-catching appearance that will attract potential buyers’ attention.
One popular texture for home siding is board and batten style, which often appears on modern homes to give the facade a rustic yet timeless aesthetic. This type of siding can also be combined with other materials like natural stone for an even more stunning appearance.
Another option is fiber cement siding, which combines wood fibers and real cement to produce a stronger and more attractive home siding product. This siding is often associated with James Hardie company and has become popular among many homeowners.
It requires minimal upkeep compared to other siding options and is fire and insect resistant. Unfortunately, its price point is higher than other siding choices and painting may be necessary every few years.
Other siding options to consider include metal and vinyl. While these products can be painted any color you desire, they may not be as long-lasting as other options.
To ensure you select the perfect siding for your home, consult a professional contractor. They can explain the advantages, features, costs and sustainability of each product to assist in finding what’s best suited to your residence.
When selling your house, siding can be a significant investment that will boost its resale value. It’s essential to consult with an experienced real estate agent in order to discover which siding materials and colors are in demand in your market and how best to recoup your investment when it comes time to sell your home.
Windows are a key part of your home’s energy efficiency
Windows are an integral part of home design and energy efficiency. By selecting energy-saving windows for your home, you not only save money but also live more comfortably.
Energy Star(r) certified products offer both immediate and long-term savings, with many local utilities offering rebates for installing them. Furthermore, making the necessary energy efficiency upgrades can improve your quality of life by reducing air pollution in your home.
Heat loss through windows accounts for a considerable portion of heating and cooling expenses, so replacing old windows with energy efficient ones can significantly reduce your monthly utility bill. Furthermore, upgrading insulation in your attic and basement may be beneficial.
Insulating your home helps keep heat inside in winter and out during summer, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep temperatures comfortable. It’s an effortless and affordable way to make your house more energy-efficient.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is often the most energy efficient window choice. This glass has been treated with a thin film of metallic particles that reflect heat away, keeping your home cooler in winter and warmer in summer.
Spacers and thermally resistant frames can also help slow the flow of heat through your windows. By interrupting this pathway with less conductive materials like insulation and low-conductance gases like argon, you can further reduce energy loss.
These features can be found on many ENERGY STAR windows. Look for the ENERGY STAR logo or National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label to guarantee you’re buying a high-performing window.
The National FRC uses a reliable and standard test procedure to assess window unit performance and issues certifications for energy-saving products. In addition to U-factors, certified windows undergo evaluation for solar heat gain coefficients and visible transmittance values.
The NFRC label is useful because it enables consumers to compare windows and assess their energy-related characteristics. Furthermore, it gives them insight into how well a window will perform in various climates.