Can your home’s exterior increase the value of your home? If you base value on curb appeal—yes, it can!
Home buyers in coastal South Carolina tend to prioritize a home’s exterior more than other factors. If your home doesn’t look attractive from the outside, prospective buyers may not request a showing.
If you’re looking for a way to increase curb appeal and enjoy an excellent return on investment, consider siding replacement.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about siding your home. We’ve even included tips on choosing the best types of siding. Keep reading to learn more!
1. The Best Time to Replace Your Siding
New siding is often the best remedy for a rough, weathered exterior. If you’re in the planning stage of a siding replacement project, you’re likely curious about the timing.
When is the best time to replace the siding? The answer to this question depends mainly on the type of siding you choose.
For example, vinyl siding is sensitive to temperature extremes. It contracts in the frigid cold and expands when temperatures are scorching. When temperatures are moderate—spring, early or late summer, and fall—you can install vinyl siding without worrying too much about the weather.
Fiber cement board siding, on the other hand, doesn’t expand or contract in extreme temperatures. It’s an all-season product as far as installation goes.
Generally, the temperature will not be an issue if you’re planning a siding replacement in Charleston or anywhere in coastal South Carolina if you choose a fiber cement siding product.
2. The Different Types of Siding
Unlike many other home improvement projects, especially those that require choosing from an endless array of colors, there aren’t nearly as many choices for siding materials. Here are the primary types of siding homeowners choose for siding replacement in Myrtle Beach and Charleston:
- Fiber cement
- Vinyl
- Wood
- Aluminum
- Brick veneer
- Stucco
No matter where you live, you’ll face unique climate challenges. Over time, weather and normal wear and tear erode the integrity of your siding.
While each of the siding materials listed above has some fantastic features and benefits, there are several points to consider when deciding which one will work best for your home.
3. Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home
In 2021, vinyl siding covered 24 percent of new single-family homes. Fiber cement siding—such as James Hardie board siding—was chosen for 23 percent of the new builds. Stucco was the most popular siding material in some parts of the country.
Before you make your final decision, you’ll want to evaluate your siding choices based on the following three factors. Of course, you’ll also need to consider the cost of your siding replacement.
Energy Efficiency
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature year-round isn’t cheap. Worn-out siding can result in heat loss or gain due to air leaks. In the average home, heating and cooling cost more than half of the monthly utility bill.
Aluminum is not an energy-efficient siding material. Neither is brick veneer. Wood and stucco rank high for energy efficiency, but vinyl—if insulated—and fiber cement board rank higher.
Maintenance
Naturally, you want to cover your home with low-maintenance siding material. Some materials, such as wood and aluminum, require regular refinishing. Wood siding, in particular, needs extra care to keep it properly maintained.
While usually considered low maintenance, vinyl siding doesn’t always fare well under extreme weather conditions (as mentioned earlier). It’s also susceptible to impact cracks and can hide moisture behind the panels, which puts your home at risk of mold development.
Fiber cement board siding stands up well to weather and insects. You won’t need to repaint it for 10-15 years.
Resale value
Whether you’re listing your home soon or plan to live in it for several more years, it’s wise to invest in home improvement projects that offer the best return.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, if you choose vinyl siding, you can recoup 67 percent of your investment when you sell your home. Homeowners who choose fiber cement board siding can enjoy a 68 percent return on investment.
4. How Long Will Your New Siding Last?
Longevity is a significant factor when thinking about siding replacement. You can cover your home in the most energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing material, but none of that matters if you need to replace it every few years.
If you pay attention to routine maintenance, you could get 20-50 years of service from your new siding. Of course, the type of siding material you choose impacts longevity.
Wood, vinyl, and fiber cement board are the most long-lasting siding materials. Of the three, vinyl siding and fiber cement board siding require the most minor care to maximize lifespan. Purchased from the right supplier, fiber cement board offers the best opportunity for longevity.
5. How to Choose a Siding Contractor
If you find a reputable, experienced local siding contractor, you’ve discovered a true gem. Here are a few things to consider before authorizing a contractor to begin your siding project:
- Reviews from satisfied clients
- Make sure to hire a siding specialist
- Established history in the community
Finally, ensure that your siding contractor has plenty of experience working with your chosen materials.
Replacing your siding gives you a rare opportunity. This one project can boost curb appeal and increase the resale value of your home. The right contractor can make or break the success of your siding project.
Contact Us Today and Schedule Your Siding Replacement
We’ve covered quite a bit in this small space, but we’re confident that you now have enough information to take the next step in your siding replacement project.
Since 2012, Contract Exteriors has completed more James Hardie siding replacement projects than any company in South Carolina. We’ve earned numerous siding awards, including the 2021 James Hardie Guild Quality Customer Service Award.
When you choose us, you choose a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor and a member of the James Hardie President’s Club. We’re also certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute.
Contact us and schedule an estimate.
