The Benefits & Drawbacks of Siding

Siding is a very popular material for the exterior walls of homes. Vinyl siding in particular is commonly used because of its versatility, easy installation, and its low cost. Of course, siding also has its drawbacks. But it’s important to research the benefits and drawbacks of siding so that you can make an informed decision about what kind of material you want to use on the exterior of your home.

Pros of Siding

There’s a reason that siding is such a popular option for home exteriors. To start, it’s versatile and comes in different materials, including vinyl, wood, and metal.

Siding Is Inexpensive

One of the main reasons for siding’s popularity is its low cost. Vinyl siding in particular is very inexpensive, as far as housing materials go. Other types of siding may cost more than vinyl, but even these may be less expensive than stone or brick.

Siding Has a Versatile Appearance

Siding can come in a variety of different colors. Depending on the type of siding, it may come in the color you’re looking for when you purchase it, requiring no painting. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of different colors. Wood siding can be stained in a variety of natural wood tones or can be painted a variety of different colors.

Siding Doesn’t Require a Lot of Maintenance

The actual maintenance needs of siding depend on the materials used to make the siding. Vinyl siding in particular is very low-maintenance. This is because vinyl is a slick surface and it’s difficult for debris like dust and dirt to stick to it. This means that spraying it down with a hose periodically is generally the most maintenance you have to do with vinyl siding. Vinyl isn’t painted, so there’s no repainting or paint maintenance required. Other types of siding may require more maintenance.

Cons of Siding

Siding isn’t the right home material for everyone. Despite its advantages, there are some drawbacks that homeowners should be aware of before making the decision to invest in siding for their homes.

Siding Can Lower Home Value (In Some Situations)

In general, siding itself doesn’t lower the value of a home. Having any type of exterior home material fall into disrepair is more likely to have a negative impact on home value. However, there is one circumstance under which siding could lower your home’s value. If you live in a historic building or a historic neighborhood and siding doesn’t fit the aesthetic, then it could end up costing you.

Siding Depends on Installation Quality

The benefits of siding often depend on the quality of the installation of the siding. If the siding isn’t installed properly, it can cause problems both for the inside and the exterior of the house. It’s important for homeowners to research contractors before they hire one to install siding so that you know you’re going to get the job done right the first time.