Siding and Cladding – 5 important things to consider when residing
Exterior design is an important part of creating an inviting, attractive home. After all, it is the outside of your home that serves as a first impression. One of the most effective ways of improving the look of your property is to reside your home. Damaged siding undoubtedly must be replaced, but even stained, aged siding can make an otherwise charming home look rundown and unkempt.
Homeowners may naturally be a bit intimidated by taking on such a significant renovation, knowing well that whatever option they choose they will have to live with for years. There are a number of different materials on the market, and considering what is trendy can make the decision even more tricky. Thankfully you can simplify the process and make an informed decision by keeping just a few key points in mind.
Here are the five main factors to take into account when siding your house.
1. Siding Durability
(Luxury Villa, by LOGG Arkitekter)
The overall cost and time requirements involved in a home siding renovation is reason enough to ensure that the siding you choose is going to last for as long as possible. The tougher the material is, the more resilient it will be against weather, moisture, pests, and accidents.
Interestingly, it isn’t always the most popular siding materials that are the toughest. For example, vinyl siding is a very common choice for homeowners needing inexpensive siding. Unfortunately what comes with the low cost is sensitivity to temperature, a likelihood to crack or warp, and a reduced lifespan.
Instead, choose a material like modified wood. Kebony’s modified wood is highly durable, on par with luxury hardwoods, and highly resistant to moisture. Insects and other wood-destroying microorganisms aren’t attracted to modified wood like they are to regular wood siding either.
2. Siding Maintenance
(Hillside House, by NORM Architects)
Traditional wood siding has steadily been falling out of favor namely due to one reason – it has very high maintenance needs. High-maintenance siding is more likely to fail and need premature replacement. The reason most siding fails is due to neglect. The more care the material needs, the more likely it will be neglected.
Thankfully modified wood allows homeowners to get beautiful real wood siding, without the expensive and time-consuming care issues. Modified wood only requires the simplest of cleaning to keep it looking in tip-top shape. You do not need to restain, repaint, or otherwise perform any kinds of surface treatment. Simply use water and a brush to remove dirt as needed.
3. Siding Sustainability
(The Elements, by AR Design Studio)
Many homeowners feel they have a certain responsibility to the environment and rightly so. Concerns about shifts in the climate as well as heightened awareness about where materials come from have many homeowners looking more towards the green side of things.
Searching for a siding that is sustainable and as least harmful to the environment as possible limits the selection down to the most eco-friendly materials. Wood siding is a sustainable choice, if harvested only from managed new growth woodlots, but the use of toxic chemical treatments can make wood a poor choice. Again, modified wood steps up to the plate and surpasses regular wood with flying colors.
Modified wood is completely free of toxins and won’t off-gas VOCs either. The raw wood is collected only from managed forests and the manufacturing or modifying process is less harmful compared to the manufacturing of brick veneer, fiber cement, vinyl, etc. Better yet, modified wood can be recycled and safely burned just like raw, untreated wood.
4. Curb appeal
Curb appeal is important for two main reasons – pride in your home and the potential sale of your home (more on that later). Curb appeal is a phrase used to describe the attractiveness of your home’s exterior, meaning how beautiful and welcoming your home looks from someone standing on the street curb.
A good method of determining what type of siding has the most curb appeal for your area is to simply look at other homes in your neighborhood. You can also go off of what you deem to be attractive, but consider that you may grow to dislike a very peculiar color siding that is no longer trending or one that doesn’t mesh with the neighborhood.
Modified wood siding offers the look of traditional wood and will never go out of style. It allows you to create a very warm, enticing exterior that is neutral enough that you can do any type of landscaping or colored trim you’d like to add style.
5. Resale value
(Aberdeenshire House, by HRI Architects)
Homeowners that have the slightest interest in eventually selling their home must think about how their choice of siding can affect the value of the home. If you plan on selling your home with 5 years or less and decide to go with vinyl, this might save you a few dollars but won’t do much to make your home’s monetary value rise. It is important to keep Return on Investment (ROI) in mind.
The key to getting a good ROI on a residing project is to choose siding that will increase value, but isn’t so wildly expensive you’ll lose on a significant amount of money. Remember, boring or cheap siding also means your home will be on the market for longer. A great choice for a homeowner that wants the most bang for their buck and get their home sold more quickly is new modified wood siding. Real estate agents will be quick to point out this type of siding to prospective buyers and sell them on the numerous advantages of this stunning yet tough siding.
Rather than viewing the process of residing as a headache, see it instead as an opportunity to give your home a facelift. Researching and comparing various types of siding can seem tedious, but it is an important factor in choosing a siding that will bring you joy for many years to come. Opting for high-performance options like Kebony’s modified wood is your best bet for a home that is not only classically beautiful, but also tough, easy to care for, and eco-friendly.