A fresh exterior can make your home seem new again. It can relieve you of the hassle of constant painting, provide greater curb appeal, offer energy savings, and enhance the value of your property. There are lots of reasons to consider changing your home’s exterior, but how do you know if you need new siding? Here are some indications:

• There are damaged sections that need repair.
• Existing siding requires excessive maintenance.
• Your home needs additional insulation (certain rooms in your home are too warm or too cold or you have areas of blistering wallpaper or peeling paint). New siding can increase the insulating ability, or R-value, of your home.
• Existing siding has dry rot, insect damage, staining, shows uneven weathering, buckling, or decay.

If you decide to replace your home’s exterior, there are a number of things to consider. What look do you want? Do you want your home to stand out or blend in? What’s your budget? How long will you live in your home? What type of climate do you live in? Here’s an overview of the most popular choices:  

Vinyl. Vinyl siding is manufactured in a variety of styles and colors and never requires painting. Vinyl is an economical choice with low maintenance and a long life. Vinyl resists insects and doesn’t fade, crack, chip, blister, or flake. Vinyl, by itself, is not a good insulator, so it must be installed over insulating material or look for insulated vinyl sliding products.

Wood. Solid wood siding remains popular although it’s a more expensive option. Wood requires ongoing maintenance—sealing, staining, and repainting to prevent water damage, sun damage, and rot. Engineered wood products offer a similar look at a lower cost and with less maintenance. Plus, engineered wood products can be cut and installed quicker and cheaper than wood and can be treated to resist mildew and deterioration.

Fiber-cement. Made of cement, ground sand, and wood fibers, fiber-cement siding provides the look and feel of wood at a much lower cost.
Fiber-cement siding is durable and requires less maintenance. It’s fire and insect proof and doesn't warp. Fiber-cement resists heat and cold well, so it’s energy efficient. 

Stucco. Stucco is a good choice for Spanish, Italian, or Mission-style homes. Stucco is durable and provides good insulation but can crack from poor workmanship or weather. Cracks must be patched to prevent water damage, and the surface requires routine painting. Stucco is normally more expensive to install.

Masonry. Masonry siding using real or manufactured brick or stone is the most expensive option. The look of brick or stone can be replicated with some newer products, or brick or stone siding can be used as an accent to emphasize an architectural feature.

Your home improvement professional can help you determine what’s right for you. Properly installed siding can add insulation, protection from the elements, style, and value to your home.