Want to Up Curb Appeal? Try This
Whether looking to improve a home’s curb appeal out of choice or necessity, enhancing the exterior of the house can be easily accomplished with one smart upgrade. Vinyl siding, says Vicki Payne, host of PBS series “For Your Home”, not only looks beautiful, but can boost resale value when it is time to sell. Here’s why.
After winter, wood or fiber cement siding may be swollen, cracked, pitted, peeling or fading, says Payne. These can be signs of freeze/thaw or water damage and the affected areas may need repair or replacement. Vinyl siding is PVC-based, so it does not absorb water, and has a “rainscreening” design that won’t trap water behind the cladding. Many homeowners choose to repaint wood or fiber cement siding. The finish on vinyl siding retains a freshly painted look for years, eliminating the need to touch up with paint in the future. While there are hundreds of vinyl colors to choose from, consider colors indicative of the architectural style of your home, Payne suggests. No one wants to be taken by surprise with a costly repair. Nearly 98 percent of the vinyl siding sold in the United States is certified to meet or exceed standards for quality, such as color retention and performance, says Payne. Generally speaking, vinyl siding warranties cover the original owner for a lifetime and 50 years from the date of installation for subsequent owners. There are also innovations in siding that can actually reduce your energy consumption, adds Payne. Insulated siding wraps your home in continuous insulation, preventing heat or air conditioning from escaping through the studs, so your home stays cool in summer and warm in winter. If not installed properly, all cladding will be vulnerable to damage over time. Vinyl siding is the only exterior cladding with a certified installer program with validation by an independent, third-party administrator. Certified installers have years of installation experience, knowledge of proper installation techniques consistent with the industry-recognized installation standard, and have passed a rigorous certification exam. Source: VinylSiding.org |
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