Which Siding Materials Will Give Your Home the Greatest Return on Investment

Siding can be an eye-catching element of your home.

When selecting the perfect siding material for your home, it's essential to consider factors that influence not only its curb appeal but also its financial payoff. A wise choice in siding can yield considerable energy savings and amplify your home's market value. Let's delve into the key elements that can significantly affect your siding's return on investment (ROI): initial cost, maintenance cost, strength and durability, and the R-value (the energy-efficiency rating of building materials).

Evaluating Siding Choices

Selecting the ideal siding material requires considering its aesthetic appeal, cost-effectiveness, and performance. Each material comes with its own set of pros and cons, tailored to various budgets and efficiency needs.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is the most commonly used siding material in single family homes. Vinyl siding stands out for its cost-effectiveness and has evolved to offer enhanced durability and a wide range of style options. It's an economical choice that now boasts improved resistance to environmental conditions, maintaining its appeal without compromising quality.

Insulated Siding

Insulated siding addresses thermal bridging, a common energy leak point in homes, providing superior insulation compared to traditional siding. Although it comes with a higher upfront cost, the long-term energy savings justify the investment, making it a wise choice for energy-conscious homeowners.

Composites

Composites are made from a fiber combined with bonding materials. They're manufactured to look like wood, but hold color longer and are more durable than wood.

Fiber cement siding, which was introduced in the late 1990s, is a combination of wood fibers mixed with sand and cement. It’s much thicker than vinyl and withstands harsher climates, generally requiring less maintenance. This increased sturdiness comes as a price, with fiber cement being more costly than both vinyl and insulated siding.

Launched in 2020, ASCEND® Composite Cladding represents a new type of composite that offers greater insulation than fiber cement, is easier to install and has a better warranty. ASCEND® Composite Cladding by Alside is made from polymers infused with glass fibers and graphite. It has an insulation R-value of 2.0 and comes with a lifetime non-prorated warranty.

Engineered Wood Siding

One of the newer materials on the siding market, engineered wood is a combination of wood by-products, like sawdust and wood shavings, held together by bonding agents. This makeup gives the siding the look of natural wood with the added benefit of increased strength. The composition allows the siding to be lightweight and easier to install than most of its counterparts.

The popularity of engineered wood siding is on the rise, largely because it typically comes with a 50-year manufacturer's warranty against rotting and defects. There have been some reports of this material being susceptible to moisture-related problems, however for the most part they're due to improper installation and not the integrity of the siding itself.

Initial Cost

The upfront cost of siding is a critical factor in your decision-making process. While it's tempting to opt for the least expensive option, it's important to balance cost with quality and longevity to ensure you're getting the best value for your investment.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is lauded for its affordability and variety of styles and colors. While it's budget-friendly, advancements have bolstered its durability and resistance to weathering, making it a cost-effective option over the long term.

Insulated Siding

Though pricier than standard vinyl, insulated siding offers enhanced energy efficiency by mitigating thermal bridging, which ultimately contributes to reduced heating and cooling costs. Its initial investment may be higher, but the long-term savings can be significant.

Maintenance Cost

Ongoing maintenance costs are pivotal in assessing the total cost of ownership of your siding. Low-maintenance options can provide substantial savings and convenience over time.

Composites

Composite siding, such as fiber cement, demands minimal upkeep while offering superior durability and resistance to harsh climates. Though its initial cost is higher than vinyl, its longevity and low maintenance needs can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood provides the aesthetic appeal of natural wood without its maintenance demands. While it's relatively new on the market, its ease of installation and resistance to decay, backed by substantial warranties, underscore its value proposition.

Strength and Durability of the Siding

The resilience of your siding material directly impacts its lifespan and, consequently, its ROI. Durable materials withstand environmental stressors better, requiring fewer repairs and replacements.

R-value: Enhancing Energy Efficiency

The R-value measures a material's insulation effectiveness, crucial for energy conservation and cost savings. Higher R-values signify better insulation, contributing to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
When it comes to selecting the right siding for your home, understanding the average R-value for various materials is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your energy efficiency goals. Let's delve into the average R-values for some popular siding options:

1. Vinyl Siding: Traditional vinyl siding typically offers a lower R-value, averaging around R-0.61. While it's cost-effective and durable against the elements, its insulating properties are relatively minimal unless it's specifically insulated vinyl siding.

2. Engineered Wood Siding: Engineered wood siding, which combines wood fibers and exterior-grade resins, offers slightly better insulation than traditional vinyl siding, with an average R-value around R-0.75 to R-0.80. It provides a more natural look while offering decent energy efficiency.

3. Insulated Siding: This category includes vinyl siding with added insulation, often in the form of foam backing. Insulated siding significantly boosts energy efficiency, with average R-values ranging from R-2 to R-7, depending on the product's thickness and material quality.

4. Composite Siding: Composite siding, made from a blend of materials like wood fibers, cement, and sand, provides an R-value that can vary widely based on composition and thickness but generally falls in the R-0.70 to R-1.3 range. It's a versatile and durable option with moderate insulating properties.

5. ASCEND® Composite Cladding by Alside: This innovative product is designed to offer superior energy efficiency, boasting an impressive R-value of up to R-2.0. ASCEND® is engineered for enhanced thermal resistance, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to maximize energy savings and improve indoor comfort.

By comparing these R-values, you can gauge which siding option aligns best with your energy efficiency goals, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Whether you opt for the cutting-edge technology of ASCEND® Composite Cladding or the traditional charm of engineered wood, understanding R-values helps you make a choice that benefits both your home and your energy bills.

Selecting the right siding material involves a holistic view of its cost, maintenance, durability, and energy efficiency. By considering these factors, you can choose a siding option that not only elevates your home's aesthetic but also maximizes its financial return. For expert guidance tailored to your home's specific needs, [schedule a free siding installation consultation /improve/siding-installation) with Sears Home Services.