By Jeff Brown
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June 10, 2019
While some of us consider home improvements as a necessary part of home maintenance there is another side to the story. Naturally if your house needed a new driveway, a new roof, new siding or a fresh coat of paint and serious updates to the interior then your house will not sell for anywhere near the same house in the same neighborhood with that list up to date. So consider that new siding a home is one of those improvements that can add a significant amount of resale value to your property. In fact the National Association of Realtor’s reported that siding replacement is one of the best choices for improving home value. Whether the siding you chose is vinyl, fiber cement, or foam-backed vinyl, the decision to re-side a house has consistently increased resale value for homeowners. New siding definitely improves “curb” appeal. It also can save on energy costs. This makes for a smart investment now and in future. Vinyl Siding One of the most popular options which is reasonably priced, lightweight, and virtually maintenance-free while providing thermal protection to the home’s exterior is vinyl siding. It comes in a wide variety of colors and trim options. Fiber Cement Siding Fiber-cement siding is often called “hardiplank” or “hardie board”. This siding is resistant to moisture, fire, termites and rot. In addition, it doesn’t flex. It is installed much the same way as traditional lapboard or wood siding in that it is nailed directly to your home. This siding can be custom primed and painted at the factory. It also has a variety of trim options. Insulated Vinyl Siding Insulated vinyl siding is standard vinyl siding with a backing of solid rigid foam insulation. This means the siding will lay flat against the house. It also creates a solid foam barrier that is more energy efficient and less vulnerable to weather. Because it is significantly stiffer than standard vinyl it is much more resistant to warping and movement. Cost and Value Comparisons On average Vinyl siding is about 17% less expensive than Fiber Cement and about 24% less than Insulated Vinyl. The resale values for siding replacement also hold steady. Industry statistics indicate home-owners recoup between 70% to 80% of their investment cost.