The siding on your home has two big jobs: look gorgeous, and act as a protective fortress. At Worth Exteriors and Interiors we choose to build with the best products out there. James Hardie makes the world’s highest performance fiber cement siding, trim, backer board and more. Worth Exteriors and Interiors is your #1 certified James Hardie installer!

Siding guards your home against pests, water, fire, and other damages caused by vulnerability to the great outdoors. Midwest winters, and hard spring rains.. Improper or damaged siding can lead to mold, deterioration of walls, high energy costs, and issues with your home’s structural integrity.

Aside from these core functions, siding contributes to the overall curb appeal of a home––which is crucial when it comes time to sell. In fact, 99% of Realtors believe curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2018 Remodeling Impact Report.

When recent home buyers were asked what was most important to them, 29% chose windows, doors, and siding installation. If your siding has seen better days, fix it up to attract more buyers, increase your home’s value, and protect your family and investment from the elements.

Here are some clear-cut signs that your siding needs to be replaced or repaired:

• Cracked panels
• Loose panels
• Warped or rotted panels
• Mold
• Holes in the panels
• Bubbles under siding
• Multiple different repaint jobs within a few years
• Signs of moisture inside the home
• Increased energy costs

5 tips to choose the perfect siding for your home.

1. Look at the current siding on your house

If you don’t need a full siding replacement, don’t take on the cost. First, see if a power wash or individual panel repair is possible. You most likely will need to replace your siding if it’s older than 30 years old or damaged beyond repair. When you pick a new siding, stay with a similar material to avoid extra costs. For example, a switch from vinyl siding to stucco siding is drastic and therefore poses extra costs and issues with installation.

2. Consider the climate in your area

Here in the Midwest our weather changes drastically to the maximum extremes. The durability of most siding materials is dependent on the weather. If you get a lot of rain, don’t choose stucco or wood siding. In climates with extreme weather, choose a siding that can withstand impact, like steel or engineered wood.

3. Tap into your local real estate market to find regional trends

A top real estate agent can tell you which types of siding materials buyers in your area prefer.

4. Take a look around your neighborhood

If the houses in your neighborhood each have the same type of siding, don’t choose a different one. Houses that stick out and look like they don’t belong don’t appeal to buyers. Choose a siding that blends with the other houses in the neighborhood to help your house sell faster and for more money.

5. Choose a color that complements the rest of your home

Once the siding is installed, there’s no going back. Choose a neutral color that matches your roof, trim, front door, and landscaping. Don’t get fancy with bright colors––stay inside the lines with grays, blues, whites, and light yellows.

It’s true: siding does increase home value

Brand new or damaged siding can drastically affect your home’s value. Worn, cracked, discolored siding will turn buyers away and could lower your home’s value in an appraisal. With upgraded siding, you enhance your curb appeal, which will bring more buyers through the door.

Modern siding can help decrease energy costs and protect your home from natural disasters and damaging weather.

We recommend the following options for new siding:

• For a wood-like siding: James Hardie fiber cement
• For a colored siding: seamless steel
• For a stone siding/feature: manufactured stone

As always, working with top professionals with experience like Worth Exteriors and Interiors will save time and money on any of your upcoming home projects in or out.