Unless you are in the industry, you are likely unfamiliar with how certain components of your home function. Sure, we understand that the roof keeps our home safe from the weather, and that laying a strong foundation keeps our home from crumbling. We also understand the basics, like how we need plumbing and grounded electricity to keep our homes running smoothly, and so on. However, aside from creating the exterior of our home, what is the true purpose of siding for our home? Technically, the wood beneath the siding creates the walls. However, siding is an essential piece of our home’s exterior, and works harder at protecting us and our belongings. In addition to protecting us, it can make or break the value of your home, both aesthetically and in terms of construction.
The Purpose of Siding
Siding is for the side of your home what the roof is for the top of your home. It is the material that will
protect your home and its contents from any outdoor elements. Whether it be weather or animal related, siding will make sure that nothing seeps into your exterior walls, and wreaks havoc onto your home and belongings.
The secondary function of siding is to make your home look more unique and beautiful. Well maintained siding can add value to your property, even making it the envy of others on the block. This is key to not only raising your home’s resale value, but maintaining the resale value of other homes within the neighborhood.
When Siding Fails
Once again, it is important to place the same emphasis on your siding as you do to your roof. When siding begins to fail, the interior of your home may become damaged. Once you begin to notice cracks or missing pieces of siding, water can begin to get into your walls, causing water damage, mold, and even potential electrical damage. This can be detrimental to your home’s safety and your family’s ability to reside in the home. What started as a small problem needing minimal repair can become a large problem requiring thousands of dollars of reconstruction and temporary displacement.
In regard to the aesthetic need of siding, weathered siding is not only bad for your home, but for the neighborhood. Weathered siding portrays the lack of care you take in maintaining your property. It can create an adverse effect by lowering property values throughout your entire neighborhood, thereby causing an uncomfortable living environment for your family and neighbors. Moreover, once the siding begins to weather, it becomes more susceptible to damage that can lead to additional interior damage, thus creating a vicious cycle.
No matter what type of siding you have (vinyl, stone, wood, brick, or any other material), it is important to keep it well maintained and to immediately repair any issues as they occur. If you are in need of repairing or replacing siding for your home, contact the experts at R&R Remodeling, Inc. at (952) 856-0575. Their remodeling experts will help you understand the options involved with siding and what will best fit your needs and budget.