Installing New Roofing and Exteriors is Like Investing in Your Home
New roofing and exteriors will transform your home. Whether you try out a new roofing material or a different type of siding, you may be surprised how much of a positive difference the change will be. And since the roof and siding form the outer protective shell of your home, renovations are an investment in your home as well.
Replace Aging Siding
Age is a leading cause of deteriorating roofing and exteriors. As siding ages, it begins to lose its luster, starts to decay around the edges, and often pulls the fasteners loose because of years of winds subtly prying the siding away from the home. These minor damages can be corrected with regular maintenance for several years, but eventually the movement of one item against another will wear down the siding and replacement will be the final solution.
3 Great Siding Options
Home siding comes in many different materials and styles. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages in relation to longevity, energy conservation, and cost, among other factors. Here are 3 popular siding materials, and why they are at the top of the list.
T-111 Siding - Perhaps the most economical siding material, this wood siding comes in sheets that are applied vertically. It can last for up to 20 years but requires periodic maintenance, including painting every few years.
Fiber Composite - Sometimes referred to by its most-familiar commercial name Hardee Board, this siding may be applied in sheets or planks. Because it is a composite covering, it has a longevity of around 30 years and provides exceptional insulation when compared to other sidings. The downside is that this long-lasting home exterior is relatively expensive to install.
Vinyl Siding - Vinyl siding is low-cost and durable, offering up to 30 years of exterior protection. Vinyl is available in many colors, allowing it to be matched with your roofing color without painting.
How a Roof Affects Value
As the upper covering of your home, the roof plays a big part in maintaining your property value. Roof materials include asphalt shingles, metal, and clay tile, to name only a few. As with siding, the material you select will determine the longevity of the roof, the amount of maintenance it requires, and more. In general, metal and tile are the longest-lasting materials, with asphalt being the shortest, at around 20-30 years.
Renovation is a Great Investment
Putting money back into your home is a great way to invest in the future. Remodeling adds equity to the home, reduces energy consumption, and reinforces the protection that the home provides for its occupants. As for the investment, research shows that installing a new asphalt roof -- the least expensive option-- will increase the home value by around 68 percent of the installation cost. The remaining cost is recouped over time through reductions in energy use, maintenance, and repeated repairs.
You can completely re-cover the exterior of your home in about a week with professional roof replacement services. And the work isn't just for beautification or investment. A lot of a home's energy loss is through the siding and roof, so the replacement will even pay for itself over the years, further increasing the financial benefits of investing in renovation.
