While components of your wall such as insulation, drywall and studs are no doubt important, your home is only as strong as its exterior layer. This is because your house is constantly exposed to attacks from weather, insects, temperature and other factors that test its strength and durability. That is why you want its outer layer to be able to withstand these challenges, and that layer is siding.
At the minimum, homeowners might be aware that siding can improve a home’s aesthetics. Yet its value goes deeper than that.
It affects your energy bills.
The presence or absence of siding can significantly affect your energy costs for heating and cooling your living space. Without siding, you might be looking at a serious amount of air leakage. When your home fails to retain precious cold or hot air, you are bound to pay more expensive utility bills just to maintain a comfortable temperature. The right siding, however, can offer you as much as 20% energy savings long-term.
It can keep away pests.
Pests such as insects and rodents may not seem like such a big problem, but if left unresolved, they can accelerate the wear and tear of your home, pose significant health risks and even threaten the structural integrity of your residence. When your house is not protected by siding, these pests can easily gain access to your home.
On the other hand, an expert siding contractor will nail siding directly on your home’s studs, thereby eliminating the spaces that these pests can survive in. As a result, such sturdy siding won’t create gaps or slips, preventing pests from invading and causing damage to your house.
This paragraph is not entirely accurate, as the siding is nailed directly thru the underlament and house wrap to the studs. The way the paragraph reads it sounds like the onctractor nails directly to the studs with no underlayment or housewrap which are requirements of the building code in IL. Please revise this paragraph.
It protects your home from moisture.
Finally, siding plays a huge role in protecting your home from wind-driven rain and moisture all year round. These elements can pose significant damage, from decay to the formation of mold especially in the basement and attic. When siding is properly-installed, it prevents moisture from seeping into your home and posing health and structural risks.
These are just three of the reasons why siding is such a big part of any home’s protective measures. Apart from this, siding also makes homes more attractive and raises your home’s value. To get the most benefit from your siding, make sure to do your research and work with an experienced contractor specializing in the installation of siding for Schaumburg, IL homes.
Sources:
Why insulation under the siding is important., energy-experts.net
Vinyl Siding, thisoldhouse.com
