CUSTOMER REVIEWS
High-quality home siding comes with perks. Extra protection from the elements and improved curb appeal are just a few of the big ones. It also offsets some of its own costs by helping you lower your energy costs in both summer and winter, due to its improved insulation abilities. This can be particularly noticeable in a state like Massachusetts, with snowy winters and warm summers.
Keep reading to discover how updated siding can help insulate your home, leading to reduced energy costs in both summer and winter.
How New Siding Reduces Energy Loss in Your Home
Installing new quality siding can reduce energy loss by sealing it from the exterior. Some concrete ways in which that helps avoid energy loss are:
- It adds another layer of insulation. The biggest difference is made by the fact that a modern, properly installed siding places a layer of foam between the house and the exterior, creating an extra thermal barrier. This slows heat transfer, meaning that it’s harder for the cold to get in during the winter and it heats up more slowly in the summer.
- It seals any existing leaks and gaps. If your siding is old, it’s probably gotten some cracks and loose joints along the way. The home itself may have some spots where it lacks proper insulation, and new siding will help seal them.
- It keeps moisture out. Rain and wind will eventually find their way into an improperly sealed home. Once water penetrates the outer siding, it reduces insulation effectiveness while also causing issues like mold and rot, so new siding can also help prevent future repairs while making energy bills lower.
- It helps deflect heat. New siding can also keep your home cooler during the summer months. It does it by reflecting sunlight.
Insulation Benefits of Modern Siding Systems
New siding helps insulate your home, ultimately leading to one thing: your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a steady temperature. Heat naturally moves toward colder areas, so an improperly insulated home will let heat escape through the walls in the winter and let it get inside during the summer. This puts a lot of strain on your HVAC system, as it struggles to keep a comfortable indoor temperature.
New energy-efficient siding adds thermal resistance, meaning it will take much longer for heat to escape in the winter and keep it outside longer in the summer. Indoor temperature changes happen more slowly this way. This helps your HVAC system save energy by not having to constantly work to maintain a steady temperature, ultimately leading to lower energy bills.
Types of Energy-Efficient Siding Materials
There are multiple types of energy-efficient siding available. Some popular ones are:
Composite Siding
Composite siding is ideal for homes in seasonal climates like Massachusetts because of its excellent weather resistance. It uses a mix of wood wafers pressed together and coated with wafers, and it’s also treated with special chemicals to help avoid insects and fungi. It’s easy to install, highly durable due to its lightweight, and since it comes pre-primed, it gives you the option of painting in whatever color you think would best suit your home.
Fiber Cement Siding
This type of siding is made from cement, sand, water, and cellulose. It’s heavier than most other siding materials, meaning that it may be more challenging and expensive to install, but its excellent durability can make it worth it. The mix is built to last up to 50 years or more. It also withstands harsh weather and issues like rot, mold, insects, and even fire. On top of that, it looks great, as it can be designed to resemble natural wood.
Vinyl Siding
This siding’s affordability and low maintenance make it popular with homeowners. It also comes in multiple colors and styles, which can make it easy to find one that suits your particular tastes. They may not provide the high-end look of other siding materials, but they make up for it with their price and durability.
Wood Siding
If you’re looking for a classic natural look, nothing beats wood. It also comes in a wide variety of colors, and it’s relatively easy to repair a small section when needed. It’s pretty high-maintenance, though, as you’d expect from a natural material. It needs regular painting and sealing and can be a fire risk if not properly coated, but that gorgeous natural aesthetic may make up for it.
Signs Your Current Siding Is Costing You Money
If you’re wondering where the high energy bill is coming from, there are some things to be on the lookout for in your home. Here are some signs to look for that might hint at higher energy use:
- You notice visible cracks, fractures, or splits in or on your home.
- You sense a slight draft near an exterior wall.
- There are signs of moisture or water damage inside your home.
- Your current siding panels look faded or warped.
- You notice that your energy bills are higher than before, for no apparent reason.
Professional Installation Makes the Difference
Having high-quality siding materials is an essential first step, but they may not be able to help you lower your energy bills if they’re not installed correctly. Our team at DelPrete Home Improvements has the experience and local know-how to install your new siding the right way. We’re also highly detail-oriented and will pay extra attention to vulnerable areas like openings, which can maximize its lifespan and improve the home’s energy efficiency.
Start Saving on Energy Bills with DelPrete Home Improvements
A properly installed new home siding can basically pay for itself over time, if it’s correctly installed. If you’re ready to take that step, DelPrete Home Improvements can help you choose the right material for your needs and preferences, while also guaranteeing proper installation. Contact us today, and our consultants will help you understand all your options and costs, and help you choose a siding that will pay off in the long run by improving efficiency and enhancing your home’s curb appeal.