When it comes to investing in your home, sometimes big projects aren’t always the wisest investment. Every home could use some extra TLC every now and then, but it can be difficult to know where to begin or how big of a project you want to take on. Investing in your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve compiled a list of simple improvements that can turn a small investment now into a big payoff later.
Month: October 2021
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
There are several reasons that fall is the most popular season – the perfect temperature, cozy fires, and the start of the holiday season to name a few. Fall is also the perfect season for home maintenance. Take advantage of the perfect weather to explore your home’s exterior and make sure it’s ready for winter! Here’s a great checklist to help you:
How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home
When looking for siding to install on your home, the sheer amount of options can be overwhelming. Siding is one of the most important elements of your home’s exterior and can significantly impact many facets of your home, including the curb appeal! Lucky for you, we’ve broken it down into two steps to help you navigate the process.
Explore Material Options
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most popular choices for siding on the market right now. It’s valued for its relatively low cost (around $160-$250 per square foot) and is very customizable, with lots of colors and patterns to choose from that can craft an appearance similar to that of wood siding. Additionally, while it’s not entirely free of maintenance needs, it is relatively low-maintenance as far as siding is concerned.
One drawback of vinyl siding is that if you live in a historic neighborhood where none of your neighbors have vinyl siding, investing in vinyl might bring the value of your home down. Look around at homes in your area to see if any of them have vinyl siding to be sure!
Wood
Wood siding is the most timeless, classic aesthetic choice out of all the siding options and is very popular for this reason. On top of being a savvy design choice, wood siding is easily replaced, making maintenance costs relatively low, very eco-friendly, and easy to paint!
However, wood siding is susceptible to insect and water damage and costs more than other siding options.
Fiber Cement
Durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance, fiber cement siding is also a great option. It’s non-combustible, withstands moisture/rot damage, and is termite and pest-resistant, especially handy if you’re the kind of homeowner who despises creatures of the insect variety.
However, one potential drawback of fiber cement siding is that it’s not very energy efficient if you’re looking to keep things on the low end with your utility bills.
Foam-backed Vinyl
Foam-backed vinyl siding is standard vinyl siding with a backing of foam insulation included. The foam-backed siding looks and feels more durable and solid than its uninsulated vinyl siding counterpart, thus enhancing thermal insulation. However, due to the added materials required for foam-backed vinyl siding, it is significantly more costly than other siding options.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding is a lower-cost, easy to install alternative to solid wood siding for those looking for the aesthetic appeal of wood siding without the strain on their pocketbook. On top of being more cost-effective, engineered wood is also more resistant to insects than its natural wood counterpart.
There are a couple of drawbacks to engineered wood siding that should be noted, though. For example, any damage to the exterior coating will result in the siding taking in moisture and warping. Additionally, engineered wood will require an increased amount of maintenance and repainting.
Metal
Homes might not be most people’s first thought when it comes to metal siding, but metal siding is on the rise with homeowners because of its longevity and environmental sustainability. Additionally, metal can be manufactured to imitate other types of siding. It’s also resistant to bugs, mold, and fire.
However, metal siding tends to have an expensive cost upfront. Many homeowners who’ve gone with the metal option say that what you pay for upfront is worth it because of the lack of maintenance it requires.
Explore Style Options
There are three primary siding styles a homeowner in the market for new siding should know about. However, some siding styles are limited by the material you choose, so make sure to ask your contractor what the best option is for you.
Shingle
Shingle siding can either be used as an accent feature or the main style of siding across the whole home. Typically, wood is used as the material for shingle siding but other options are also a possibility!
Board and Batten
Board and batten siding consists of an arrangement of vertical batten strips and is often used to connote a rustic, classic aesthetic.
Horizontal Lap
Horizontal lap siding is the most common style, where siding planks are placed horizontally over each other to create a very traditional, classic feel.
No matter what material or style you decide is best for you and your family, we hope that the exterior of your home is all that you dreamed of. Here at Paradise Home Improvement, we understand the importance of your home’s siding and are committed to making sure you have the best team of contractors available to work with you from start to finish on all your siding needs. Check out our gallery of sliding projects here!
The Importance of Professional Roofing Maintenance
A new roof is a serious investment for any homeowner to make, but it does not end after the install is completed. Ensuring that your roof is regularly maintained can help protect you from expensive issues that can quickly get out of hand if not fixed by a professional. Keep your roof in top condition as long as possible by providing proper roof maintenance and upkeep by PHI.