The Best Siding To Improve Your Energy Efficiency & Lower Utility Bills

Your home’s energy efficiency is important for a few reasons, but perhaps the two most important reasons are: an energy efficient home is good for the environment and good for your wallet. There are a few ways you can improve the overall energy efficiency of your home, yet one of the most beautiful  and most effective ways is to invest in new siding. In this article, we will be taking a look at the energy efficiency of three different siding materials currently available on the market – fiber cement siding, wood siding and vinyl siding – so when the time comes to replace your siding, you will have a good idea of the material that will best suit your home and needs.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is a mix of wood fibers, sand and cement. It is thicker than other siding materials, which means it can better withstand volatile weather conditions like hail or storms. Its thickness also means it offers better insulative properties, which ultimately helps lower your utility bills throughout the year as it keeps warm air trapped inside in winter, and cool, conditioned air inside during the  summer. Fiber cement siding does not require as much maintenance as wood siding, and the paint lasts a lot longer once it has been installed in comparison to wood siding. And, if durability is important to you, fiber cement siding is one of the most durable siding materials available.

Advantages

• Good insulative properties  
• Not susceptible to termites
• Water-resistant
• Fireproof
• Plenty of options in terms of texture and color

Disadvantages

• Installation can be more complicated due to heavy material
• More expensive than other types of siding 

Wood Siding 

Wood siding is an extremely popular choice due to its excellent energy efficiency and eco-friendly material. It also offers great protection from the elements and is very durable. It is made of biodegradable materials and does not require much processing or treatment, making it one of the most environmentally friendly siding materials out there. It also has great insulative properties and prevents the loss of warm air during the winter and keeps in the cool air during the summer, which in turn helps keep your utility bills low. Furthermore, wood siding protects the structure of your home from excessive heat, water and dryness.

Advantages

• Excellent insulator
• Environmentally friendly 
• Aesthetically pleasing 
• Can be easily replaced
• Durable 
• Resistant to volatile weather

Disadvantages

• Can be costly
• Requires regular maintenance (staining/re-painting)
• Termites can often be an issue 

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is perhaps one of the most, if not the most, popular siding choices, especially for homeowners across Maryland and Virginia. It is one of the best siding choices available due to its ability to withstand the elements of nature, while also perfectly mimicking the look of a variety of cladding such as stone, wood and slate, but at a fraction of the cost. And, if you are looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home, vinyl siding pairs perfectly with insulated siding, which is a foam that adds an extra layer of insulation to your home. 

Advantages

• Durable
• Resistant to harsh weather
• Economical
• Eco-friendly

Disadvantages

• Cannot be painted over once installed
• Repairs require replacement of entire sections

For even greater energy efficiency and energy savings, we recommend insulated siding. 

Insulated siding is a material that combines the benefits of exterior siding with an extra layer to the back of the material. It is most commonly added to vinyl siding. Insulated siding has countless benefits and while it is true that the walls of your home are already insulated, the more insulation, the better! This is because any type of insulation creates a ‘blanket’ over your home so the more you have, the more blanket layers you are giving your home. And the more layers, the less likely it is for air to enter your home and the less likely it is for conditioned air to escape. This not only makes your home much more energy efficient, but also can greatly reduce your utility bills throughout the year.