The Siding Options That Will Reduce Heating Costs For Your Home In Northern Virginia or Maryland

Replacing the siding of your home is not an easy decision to make. There are countless factors to take into account, from price and durability to aesthetic criteria and energy efficiency. In fact, one of the major concerns of homeowners in the climate of Northern Virginia and Maryland is how adequate siding can help reduce their heating costs.

Thankfully, homeowners have many choices from which to choose. From wood to aluminum, there is a vast array of options can all effectively help reduce the heating costs of your home.

If you are also in the market for a new siding that reduces your energy bill, take a look at all the available options before making your decision. Here is a guide to help you choose the type of siding that suits your home and budget.

Fiber Cement Siding

The main advantage of this type of siding is that it is made to look like wood, but it is made of a composite of sand, cellulose, and cement. It is also less expensive than wood siding and requires less maintenance.

Wood Siding

Cedar is the most popular choice when it comes to wood siding.  While its insulation properties are excellent, wood siding requires a lot of maintenance – you need to repaint it or reapply stain every few years in order to prevent it from decaying.

Steel Siding

This is the ideal siding if you live in an area prone to extreme weather. Steel has remarkable resistance to any type of elements and is very low maintenance. It is also a very durable option, but you need to know that the upfront price is quite high.

Aluminum Siding

While not a great insulator, aluminum can withstand temperature changes and is ideal if you often like experimenting with colors. It also requires minimal maintenance – mostly repairing scratches every few years.

Vinyl Siding

For Northern Virginia and Maryland homeowners that care a lot about saving on their heating bills, vinyl siding is one of the best choices. In fact, it is also the most popular choice in the area; here are some reasons why:

• It is affordable.
• Vinyl siding requires no painting and minimal upkeep.
• It cannot be damaged by insects or water; thus, it doesn’t just insulate your home, it also keeps it pest free and dry.
• Vinyl siding comes in a variety of styles and colors so that every homeowner can choose the one that fits best the style of the neighborhood.
• If aesthetics are especially important to you, you can always use shake style siding. The shakes are made of vinyl, but they imitate the look and feel of cedar wood. You can have the look without any of the disadvantages, like high maintenance.

Last, but not least, if you want to make sure that your heating savings are significant, you can always add insulation to your vinyl siding. Aside from the cost savings, there are numerous other benefits of insulated siding that homeowners rave about:

• Noise cancellation: energy efficient insulated siding is also a great silencer. If you are a light sleeper or live in a noisy area, you should definitely consider this option.
• Durability: insulated vinyl siding can withstand sudden temperature changes, as well as extreme weather conditions better than any other siding.
• Eco-friendliness: many types of siding can leak dangerous chemicals into the air outside and, most importantly, inside your home. Insulated vinyl siding is safe for you and your family.

If you’re searching for the siding that will reduce heating costs for your home, you’re in luck. Vinyl is not only reliable, but it’s also affordable.