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Top Reasons to Replace Siding

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Siding is one of your house’s primary components, providing protection from the elements and defining the exterior style. As it gets worn or damaged over time, it’s essential to replace siding material, and it’s also a great way to give your exterior a makeover.

There are many benefits to having new siding installed on your home, and the following are just a handful.

Benefits of a Home Exterior Makeover with Siding

Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Refreshing the exterior of your house with replacement siding can dramatically boost curb appeal. It will give the property a vibrant new look, appearing brighter and newer. With a variety of house siding options to consider, you can completely change the color or even the entire style of your house.

Boost Your Home’s Property Value

If you plan to sell your home in the future, replacing the siding could make the biggest difference in boosting its worth. Aside from making it look fresh and more modern, new siding will protect your home from potential structural damage incurred by the weather. While installing new siding on your home may be an investment, it’s one that comes with a hefty return. In fact, going with an option like fiber cement siding is known to have an ROI of 75% to 85% over time.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

New, light-colored siding won’t attract so much of the sun’s heat, helping to reduce your overall energy costs. Add increased insulation to the exterior walls and this benefit will be even clearer in your utility bills.


Repair Unseen Structural Damage to Your Home

It’s common for houses to sustain structural damage underneath their siding without showing any obvious signs to the homeowner. This damage could be a result of rainwater leaking in through cracks around windows, leading to cracks in the drywall. When you hire a professional contractor to replace siding, they can check for and repair any structural damage hiding behind your old siding.

Paint Your Home Less in the Future

Installing one of the many new house siding options will help you save on house painting for a much longer time. You will never need to paint again and save all the money you would of spent on painting.

New siding won’t just make your home look crisp and clean, you’ll feel better after a home exterior makeover, too! Get in touch with a home improvements expert to start making upgrades today.

Front Entry Doors: Fiberglass vs. Steel

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Front entry doors  are the protective barrier between you and the outside world. Choosing a product that provides security, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal is ideal, but what’s best for you: fiberglass vs. steel?

Fiberglass & Steel Front Doors- What’s Best for You?

Appearance

Fiberglass

  • Come in many styles, colors and grains
  • Wood finish has a true resemblance to grain
  • Can be customized to fit your style
  • On-trend

Steel

  • Available in fewer styles and options
  • Cannot be painted to match your home
  • Provides a smooth, unique entry for many homes
  • Available in wood finish, but less authentic look than fiberglass

Installation

Fiberglass

  • Easy to install
  • Involves measuring the door frame, adding the hinges and placing the door into the frame
  • Professionals who work with exterior doors must add additional shims to the sides of the doorway

Steel

  • Door must be cut to the specifications of the doorway measurements
  • Anchors and wall frames are required for the best fit
  • Drywall may be needed around the frame

Security

Fiberglass

  •             Easy to manipulate, making it a less secure option

Steel

  • Steel front entry doors are made of a thicker, more protective material
  • Difficult to break into due to strong hold in the frame of the house

Energy Efficiency

Both fiberglass and steel front doors are more energy efficient than wooden doors, however, fiberglass’s lifespan and ability to handle weather make them a better choice in this case. They expand and contract with the temperatures without releasing controlled climate out of the home.

Durability

Fiberglass

Vulnerable to dents and dings

Lightweight material makes it easier to bend and break through, and potentially crack.

Doesn’t rust overtime, making it a longer-lasting option for exterior doors

Steel
Likely to scratch and dent because of the thinner outer layer

Damage won’t penetrate the inside of the door, making it a sturdy choice

Maintenance

Fiberglass
Can be wiped down, painted and repainted as needed

Can be oiled and sprayed with a pressure washer (on a low setting) for cleaning

Steel
Does not require regular cleaning

Must be well oiled to maintain appearance

Shouldn’t be hosed down often because it can rust

Ultimately it’s up to you and your needs when it comes to fiberglass vs. steel. Either way, you’ll have front entry doors that are safer and more durable than many other selections.