Choosing the Right Sidingin Maryland

Siding Options for Every Type of Property

Exterior siding plays a crucial role in protecting your home or any other building you own from harsh weather conditions, enhancing curb appeal, and adding value to your property. With so many options available in the market, choosing the best siding can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, Thunder Bay Roofing is here to help. In this comprehensive guide, our Edgewater siding contractors will take you through the essential factors to consider before making a final decision on your siding choice. Learn more by calling our Anne Arundel County siding company at 410-956-7663.

Why Choosing the Right Siding Matters

Siding isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s your home’s first line of defense against external elements like rain, wind, snow, and UV rays. The right siding:

• Protects your home: High-quality siding can protect your home from water damage, mold, and other hazards.
• Enhances energy efficiency: Well-insulated siding reduces heating and cooling costs.
• Boosts curb appeal: New siding can transform your home’s appearance, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
• Increases property value: According to real estate experts, homeowners can recoup up to 76% of the cost of new siding in resale value.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Siding

Budget

Your budget is a significant factor when selecting the best siding materials. Vinyl siding is typically the most affordable option, with costs ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot, whereas brick siding can be quite costly, often between $6 and $15 per square foot.

It’s essential to take into account the long-term advantages and durability of the various siding options before making a final decision. At Thunder Bay Roofing, we offer a range of siding options, including cedar siding and fiber cement siding, to fit different budgets without compromising on quality.

Climate

The climate in Edgewater, MD, and surrounding areas can affect the durability and longevity of your siding material. Our region experiences hot, humid summers and relatively mild winters, with occasional severe weather events. Given these conditions, you may want to consider a durable and water-resistant option like fiber cement siding or vinyl siding, which can withstand humidity and potential storm damage.

Wind Resistance

Wind resistance is crucial for siding, especially in areas prone to storms or high winds. Consider these factors:

• Wind Speed Ratings: Look for siding rated for winds above 110 mph for high-wind regions, such as vinyl or fiber cement siding.
• Installation Techniques: Proper siding installation is key to wind resistance. Our Maryland siding contractors use wind-resistant nailing patterns.
• Material Choice: Fiber cement and engineered wood siding often offer superior wind resistance.
• Interlocking Systems: Some vinyl siding features interlocking panels for enhanced wind resistance.

UV Protection

UV protection is essential for maintaining your siding’s appearance and integrity, particularly in sunny climates:

• UV-Resistant Coatings: Many modern siding options, such as vinyl siding and fiber cement siding include UV-resistant finishes to prevent fading and degradation.
• Color Retention: Look for siding with color retention guarantees, often found in higher-quality vinyl siding and fiber cement siding products.
• Reflective Technologies: Some siding, such as vinyl siding and fiber cement siding, uses reflective technology to combat UV damage.
• Material Considerations: Fiber cement siding and certain engineered wood products typically offer better UV resistance than traditional wood siding.

Style

Your home or building’s architectural style and personal preferences can also influence your choice of siding materials. For instance, if you have a property with traditional architecture common in Edgewater or Annapolis, wood siding can add warmth and character, while a modern property may look better with fiber cement siding or metal siding.

Natural wood siding, in particular, offers aesthetic appeal and durability, developing a beautiful patina over time and providing excellent insulation properties. However, real wood requires regular treatment to prevent decay and pest issues. Our experienced contractors can help you choose a siding option that complements your property’s style and enhances its curb appeal.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is more important than ever, especially in Maryland’s variable climate. Insulated siding options can help reduce energy costs by providing better insulation and reducing heat loss. This is particularly beneficial in our area, as it can help keep your property cool during humid summers and warm in the winter.

Thunder Bay Roofing offers a variety of insulated siding options in different materials, such as vinyl siding and fiber cement siding, which can help you save money on your energy bills over time.

Maintenance Requirements

Some siding options require more frequent maintenance, while others are low maintenance. If you have a busy lifestyle or prefer a hands-off approach, you may want to consider lower-maintenance options such as vinyl siding or fiber cement siding. Our team can guide you through the siding maintenance requirements of different materials to help you make an informed decision.

Durability

Consider the durability of the siding material, especially given Edgewater’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and potential exposure to salt air and occasional severe weather. Brick siding, fiber cement siding, and high-quality vinyl siding are some of the most durable siding options available. They can withstand high winds and impact from flying debris while also resisting damage from moisture, insects, and rot. Additionally, natural stone offers exceptional durability and aesthetic benefits, significantly enhancing curb appeal and lasting longer than materials like vinyl.

Environmental Impact

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your siding choice, consider using eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood siding or recycled vinyl siding. Some siding materials, such as fiber cement, are made from sustainable and renewable resources.

Thunder Bay Roofing is committed to offering environmentally conscious house siding options as well as siding options for businesses and other properties for our clients in Edgewater and the surrounding areas.

Local Regulations

Edgewater, MD, and nearby communities may have specific requirements for siding materials and installation methods. Our team at Thunder Bay Roofing is well-versed in local building codes and regulations. We’ll ensure that your chosen siding meets all requirements and is installed correctly.

Local Trends and Neighborhood Aesthetics

When choosing siding in Edgewater, MD, consider the prevalent styles in your neighborhood. Traditional colonial homes often feature wood or fiber cement siding in muted colors, while coastal-inspired properties may opt for vinyl or engineered wood in light, beachy tones. Observe nearby homes and consult with local real estate agents to ensure your siding choice complements the area’s aesthetic while still reflecting your personal style.

Siding Ratings and Certifications

Siding ratings and certifications are standardized measures of quality and performance set by organizations like ASTM International. These ratings typically assess factors such as weatherability, wind load resistance, energy efficiency, and durability, providing homeowners and contractors with assurance that certified products meet or exceed industry standards

Look for siding with high R-values, which indicate better insulation properties. For instance, insulated vinyl siding typically has an R-value between 2.0 and 2.7, while fiber cement siding’s R-value is around 0.5. Additionally, seek out Energy Star-certified siding products, which can help reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent. These ratings and certifications provide tangible metrics for comparing different siding options.

Installation Techniques

The installation method can significantly impact your siding’s performance and longevity. In Edgewater, where humidity and occasional severe weather are concerns, proper installation is crucial. For example, vinyl siding should be installed with a gap to allow for expansion and contraction, while fiber cement requires special cutting tools and techniques to prevent chipping. Our siding contractors follow manufacturer guidelines to maximize your siding’s lifespan and effectiveness.

Resale Value

Choosing the right siding can boost your home or property’s resale value. In Edgewater, durable and low-maintenance options like vinyl and fiber cement often offer the best return on investment. According to recent data, fiber cement siding can recoup up to 77 percent of its cost at resale, while vinyl siding offers a return of about 75 percent. Consider these figures when weighing the initial cost against the long-term value, especially if you plan to sell your home in the future.

Insurance Considerations

Your choice of siding can affect your home insurance premiums. In Edgewater, where coastal weather patterns can be a concern, impact-resistant siding materials like fiber cement or high-quality vinyl may qualify for insurance discounts. Some insurance companies offer up to 10 percent off premiums for homes with durable, weather-resistant siding. Consult with your insurance provider about potential discounts for different siding materials and how they might affect your coverage.

Long-term Performance

When evaluating siding options, consider their long-term performance in Edgewater’s climate. Vinyl siding typically lasts 20 to 40 years and requires minimal maintenance, while fiber cement siding can last 50+ years with proper care.

Wood siding, though beautiful, may need repainting every five to seven years due to humidity exposure. Most manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 20 years to lifetime coverage. Factor these long-term considerations, including maintenance requirements and warranty terms, when making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions