Siding is one of the more important components of a building envelope because it's the first line of defense from exterior threats. It's also one of the more important factors when it comes to the eventual resale value of the home. A siding replacement project can net a homeowner an average return of 79.3%. Upgrading or replacing siding is not always a straightforward job though, so keep these tips in mind regarding the costs and process before contacting a contractor.

Plan a Budget

The average price to replace siding is $12,500, but homeowners can easily spend twice as much if they opt for certain kinds of materials. Brick and fiber cement are some options that can quickly raise a homeowner's budget higher than they planned, especially if the home is under a severe degree of disrepair. A siding upgrade or replacement isn't just the cost of the physical materials, but also the cost of installing the siding on the home—although some homeowners can save money by doing part of the renovation themselves.

Those who want to tighten their wallets should consider engineered wood siding or stucco as an alternative. In addition, homeowners should also be getting several quotes when price shopping to ensure they get a quality contractor for a reasonable price.

Consider Your Responsibility

Homeowners who care about the environment are in luck today, as many siding companies are experimenting with ways to bring beauty and quality to homeowners without endangering our planet's resources. In addition to standard choices like renewable wood siding, homeowners can also buy quality alternatives made from old tree-based materials.

Rather than cutting down trees, siding companies are looking to recycle available materials. From bark to old newspapers, homeowners may be surprised at the variety of available options today. Stucco may also be a good choice because it's made from raw earth.

Production and Disposal Tips

Homeowners should understand more about the manufacturing process of their chosen materials before choosing. While vinyl may be an attractive and durable choice, the plastics and the chemicals it's made of means it will sit in a landfill for quite some time. Fiber cement is made, in part, by decarbonizing limestone, which can bring about additional greenhouse gases. Homeowners don't have to avoid these materials, but green-conscious homeowners may want to use them to accent certain features of the home rather than outfitting them completely.

Maintenance Matters

Homeowners who know they won't have much time to devote to maintaining their siding should factor this in when making their final decisions. When it comes to durability, few things can beat unpainted metal siding. Vinyl is also durable, though it may let moisture into the home if it becomes loose. Wood siding needs to be treated every five years or so to ensure it doesn't warp from outside moisture.

Those who want to keep their siding as pristine as possible should choose stucco because of its high resistance to stains. However, stucco is also more susceptible to woodpecker damage, meaning it may require more maintenance than a homeowner realizes.

Homeowners who want to replace their Morningside home's siding have to consider more just than the price and overall look they want for their home. Before choosing, homeowners need to consider the long-term effects to both the environment and themselves. If a homeowner isn't willing to put in the time and effort to the upkeep of their siding, they may need to choose materials that can stand up to intense conditions all on their own.