Siding is the armor that protects the walls of your home from the elements. It is an important part of any home, but it is especially important for older homes which are more vulnerable to problems with their walls, such as cracks and leaks. Let’s discuss why siding helps prevent these problems.
Aging Gracefully
One of the main benefits of home siding is that it can add stability to an older home. Many homes that are several hundred years old have wood siding exteriors that help to hold the entire structure together. If even a small area of that siding is damaged, it makes way for weather damage, rot, and pests. Once those harmful elements are introduced, they can quickly cause extensive damage that compromises the structure.
The Old Home Debate
The love of old homes and preserving their integrity is a never-ending debate. Some people believe that any changes, such as adding siding, to an old home take away from its historic value and uniqueness. However, others believe that the addition of siding (or other necessary updates) can actually help to preserve the home by reversing the damage that is otherwise quickly destroying it. Some older homes seem so far gone that renovation is the only option, so if you find yourself in the middle of the debate, it may be helpful to consider all sides before making a decision. Just remember, anything you can do to help a dilapidating historic home is better than doing nothing at all.
Siding Options
Now that we’ve covered the importance of siding, and why it makes sense to use it as a stabilization tool, let’s talk about the myriad of options that were designed with old homes in mind. Vinyl siding, for instance, has options in the shake and shingle style that was seen prevalently on old home exteriors. There are many colors to choose from, and the shingles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, including cedar and scalloped. These options come together to give any old home a warm welcome back to its former beauty and strength and will have passers-by taking notice of the improvement.
Durability
Siding is no small investment, which is just one more reason to look at options such as vinyl. While neighbors with wood siding are scraping and painting every few years, a homeowner with vinyl siding can rest easy knowing that their home will be protected for a long time.
Old homes need more love and attention than their newer counterparts, but they are definitely worth the effort. Home siding is one way to give your old home a facelift that will not only improve its curb appeal but will also help to stabilize and protect it from the elements. With all of the siding options available on the market today, you are sure to find one that will suit your home and your budget.
