Achieving A "State of Maintenance-Free(dom)"

Protection

Like a raincoat helping to keep everything underneath dry, the siding on your home helps to keep everything underneath protected from the elements. Aged siding, particularly wood-based siding runs the risk of rotting if it is not well maintained. That means that cedar needs to be regularly stained and wood siding needs to be painted. Peeling caulk should be cut out and replaced. Failure to do so will likely result in cracking, splitting, swelling and rotting of siding materials. The effect is not only the deterioration of the siding itself, but the sheathing layer underneath, eg: plywood, OSB, other. Once moisture has a point of penetration, mold and rot follow, not to mention insects and rodents. The result is typically an expensive repair or replace. For more information on the issues involving bad siding, refer to the blog, What Lurks on the Dark Side.

This same story holds true for old windows, doors, roofs, soffits and facia. Combining harsh weather, time, and lack of preventive care will result in costly repairs and inefficient energy use for your home.

Energy Efficiency

When the topic of energy efficiency comes up, often times the first thing that comes to mind is windows. So, let’s focus there. If your windows are 30-40+ years old, the likelihood of achieving measurable energy efficiency is slim. Windows manufactured in that timeframe cannot compare with modern window technology such as multi-pane, gas filled, low-E glass and vinyl-extruded frames. In fact, according to Energy Star ratings, replacing single-pane windows with double pane can result in an average annual energy savings of 12% in the Northern Zone of the US. This should be of no surprise considering the lack of insulation factors, warpage, worn seals and overall deterioration.

All Craft Exteriors sells and installs two highly rated Energy-Star Partner of The Year window brands: Provia and SoftLite, along with other known brands. These maintenance free, Energy Star-rated windows are designed for durability in our harsh climate, from extreme cold to extreme heat and humidity.

Resale

Going down the path to achieve a total “state of maintenance free(dom)” is not going to bode well for your wallet initially – that is until energy savings and increased home valuations have time to take effect. However, immediate gratification can occur in the “eyes of the beholder” – both you and those who drive by your home. According to the National Association of Realtor’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, people who had their homes resided in vinyl or fiber cement board, 93% have a greater desire to be home since completing their project. Of those who resided, 53% did it to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials while 13% did it because of their plan to sell in the next 2 years. It was also determined that there was 82% of value recovered from a vinyl siding project and 86% for fiber cement siding.

Another viewpoint is from the 2023 Remodeling Cost Vs. Value Report – the cost of vinyl siding replacement is nearly entirely recouped (94.7%) by the resale value it adds to the home. They go on to say that replacement windows recoup around 68.5% of their project cost in resale value.

The Source for Maintenance Free(dom)

Whether you are thinking about an all-inclusive exterior home improvement project or a staggered one spread over a few years, All Craft Exteriors is well equipped to help you achieve a state of “maintenance-free(dom)”. Your mind will be put at ease when you see the vast assortment of quality products combined with All Craft’s life-time installation warranty. This is your opportunity to take a step towards freedom – https://allcraftexteriors.com