Nip And Tuck Your Home For Lasting Beauty

12/14/2006

(ARA) - Advances in science and technology have allowed millions of people to enhance their appearance almost immediately through cosmetic surgery. In 2005, Americans spent more than $12.5 billion to make themselves more attractive. Thanks to a cooling housing market and the resulting surge in home improvement projects, this same obsession with appearances can be applied to home exterior renovations, with far more permanent and cost-effective results.

This year, homeowners have invested more than $200 billion in residential exterior products and projects geared towards enhancing the beauty of their home while reducing signs of wear, increasing overall energy efficiency and getting the best return on their investment.

That's one reason the number one choice for exterior cladding in America today is vinyl siding. For nearly the same investment as a facelift, $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of your home, installing vinyl siding is a low-maintenance way for homeowners to increase their home's curb appeal, save money on paint and add energy efficiency. According to the 2005 Cost Versus Value Report published by Remodeling Magazine, these excellent savings benefits allow homeowners to recoup more than 95 percent of their vinyl siding's installation costs.

With heating and cooling accounting for more than 50 percent of overall energy costs for the average homeowner, building professionals and consumers alike more frequently choose products that offer an R-value of at least 3. This can help increase energy efficiency by up to 20 percent and meet the guidelines of an ENERGY STAR qualified home. Savings vary depending on the original amount of insulation in your home, climate, house size, air leaks, and personal energy use and living habits.

And, unlike delicate facelift procedures, you don't have to worry about the wear and tear the environment may have on your home's new look. As calculated by American Society of Testing & Materials Standards (ASTM) industry standards, siding is proven to stand up to 200 mph winds, heavy rain, sleet, snow and extreme hot and cold temperatures. And, the color won't peel, blister or flake, so it doesn't require painting. Courtesy of ARA Content