As a new homeowner, taking your first foray into shopping for siding can be overwhelming. With so many different styles, textures and types, it can be tough to determine which one is right for your home. After all, not only are there a lot of choices, but there's often just as much misinformation. When it comes to vinyl siding, it's a cost-effective and durable option for most homes, but too often homeowners believe the misconceptions and find themselves unhappy with their investment. Here's a look at three facts you need to know before you choose siding for your home.

All Vinyl Siding Panels Are Not Alike

When you're looking for vinyl siding, you'll want to consider the weather hazards of your environment. If you live in a moderate, temperate climate, you may not be concerned, but if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, severe winter storms or other significant weather, you'll want to consider your vinyl siding panels more carefully.

The biggest difference between vinyl siding panels is the thickness of the panel. Thin vinyl siding panels are not going to hold up as well to weather, and they may sag over time. If you want vinyl siding that can stand up to the worst of your area's weather, you'll want to choose premium vinyl siding, which is significantly thicker than the basic panels.

You Can't Ignore Your Vinyl Siding

Some homeowners invest in vinyl siding because they believe that it doesn't require any maintenance. This results in unhappy homeowners when the siding they invested in ends up faded, weathered and stained with mildew, dirt and other residue. The truth is, even vinyl siding needs to be washed every so often to keep the dirt and grime at bay. And, you'll find that vinyl colors may fade after a decade or more on the house, particularly in areas that are persistently exposed to direct sunlight. When compared to wood siding that needs to be repainted every couple of years, though, vinyl siding is pretty low-maintenance.

Vinyl Siding Can't Drastically Cut Your Energy Costs

For homeowners who think that new vinyl siding is going to be the answer to their home energy consumption woes, there's sure to be long-term disappointment. Vinyl siding by itself doesn't have enough insulating properties to have any noticeable effect on your home's energy costs. You can, however, improve your energy costs somewhat by choosing a vinyl siding that has foam insulation included. This foam insulation can help to build a barrier between your siding and the exterior walls, potentially reducing temperature transfer. When paired with sufficient indoor insulation, you may see some savings.

Selecting the right siding for your home isn't always easy, especially when it's your first time buying. With the information here, you can be better informed about vinyl siding to help you decide if it's right for you. A siding installation company, such as Cornerstone Home Improvement, can help you determine what type is the best fit for your home.