Perhaps no other building material plays such as key role in your home as siding. It protects your house against the harshest elements and is a factor in your home’s appearance, architectural character, and value.

A vinyl siding replacement, for instance, recoups more than 78% of its initial cost at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value Report. Fiber-cement siding returns 87% — one of the highest national average values in the report. Here’s our guide to common siding replacement options based on your budget, maintenance tolerance, and green priorities.    CONTINUE READING