While there are a lot of components on the inside of a home, sometimes it can be easy to forget about the importance of exterior wall maintenance. A house's structural integrity begins on the outside, not to mention the boost to curb appeal and home equity derived from quality siding choices and an attractive view.

Therefore, all homeowners should think about upgrading the siding, and performing regular checks for any damage or safety concerns. A home inspection is critical to spot any issues, both before and after a sale. Even if changing residences isn't in the near future, it is smart to know what condition every exterior wall is in to avoid any dangerous situations.

Pick the best siding type

Choosing the best siding comes down to preference, home type and location. According to Better Homes and Gardens, there are several factors for homeowners to consider to ensure they make the right decision.

First off, pick the siding that will be most water resistant based on what part of the country the home is in. In addition, ease of installation should be considered as well, since keeping the price down can help a sale close, or homeowners have the option to save money and do it themselves. Siding is also one of the last lines of defense against a home's heating and cooling escaping. Therefore, pick a type that is energy-efficient, because different versions require certain insulation beneath the surface.

The durability is another factor to consider, since there is little benefit of choosing a type that will just need to be replaced in the coming years. Different regions provide unique temperature shifts throughout the seasons, and some sidings are better equipped for dealing with those fluctuations. Lastly, the best siding is what appeals to the homeowner the most, according to Better Homes and Gardens. Curb appeal should always be considered, and an attractive home is one that might sell faster than its counterpart.

Vinyl siding is the most common choice for homes, and it is also the cheapest and most versatile. There are a variety of color options, and each piece has the ability to be molded to a certain style or shape. Other varieties provide unique options, but each one needs maintenance to be sustainable.

A home inspection is helpful for determining a problem with an exterior wall, and regular upkeep can help reduce the likelihood of any faults occurring.

Maintain different types of home siding

Most types of siding is easy to maintain, but constant neglect can still lead to problems. To prevent anything like this, consider choosing the right type for a home, and still perform regular cleanings.

Since vinyl siding is generally long-lasting, a homeowner needs to be proactive about upkeep. According to HomeAdvisor, loose siding can become a legitimate problem. A strong gust or storm can knock multiple pieces off of a house, or bend them out of shape. Once damaged to certain point, the individual section will need to be replaced.

Additionally, don't forget to clean the exterior of a home. A good power washing regularly will help keep any unwanted pests from moving in, and ensure that curb appeal is a year-round constant. During the summer maintenance is especially important, so during this time a homeowner should be mindful of the house's appearance, HomeAdvisor stated.

Another common type of exterior siding is wood. This option provides a different appeal for homeowners, and maintenance should typically be done every four to five years, depending on the region and weather patterns. A quality wood siding treatment will also result in a wall and window power washing, so making sure a home will last has the extra bonus of a clean house.