Almost every home improvement you make to your home increases its value. Generally speaking, the larger or more expensive the improvement, the more the value will increase. In other words, when it comes to improvements such as replacing windows or siding, a better quality of material will actually increase your home's overall value.
If you plan on living in your home for some time after making the improvement, you will also reap the benefits that way as well, enjoying your new deck, bigger kitchen, or lower utility bills. Often it's best to keep the big picture in mind, and consider the long-term benefits rather than just the short-term savings.
Wear and tear - Newer, man-made materials such as no-rot composites and cellular PVC are making significant inroads in the market, finding popularity with builders and consumers alike due to their obvious benefits. For example, in the Midwest a primed and painted finger-joint pine trim might make it to 15 years. Cellular PVC trim, however, would easily last twice as long.
Cellular PVC is more energy-efficient than vinyl windows, can be painted, and won't be affected by termites. It looks like wood, acts like wood, but won't weather like wood. The paint won't blister and peel. Wood, on the other hand, requires maintenance. It must be treated regularly.
In 10 years, wood will usually start to show signs of rotting and cracking. If those trouble spots aren't repainted, the sun, rain, and snow will exacerbate the process and introduce mold and moisture into the picture, and possibly into the home. Soon replacement, rather than repair, becomes the only real option.
The benefits of energy efficiency - Whether it's your home siding, your roof, or your windows, choosing higher-quality materials almost always means better-performing materials when it comes to energy conservation.
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