A Quick Rundown of the Most Popular Home Exterior Siding Options

Are you looking to improve your home’s exterior and increase its value with new siding? You need to know what your options are so you can pick exterior siding that suits your home and meets your expectations.

There are several types of house siding options that are available to homeowners. Each one has its own look, advantages, and disadvantages.

If you’re ready to give your home a face-lift, new house siding is the perfect start. To learn more about exterior siding options, read on.

Considerations When Choosing Exterior Siding

Choosing the right siding isn’t just about aesthetics. You’ll have a lot more than looks to keep in mind when making your decision.

For many homeowners, the cost is a big deciding factor. Cost can vary greatly depending on what materials you choose. Installation costs will also vary with different types of materials.

Durability should also be taken into consideration when deciding on the best exterior siding for a particular house. This is an important aspect, especially for those who live in areas with extreme weather conditions. More durable options require less maintenance, leaving more time and money for you to do what you want.

Water resistance is something to keep in mind as well. If you live in an area with a lot of moisture, you’ll want to select siding that will hold up over time.

Energy efficiency is also important. Some siding materials will help your home regulate temperature better than others.

To learn more about these common siding types, you can compare here the pros and cons before making your final decision.

Types of Exterior Siding

There’s a siding for nearly every preference. Whether your main concern is sharp aesthetics or exceptional durability, you’ll find an option that meets your needs.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for several reasons. Durability, ease of installment, and lower cost are its most enticing characteristics.

Vinyl Siding Advantages

Vinyl siding has plenty to offer as an exterior siding option. Vinyl siding:

• Comes in an array of color choices
• Is offered in multiple texture options
• Is available in multiple profiles, including vertical or horizontal panels, shakes, beaded, shingles, dutch lap, and scallops
• Is easy to clean
• Is cost-effective
• Is durable
• Usually comes with an excellent warranty

Because of these advantages, vinyl siding is the most popular siding option among homeowners.

Vinyl Siding Disadvantages

While vinyl siding is a great choice for your exterior, it does have its disadvantages. Vinyl siding:

• Is not waterproof, so continuous moisture exposure could be problematic
• Is prone to bending and bowing in extreme hot or cold weather
• Cannot be painted a new color
• Can be dented by fallen branches, hail, and other objects

Reasonable prices, durability, and appearance options make vinyl a winner in most situations. However, if you live in a high precipitation area, a region with extreme weather conditions, or like to change colors from time to time, you might consider another siding material.

Wood Siding

Wood siding has a timeless look and comes in a variety of profiles and wood types. It is beautiful and durable.

Unlike vinyl, it requires regular maintenance. If kept up, it can last from decades to a century.

Wood Siding Advantages

Wood siding has a nice list of advantages. Wood siding is:

• Eco-friendly
• Energy efficient, with a high R-value
• Lightweight and installs more quickly than other siding types

Additionally, wood can be painted or stained in the color of your choice. If you grow tired of the color you picked, changing it is a few paint cans away.

Wood Siding Disadvantages

With maintenance, wood can stand the test of time beautifully. While it’s natural and energy efficient, there are a few aspects some might consider disadvantages. Wood siding:

• Requires regular maintenance, which can be costly
• Can be damaged by water, rodents, and insects
• Isn’t fire resistant, making it less ideal for drier climates

Wood can be much pricier than vinyl. You’ll have to cover material costs, installation costs, and finishing costs. Finishes include paint and stain.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is a composite of wood, cement, and sand. It’s manufactured to look like natural wood, but with greater durability and pest resistance.

Fiber Cement Advantages

Fiber cement siding offers a mix of the advantages boasted by vinyl and wood. Fiber cement siding:

• Looks and feels like wood without the maintenance
• Isn’t susceptible to insects
• Is fire resistant
• Won’t rot and withstands salty coastal air
• Comes in a variety of textures

Fiber cement is a versatile option for those who seek a real wood look with added protection from pests and fire.

Fiber Cement Disadvantages

Fiber cement is a sturdy choice, but you should be aware of its disadvantages. Fiber cement:

• Is two to three times more expensive than vinyl
• Requires repair and repainting of dents or chips
• Must be repainted every ten to fifteen years

Overall, fiber cement is a great siding choice for those who love the look of real wood, but desire a more fire, pest, and rot resistant material.

Brick Veneer Siding

Brick veneer is a durable siding option. It’s a single layer of bricks fastened to the wooden frame of a house. It looks great, doesn’t fade, doesn’t need painting, and generally won’t dent or break.

Brick Veneer Advantages

Brick veneer is a great pick when durability is a priority. Brick veneer:

• Can last decades
• Requires no painting or staining
• Is fire resistant

This is a great choice for homeowners who want to install siding and walk away.

Brick Veneer Disadvantages

Brick veneer is tough and attractive, but it has some drawbacks. Brick veneer:

• Is more expensive than other siding options
• Is difficult to restore to its original state if painted
• May require mortar joint repair after many years

If cost isn’t the most important factor, brick is an excellent low-maintenance, durable exterior material.

The Right Siding for Your Home

Exterior siding instantly refreshes the look of a home. It also helps hold heat in and keep moisture and pests out.

Looking for more information on home renovation and repair? Check out these great posts today.