Adding new siding to your home can do more than protect your home—it can boost your curb appeal. Is your home showing signs that you need to replace your siding?
If so, it’s important to know your options for new siding. Let’s take a look at the different siding materials including the pros, cons, and maintenance for each option. You can then decide what is best for you and your home.
Vinyl Home Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most versatile and popular options for siding. It is relatively inexpensive to install, and you can also install vinyl over other residential siding materials.
There are also several options for you to choose from including texture and color. You can find siding to resemble other types of siding including wood shingles, stone, and wood-grain lap siding.
Pros
You do not need to paint your vinyl siding. It is already coated with a color layer and that color is baked-in. The coloring also runs all the way through the siding, so it will not scratch off or get stripped.
Vinyl siding is also pretty inexpensive. Some of the other materials can cost up to four times more than vinyl. It is typically your cheapest siding option.
Cons
You need to use an expert for installation because faulty installation can cause issues. You can have more troubles long-term. If the siding is nailed in too tight, it can warp, bulge, or crack.
Vinyl can fade over time if you have a sunny climate. You can’t use paint to revive the color because it will crack and peel after a short time.
Vinyl siding may allow moisture to get below the surface. While your home has a wrap installed under the siding, it can get punctured by nails while it is installed. This causes a leak and allows moisture to get it.
You still have to care for your vinyl siding because things like mold, dirt, and grime can build up. You should spray your vinyl down with a garden hose from time to time. Luckily, the slick surface means that debris and dust should come off easily. For tougher grime build-up, you may want to power wash your siding.
Wood Siding
For a more natural look, wood siding is a popular choice. Wood siding is easy to cut, install, and shape into any style. There are also a wide variety of wood species to choose from for different looks and durability.
If you choose quality wood siding, it can last for decades with proper care.
Pros
One of the more practical advantages of wood siding is that it is more readily available and can be installed more quickly. Wood is typically easy to install. This means it is also easy to replace if it is damaged, including small damaged sections.
Wood is also environmentally friendly if you are looking to lower your carbon footprint. Wood shingles will never go in a landfill.
Wood is also easy to paint or stain, so you can update the look of your home without replacing siding again.
Cons
Speaking of painting wood siding, this can also be a drawback. You have to paint or stain your wood siding regularly to protect it from insects and the environment. Without proper stain or treatment, wood siding will rot and is susceptible to pests like insects, termites, and woodpeckers.
For more natural protection against weather and insects, you can choose cedar or redwood.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is one of the newest of all siding options. It is made from a mixture of clay, pulp, sand, and cement. Fiber cement is very stable and also relatively easy to maintain.
You can choose to have fiber cement mimic the look of masonry, stucco, wood clapboard, and shingles. It is also termite-proof and fire-resistant.
Pros
Fiber cement can withstand about all climates including salty air. You can also customize it as we mentioned above, and you can paint this material easily for a change or update to your home.
This material is extremely durable. It also provides great protection from pests and other insects, and since there is concrete, animals cannot easily chew and enter the siding. Mold cannot grow because this siding is seamless and doesn’t have overlapped areas.
Cons
Maintenance can be tricky. You may find that you need more maintenance because you will need to repaint it. You will need to wash your siding using a garden hose and mild detergent like you do with vinyl siding.
Because installation is more difficult, this siding can be expensive. Also, fiber siding may not provide as much insulation by itself.
Metal Siding
Metal is durable with special vinyl or special plastic coating to prevent fading and weathering. Metal is extremely attractive and can be placed right over other types of siding. It can be noisy at times, and metal costs can fluctuate depending on market conditions.
Pros
Metal siding is extremely low maintenance compared to other types of materials. You will need to power wash it annually using stains to remove stains.
Pests do not like metal, so you won’t have to worry about insects burrowing in metal.
Metal is also one of the most durable types of siding. It can resist damage from tough environments and weather conditions.
You can also improve lower your heating and cooling bills because metal is reflective, so it won’t absorb the sun’s rays making your AC run more in the summer months.
You can’t forget about the style of metal. You can modernize your home with a variety of finishes and colors.
Cons
Metal does come with a higher cost compared to other home siding options. It is higher quality material and installation costs also cost more. There are more warranties and it does have longevity.
If you ever have to replace one of the panels, it can be tricky at times. If a small section is damaged, you will have to replace the entire panel. Metal is also prone to dents and imperfections.
Finding the Right Exterior Siding Materials
Now, that you have a better idea of four of the more popular siding materials, you can figure out what is best for you. First, determine your budget and decide the look you want for your home. If you don’t want to worry about maintenance, you may want to consider vinyl siding.
Ready to get some new siding? Contact us today for a free estimate. We are excited to work with you and will respond quickly to your needs.
