Whether you’re building a new home, or want to spruce up your existing house, siding can really make a difference. Choosing the right siding material will help you pull your home’s look together, and these days, there is an abundance of choices when it comes to exterior siding. Here are the most popular types of siding, along with the pros and cons of each.
Vinyl Siding
Versatile vinyl siding is low in cost and easy to maintain. The most popular siding material in the U.S., vinyl is durable, water-resistant, easy to install, and now comes in a variety of colors and styles. The technology behind vinyl manufacturing has changed dramatically, and today’s vinyl siding does not have to look “plastic” — rather, it can now mimic wood and other natural elements. Vinyl is also easier to install than other siding options, so it is appealing to those who want to go the DIY route. However, be careful to follow the manufacturer’s complete instructions if you choose to install your vinyl siding yourself, as mistakes can be quite costly.
Wood Siding
Beautiful and rustic, wood offers a natural, yet rich look to any home. It can also be quite durable with proper maintenance. The periodic maintenance required to keep the wood siding looking great includes caulking, painting, staining, and pest control. Wood is susceptible to water damage, rot, and insect infestations. Sealing and painting regularly can help protect your wood siding, as can frequent termite inspections and treatments. Wood siding can also be treated with a fire retardant. With its higher initial cost and necessary periodic maintenance, wood tends to be a pricier option for exterior siding.
Brick Siding
Made from fired clay, genuine brick comes has been used for hundreds of years and has stood the test of time. Its classic look is available these days in a veneer that is constructed outside of a home’s wood frame structure, with mortar used to hold the bricks together. Because water can get behind brick veneers, a protective membrane is installed between the veneer and the house.
This type of siding can last a lifetime when installed properly. It is another pricier option, however, due to the labor-intensive installation and the material costs.
Fiber Cement Siding
Bob Vila calls it “Wonder Siding” and with good reason. Fiber cement siding (also known as Hardie Plank after its inventor) is truly able to look like stone, stucco, or wood — but at a lower cost. It has few downsides if any. It’s pest-resistant, water-resistant, low maintenance, and non-flammable. Plus, fiber cement siding can be found in a variety of styles, textures, colors, and finishes. When fiber cement siding first became available, it was prone to possible moisture-related problems. Those issues have been long since fixed, and now it’s a very popular option for homeowners who want a more upscale look than vinyl but don’t want the problems, maintenance, and higher cost associated with natural materials.
Stucco Siding
A classic look found on Mediterranean, ranch, and Spanish-mission exteriors, traditional stucco is made from building sand, Portland cement, lime, and water. To protect the walls underneath, installers apply a waterproof barrier paper and galvanized-metal screening on the wood walls before they add stucco. Stucco is very rigid, so it must be installed by someone who is very experienced with it, or the homeowner will end up with unwanted cracks. However, if the stucco siding is properly installed and maintained, it can last the lifetime of the house.
Stone and Stone-veneer Siding
The natural beauty and durability of stone can add texture and visual interest to your home. Stone is more expensive than other siding options and can be difficult to add to an existing home. Stone veneer siding offers a lighter-weight and less expensive option for homeowners who want that stone look, but don’t have the budget for granite or limestone. Stone-veneer siding comes in natural and synthetic materials, with many styles available. It can easily be maintained with yearly cleaning.
Add color and definition to your house with an exterior siding. The abundance of options on the market today lets you create the perfect façade for your home. Contact us at DryHome Roofing and Siding today for more information and an estimate on the siding you want for your home.
