Has the aesthetic of your home grown tired? Is your home being exposed to water damage on a daily basis? If so, you should think about swapping out the siding. A siding swap will not only alter the look of your home but its functionally as well.
Wondering which siding materials are available to you? You’re in the right place. We’re going to review the 8 most popular below.
1. Vinyl
The most popular siding material in existence, vinyl offers tons of functionality at a very reasonable price. Low-maintenance and waterproof, it’s designed to hold up for 25 to 30 years of use.
Aesthetically speaking, vinyl is attractive but limited. It possesses a sort of mass-manufactured feel and so is not considered to have high-end appeal. That said, it will do nothing to detract from the overall aesthetic of your home; In fact, in most cases, it will add to it substantially.
Any reputable siding company will tell you: if you’re looking for a solid set-it-and-forget-it material at a low price, you can’t get much better than vinyl.
2. Wood
The classic siding material, wood has been used in homes for hundreds of years. Exceptionally beautiful, it provides rustic charm to any home that it adorns. Not to mention, it can be painted any color.
Unfortunately, there’s a major downside to wood: it’s susceptible to water damage. As such, in order to get the most out of your wood siding, you need to maintain it regularly. Not only does it need to be cleaned consistently, but sealed and stained as well.
That said, if you’re comfortable footing its maintenance costs, wood can be a terrific choice. Why? Because there’s no other siding material that possesses its unique aesthetic.
3. Fiber Cement
Growing in popularity by the day, fiber cement is tough, durable, and attractive. Entirely resistant to water, it’s capable of lasting for over 100 years.
Often designed to mimic wood, it comes fairly close. Note, however, that if you examine the two closely, you can detect fiber cement’s artificial feel. Nonetheless, it’s available in a variety of colors and styles and will do very little to detract from the overall aesthetic of your home.
We should also mention its cost; Fiber cement is expensive. However, when you consider its durability, it actually pays for itself over time.
4. Engineered Wood
If you’re looking for a more water-resistant form of wood, you might consider engineered wood. Engineered wood consists of wood pulp and synthetic polymers, allowing it to thrive through wet conditions with much more success than natural wood.
It generally lasts around 30 years, and with only small amounts of maintenance required. Note, however, that it’s still more maintenance-intensive than fiber cement and vinyl.
Appearance-wise, engineered wood is a terrific mimic of natural wood. However, if you look at it closely, you can spot the difference.
5. Brick
Another material you might consider is brick. Offering a clean and classic aesthetic, it looks great on homes of all kinds.
In addition to its attractive aesthetic, brick is also exceedingly durable. Capable of thriving for over 100 years (with maintenance), it withstands both water and physical trauma.
The problem with brick siding? It’s expensive. However, considering its durability, it offers a great deal of value over time.
6. Metal
If you’re looking for a good deal of durability at a middle-of-the-road price, you might consider going with metal. Metal siding lasts for around 60 years, requiring only small amounts of maintenance along the way. Adorned with a water-resistant coating, it’s fairly resistant to rust.
But that isn’t the only upside of metal. It’s also aesthetically pleasing, providing a unique and high-end appearance that looks great on houses of all kinds.
The price of metal siding is expensive compared to vinyl and wood, but it inexpensive compared to fiber cement and brick. As such, it offers a lot of bang for its buck.
7. Stucco
Another material you might consider is stucco, a material that’s typically found on pueblo-style houses. Consisting of sand, lime, cement, and water, it’s highly resistant to both water and sunlight. As such, it can thrive for over 100 years (with maintenance).
The aesthetic of stucco is an acquired taste. Most people either love it or hate it. Note, however, that it’s only available in a few neutral colors (beige, gray, etc.).
Cost-wise, stucco is actually quite affordable. Make note, though, that the cost of its installation is on the high end.
8. Stone
If you’re looking for the most durable siding material in existence, stone siding is the option for you. This material can last for over 200 years and can withstand essentially anything that’s thrown at. Not only can it withstand water and sunlight but physical trauma as well.
It requires essentially no maintenance. All that it needs is cleaning now and then. This can be facilitated with a power washer.
Aesthetically speaking, stone siding is near the top of the totem pole. Offering a natural and majestic aesthetic, it essentially turns a home into a castle.
The biggest issue with stone siding? It’s expensive . . . very expensive. To cover an entire home with stone siding, you’ll likely have to pay over $80,000. This is akin to buying another house entirely.
It should be mentioned that not all siding companies will install stone. Why? Because it’s not the easiest of tasks and not all companies have the resources needed to facilitate it.
Each of These Siding Materials Has Something to Offer
In truth, each of the siding materials above has something to offer. Regardless of your choice, it will have a large impact on your home’s aesthetics and functionality. Choose carefully!
Looking for other home improvement information? Our website has you covered. We have information on everything from kitchen remodeling to bathroom remodeling to architecture and more.
Browse our other articles now!
