Siding not only protects your house from the weather, but it can dramatically increase the curb appeal of your home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average homeowner will pay between $5,000 and $14,050 to have new exterior home siding installed. With so many attractive types of siding, you want to pick the one that best fits your budget and style of your home.
If you’re in the market for new siding, let us help you get on the right track. Our experienced staff at Advanced Roofing & Siding are here to answer any questions and help guide you to the perfect siding for your home.
Most Popular Siding Materials
There are many types of siding options, the final choice comes down to personal preference as well as budget and climate where you live.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is the most installed siding material on homes in the United States and Canada. Vinyl siding is the most affordable siding material. Vinyl siding is low maintenance and comes in a variety of colors and styles.
Pros
Vinyl siding is fabricated material that can mimic more expensive siding. Vinyl siding is suitable for a wide variety of architectural styles. Vinyl Siding is the most economical siding material.
Cons
Vinyl siding does not last as long as other more expensive materials. Vinyl siding may fade, crack and fall apart over time. Cheap vinyl siding can be aesthetically unattractive when installed and will deteriorate more quickly than higher quality vinyl. Vinyl is not eco-friendly and cannot be recycled.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding has been around for approximately 20 years. Despite being relatively new, engineered wood siding has become a popular choice with homeowners and builders. Engineered wood siding gives you the look of real wood without the maintenance and high cost.
Pros
Engineered wood siding offers lasting durability with low maintenance and an authentic wood look. Engineered wood siding is more environmentally friendly than vinyl siding because it is made partially from recycled wood materials.
Cons
The disadvantages of engineered wood siding are variation in product quality, no history of durability (relatively new product), and susceptibility to rot and mold due to moisture retention.
Natural Wood
Natural wood siding is available in a variety of grades and species options. Natural wood siding is the most aesthetically pleasing wood-based siding option, for obvious reasons.
Pros
Natural wood siding can be painted or finished almost any way you like. Natural wood siding can be used on virtually any architectural style home. Natural wood siding is highly sustainable and eco-friendly.
Cons
Natural wood siding is very high maintenance. Natural wood siding requires meticulous care to preserve its durability and keep it looking good. Poorly maintained natural wood siding is highly susceptible to rot, termites, mold, moisture, and fire.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding was the most popular type of siding less than 20 years ago. Aluminum siding is still a low-maintenance and low-cost residential siding option. Aluminum siding is best suited for contemporary, ranch, and shotgun style homes.
Pros
Aluminum siding works well in coastal climates and holds up well in the salty air. Aluminum siding doesn’t break down and will not absorb moisture or fall prey to mildew and mold. Aluminum siding is insect-proof and fire-resistant. Aluminum siding is eco-friendly because it can be recycled.
Cons
Aluminum siding dents easily and can be challenging to repair.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is becoming popular among builders and homeowners. Fiber cement siding is durable and has a considerable amount of aesthetic versatility.
Fiber cement is a combination of wood pulp, clay, sand, and cement. Because fiber cement siding is molded, manufacturers can simulate a variety of textures and finishes.
Pros
Fiber cement siding can replicate anything from masonry to clapboard. Fiber cement siding does not expand or contract in changing weather conditions so is not subject to failure due to frequent temperature fluctuation. Fiber cement siding is highly resistant to termites infestation, rot, and fire.
Cons
Fiber cement siding is very heavy compared to other types of siding. Retrofitting your home with fiber cement can be labor intensive. Fiber cement siding must be repainted every 15 years. Installation of fiber cement siding is not DIY friendly and is more expensive than vinyl or aluminum.
Stucco
Stucco is the ideal siding for many styles of homes, from Mediterranean to Southwestern to Spanish Colonial. Stucco can give your home a very distinct look, but there is typically a lot of preparation work required to install it.
Pros
Coloring toner is mixed directly into stucco siding, so the color integrated into the mixture. If done correctly, stucco siding should never have to be repainted. Stucco siding is insect and fire resistant. Stucco siding provides the added benefit of superior insulation, which can translate to lower energy bills.
Cons
Stucco siding installation is highly specialized, and it’s not easy to find a contractor with the experience and expertise required to complete the job. Stucco siding should not be installed in persistently damp, moist regions because it can become moisture saturated. If you have a home foundation that tends to shift, stucco siding will crack during the shifts.
Stone Veneer
Stone veneer is a luxury siding option. Due to its high-cost real stone siding is out of budget for the average homeowner. Stone veneer siding can be manufactured to mimic a variety of natural stones. Stone veneer siding can give the look of stone at a dramatically lower price.
Pros
Stone veneer siding is lighter than real stone and requires less foundation preparation. Installation of stone veneer siding is less labor intensive than real stone siding.
Cons
Stone veneer siding is one of the most expensive materials on the market. Low-quality stone veneer does not look like real stone.
How to Choose the Right Type of Siding
When you need to install or replace the siding on your home, there are many things to consider, including cost. No one siding will work for everyone everywhere. The most important things to consider when choosing your siding are:
- Value, how long will you live in your current home? If you plan on selling in the near future it may not make sense to install the expensive siding.
- Weather, make sure the siding you choose to install is suitable for the climate you live in.
- Return, expensive siding choices, such as stone, brick, and wood, may boost your property value.
If your home needs new siding or if you think your siding may need to be replaced, give us a call. At Advanced Roofing & Siding, our professional staff is here to help get your project started and see it through to the end.