Most homeowners understand the importance of siding, but only a few know how to choose the best siding for your house. This structure not only protects your home from harsh weather elements but can also elevate its curb appeal!
So, to help you select a suitable type for your property, we've compiled a list of the most popular siding options on the market, along with their pros and cons.
Our house siding experts at Zups Construction will be happy to help you make an informed decision; contact us today!
6 Best House Siding Types
While there are plenty of options available, the following six types of siding continue to dominate:
1. Wood Siding
Natural wood siding is one of the oldest types and is still loved by many! Wood gives the house's exterior a rustic feel, which greatly enhances its curb appeal. It also has a long lifespan and can increase the resale value of a home.
You'll notice this siding type comes in different shapes and is made of various species, the most common of which is cedar. Popular styles include wood shingles, shakes, and planks, which can be painted or stained to your liking.
Wood siding is expensive to purchase, install, and maintain. It also doesn't tolerate damp conditions or fire.
If you like the classic look of real wood but not the cost, we recommend looking into its synthetic alternative, engineered wood!
Estimated Lifespan: 15 - 40 years
2. Vinyl Siding
One of the widely used siding choices in the US is vinyl, primarily because of the benefits it offers for the price.
Vinyl is one of the cheapest siding materials, but it still has appealing properties, such as being weatherproof and extremely difficult to ignite.
Because it's essentially made of plastic, it can be produced in a wide range of styles and colors to match diverse tastes. Not to mention how simple it is to set up, clean, and maintain!
On the other hand, this material can crack easily. It also has poor insulation, which is why we recommend opting for the insulated vinyl siding variety.
Estimated Lifespan: 10 - 15 years
3. Brick Siding
Do you want a siding that'll last a lifetime? Then, brick siding is the way to go. Solid brick not only has an unrivaled resilience but also a timeless appeal. Adding it to your home will significantly boost its resale value!
Brick siding requires almost no maintenance because it's not affected by heat/sunlight, moisture, or rot like other siding materials. It comes in many colors, including orange and brown, despite being best known for its traditional reddish hue.
What turns most people away from this type of siding is its hefty price tag and the additional costs of the materials required for its installation. We suggest going with brick veneer siding to get the earthy aesthetic of solid bricks at a lower cost.
Estimated Lifespan: 100 years or more
4. Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement, a composite of cement, sand, and wood fibers, is one of the most durable siding materials! It's quite versatile and can mimic attractive natural siding materials like wood.
It's worth noting that stucco siding is another cement-based type that's pretty robust and long-lasting.
Fiber cement siding holds up well in harsh climates and conditions, resisting high winds and fire. It adds value to homes and can last for a long time.
This siding material, however, is pricey and challenging to install. It's also prone to absorbing moisture.
Estimated Lifespan: 30 - 50 years
5. Metal Siding
With its modern flair, the metal siding looks gorgeous on home exteriors. This type is extremely resilient. It withstands harsh climates and can even help protect your home from hail storms. Add in their waterproof and fire-resistant properties, and you get a lengthy lifespan!
Metal siding is also easy to install and requires little to no maintenance. It can be made of steel, aluminum, copper, or other metals.
Although it endures harsh climates, it's not particularly good at hiding it! Metal siding can become quite noisy when exposed to rain, winds, or similar elements. Lighter metals, such as aluminum, are also prone to denting.
Estimated Lifespan: 40 - 70 years
6. Stone Veneer Siding
Instead of paying a fortune for natural stone, you can now pay a fraction of the price and get comparable appearances and properties. The secret lies in stone veneers! This exterior siding is constructed of thinly cut, lightweight stone layers.
These veneers can be made of limestone, marble, granite, or other stones. Most types are quite durable and will last you a long time.
While less expensive than stone siding, veneers are still pricey. That's why you'll find them mostly set up on one section of the home's siding, while the others have inexpensive material installed.
You should also be aware that if they're not properly sealed, they can deteriorate if exposed to moisture.
Estimated Lifespan: 20 - 70 years
How to Choose the Best Siding for Your House
Several factors will influence the best siding type to use. Here are two of the most important ones to help you narrow down your options:
Durability
The first thing to consider is the material's durability and how it'll fare in your area's weather conditions, including strong winds and extreme temperatures.
For example, if you live where it constantly rains or snows, you should avoid wood siding because it'll fail faster than usual.
Cost
When choosing a siding type, consider the initial costs, which mainly involve material and installation, and the long-term expenses. This will give you a better idea of whether a siding material is within your budget.
For instance, you should take into account the material's maintenance requirements or how frequently it needs repairs to see how much it'll add to your bill.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know the commonly used siding types, it's time you decide which suits your requirements and budget! Remember to examine each type's qualities and shortcomings carefully so that you know what to expect.
Contact Zups Construction for more details about siding options; we'll help you choose the best siding for your house!
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