Siding acts as a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions. Additionally, it works exceptionally well for enhancing the curb appeal of your home. One of the biggest changes that you can make to your home in order to transform it and improve its looks and durability is changing the siding.
Having a better understanding of all of the different types of siding to choose from can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right one for your home.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is by far the most popular choice among homeowners. This is due to the fact that it is low maintenance, extremely versatile, and incredibly affordable. Vinyl siding is made out of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of styles, colors, and textures. This provides you with the flexibility to select an option that fits your architectural style.
Vinyl siding is incredibly durable due to the fact that is resistant to rot, moisture, and insects. You do not have to do a lot to maintain vinyl siding as it does not need to be painted. It can be easily washed with a pressure washer to give it the appearance of being brand-new. However, it is important to know that vinyl siding can crack in harsh weather conditions, especially extreme heat. Vinyl siding is also not as environmentally friendly as other options on the market.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is another low-maintenance and durable option when it comes to finishing your home. This product is made from a mixture of cellulose fibers, sand, and cement. The end result is a fire-resistant and sturdy siding option for your home.
Fiber cement siding is able to be finished to replicate the appearance of stucco, masonry, or wood. This allows you to create a timeless and classic look for your home. Fiber cement siding is also incredibly resistant to insects, rot, and weather damage. Unfortunately, fiber cement siding is much heavier than other types of siding options, and it tends to be more expensive. It also requires professional installation.
Wood Siding
If you are looking for a more natural and traditional look, wood siding will be perfect. Wood siding is designed to provide character and warmth to your home. This type of siding can be made with a variety of species, such as pine, redwood, cedar, or even Cyprus. Each wood type has its own unique grain and color options.
In addition, wood siding is able to be stained or painted in order to match your desired look. It can be completely customized by adding different profiles, such as shingles, shakes, and clapboards. Wood siding works incredibly well when it comes to insulating your home. It is also incredibly friendly to the environment. Unfortunately, wood siding does require routine maintenance, which can include staining and painting every few years. You will also want to seal the wood in order to protect it from insects, rocks, and moisture.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is one of the most lightweight options available for homes. This type of siding is incredibly durable as it is made from aluminum panels. This makes it resistant to rot, insects, and rest. It is also an incredibly low-maintenance option for siding for your home. There are various colors and finishes available for aluminum siding.
You also have the ability to choose different textures and can paint them to match your desired preference. Aluminum siding is also fire-resistant and has proven to be an excellent material for insulation. Unfortunately, aluminum siding can fade over time and is more susceptible to dance than other types of siding. It is also not the most energy-efficient option.
Stucco Siding
Stucco siding is a more traditional option for homes. This product is well known for being incredibly versatile, durable, and timeless. Stucco siding is made from a mixture of water, cement, and sand. Once mixed, the materials are applied to the exterior of your home in layers in order to create hard and textured surface finishes.
Stucco siding can be tinted or painted in order to achieve a different color for your home. You also have the ability to further customize stucco by incorporating various patterns or textures into the finished product. Although stucco is resistant to fire, rot, and insects, it can be more expensive than other types of siding. Stucco also requires a skilled professional for installation and maintenance.
How to Choose Which Option Works Best
When selecting the siding option for your home, consider the appearance that you are going for. If you want a more traditional or Mediterranean look, stucco or a fiber cement siding option may be best. If you want a more antique look or a more woodsy appearance, wood siding may work best. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly yet reliable option, vinyl or aluminum siding will work just fine.
Take into consideration the budget that you are working with. If you are not too budget conscious, then you can go with any siding option in order to create the finished product of your dreams. You should also consider maintaining the product, as some of them are very labor-intensive while others require minimum care to ensure they continue to function properly for years to come.
Finally, you should take into consideration if energy efficiency is a determining factor when it comes to deciding which option will work. Some siding options do provide better insulation than others, which can help to keep the temperature inside of your home stable.
If you are interested in speaking to a skilled siding professional, you can reach out to our team at Resistance Exteriors. Our team can meet with you to discuss the different siding options available for your home.
Let Our Team Help You Decide
Choosing the siding for your home may seem overwhelming. However, with our professional help, we can guide you through this important process. Contact our team now to schedule a free consultation and get an estimate for your home siding needs.
