House siding materials are a way to significantly increase the value of your home! It’s important that you choose the best siding for your home. While it is tempting to use the cheapest material available, there are actually some very expensive house siding options that might save you money in the long run.
We have all seen the different types of siding materials and where to find them – aluminum, vinyl, wood, plastic. But what are they used for? And what are the pros and cons of each?
What To Consider When Choosing House Siding?
The best house siding material will depend on a number of factors, including the climate where you live, the type of home you have, and your budget. Here are some tips to help you choose the right material for your home:
If you live in a hot climate, consider using a solar-friendly material like cedar or bamboo. These materials are weather resistant but provide an added benefit of being environmentally friendly.
If you want to stick to traditional colors, vinyl is a popular choice because it’s easy to maintain and has a long lifespan. However, vinyl is not as durable as other materials and may not be ideal for homes that see a lot of wind or rain.
If your budget is tight, you can choose less expensive materials like wood or aluminum. However, these materials may not be as durable or energy-efficient as more expensive options.
When choosing house siding, it’s important to consider all the factors involved – your climate, the type of home you have, and your budget.
What are the benefits of installing siding?
There are a number of benefits to installing siding on your home. Siding can add insulation, protect your home from the elements, and create a look that is unique to your property. Some of the most common types of siding are wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that should be considered before making a decision. Here are some of the main reasons to consider installing siding on your home:
Insulation: One of the main benefits of installing siding is that it can help to insulate your home. By adding extra layers of protection between your home and the elements, you may be able to reduce energy costs by up to 30%. Additionally, vinyl and fiberglass materials are very effective at blocking heat flow from the inside of your house outwards. This can help to keep your home warm in cold weather conditions and cool in hot weather conditions.
Protection from the Elements: Siding can also help protect your home from the elements. Wood siding is particularly effective at protecting against moisture and weather damage. Vinyl and fiberglass materials also provide good protection against wind and rain, but they may not be as effective against snow or ice.
Enhance the looks: Siding can enhance the look of your home as well as add more value when selling or renting it out.
What are the Best House Siding Materials?
There are many types of house siding material that can be used to decorate a home. Some popular materials include wood, vinyl, and aluminum. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a look at the three most popular house siding materials and their benefits and drawbacks.
- Wood: Wood is one of the oldest and most popular house siding materials. It is durable, weatherproof, and looks beautiful on homes. However, wood is not fireproof, so it may burn if exposed to a fire. Additionally, wood may rot if it does not get enough sunlight.
- Vinyl: Vinyl is a popular choice for new homes because it is energy-efficient, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. However, vinyl does not look as good as wood or other more expensive options, and it can be damaged by weather conditions such as rain and snow.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a popular choice for retrofitting older homes with new siding. It is lightweight, affordable, and easy to install. However, aluminum may show signs of wear over time due to the sun and wind.
- Steel: Steel is another durable option, but it is not as popular as it once was. In fact, steel siding has been replaced by more energy-efficient options.It’s important to note that wood and vinyl siding are not good choices when building a new home. Both of these options may cost twice as much as other options, and they require maintenance on the part of the homeowner. That’s why in most parts of the country you can find metal or brick siding instead of wood or vinyl
- Fiber cement siding: Fiber cement siding is a popular choice for homes in warm climates because it is resistant to weathering and insect damage.
Fiber cement siding is also a popular choice for homes on the east and west coasts because it is resistant to UV radiation and moisture.Fiber cement siding can be painted or stained to match your home’s exterior color.
Our recommendation is: Fiber cement siding
Detailed pros and cons of each siding material follows below:
Pros and cons of fiber cement siding
Here are the pros and cons to fiber cement siding, so it’s important to consider what is best for your home.
Here are the top benefits of using fiber cement siding:
- Low maintenance – Fiber cement siding requires no special treatments or sealants, which makes it a low-maintenance choice. Just wash with a hose and dry off!
- Durable – Fiber cement siding is a very durable material that can last for many years. It’s also resistant to weathering and pests, so you won’t have to worry about damage from the elements or animals.
- Affordable – Fiber cement siding is affordable compared to other types of siding. You can get a high-quality product that will look great on your home without spending a lot of money.
- Easy to install – Fiber cement siding is easy to install and can be done in just a few hours by a qualified contractor. You won’t have to deal with complicated installation procedures or harsh chemicals like some other types of siding.
There are also some disadvantages to using fiber cement siding:
- Not as energy-efficient as other types of siding – Fiber cement siding is not as good at keeping the house warm in winter or cool in summer. It is also not as energy-efficient, which means that you may need to replace it more often.
- Expensive when compared to other types of siding – Fiber cement siding can cost a lot more than other types of siding if you use poor quality materials or install it improperly.
- Fading – There are products that can help prevent fading on fiber cement, but they can be expensive and there is no guarantee that they will work like advertised.
- Not fireproof – Fiber cement siding does not meet all the requirements for being fireproof like some other types of siding do. While inherently some materials are fireproof, not all manufacturers use them, so check the product before buying.
Pros and cons of vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for exterior home materials, but it comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look at what you need to know about this popular siding material before making your decision.
Pros of vinyl siding:
- Vinyl siding is affordable and easy to maintain. All you need is a good cleaning solution and a hose.Vinyl siding is resistant to weathering and fading.
- Vinyl siding can be painted or stained to match your home’s exterior color scheme.
- Vinyl siding is energy efficient, as it doesn’t require as much maintenance as other exterior home materials.
Cons of vinyl siding:
- Vinyl siding is not as strong as other exterior home materials, such as wood or metal. If you are planning on adding heavy objects to the perimeter of your house, vinyl may not be the best option.
- If your house suffers from high winds or severe rainstorms, vinyl may become damaged or even ripped off.
Pros and cons of wooden home siding
One of the most popular home siding materials is wood. There are many pros and cons to wooden home siding, so it’s important to understand what each one is before making a decision. Here are the pros and cons of wood as a home siding material:
Pros of Wood Home Siding:
- Prefers low moisture levels, so it’s good for areas in the rainforest or near a water source
- Can last up to 50 years without rotting or warping
- Attractive appearance – can be stain, paint or varnish treated to match your home’s exterior color
- Easily installed – just nail or screw it on to your house
Cons of Wood Home Siding:
- Can be expensive – depends on the type and quality of wood used
- Can be heavy and difficult to move – especially if it’s large pieces (4x4s or larger)
- Not weatherproof – if it gets wet, wood will rot
Pros and cons of steel siding
When it comes to selecting the best house siding material, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Here are some of the pros and cons of steel siding.
PROS:
- Steel is extremely durable and Weatherproof.
- It can last for many years without needing any maintenance.
- It’s relatively affordable when compared to other types of siding.
CONS:
- Steel may be difficult to install if you’re not experienced in roofing or construction.
- It can be noisy when it’s windy outside, particularly if it’s a metallic finish.
Pros and cons of Aluminum home siding
Pros:
- Strong and durable – aluminum is a very strong metal, capable of withstanding a lot of weather conditions and abuse.
- Low maintenance – aluminum doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, as it doesn’t corrode or tarnish like other metals can.
- Decorates your home with style – unlike vinyl or wood siding, aluminum is a very sleek option that can add a touch of class to your home.
Cons:
- Pricey – although aluminum siding is definitely more expensive than other materials, it’s worth it in the long run due to its durability and low maintenance requirements.
So which Home exterior siding will you use?
There are a lot of different types of exterior siding that homeowners can choose from, but which is the best for you? What were the factors that made you choose one above the others, or was it a specific design look you fell for? We are very eager to know, so do use the comments section below to drop us your thoughts!