Siding is a great way to add some of your personality to the exterior of your home. You can add color to your home or set a distinctive style for your home from the rest of your neighborhood. While the aesthetics of your home are important to you, the durability, water resistance, and installation process should all be considered and weighed heavily when you are searching for the perfect new siding.
Vinyl Siding is the most popular choice for siding for homeowners in the United States because of its low cost and versatility. Vinyl siding is also very easy to take care of and comes in a variety of colors that make up for the plastic look of the material. If you love DIY projects, vinyl is a great choice because it is available at nearly all home improvement stores and takes few tools to install.
Wood siding is most commonly used in bungalow style houses. It is also very popular in cape cod and cottage style homes. This look is very natural looking and can be painted. Maintaining this siding is a little more involved than with other choices because every few years the siding will need to be repainted or staining to prevent weather damage. This type of siding is also more susceptible to insect and rodent problems so diligence in pest control must be adhered to. This type of siding can last anywhere from 10 years to 100 depending on how well it is taken care of. Brick siding is commonly found in Colonial, Tudor and English cottage homes and is made from red fired clay. This type of siding has stood the test of time as a popular choice because of its durability. In new construction, the brick siding is made of veneers that are held together with mortar and a membrane must be installed between the brick veneer and the wood structure of the house because water can penetrate the veneer.
Fiber cement siding can offer the look of brick, stucco, or wood at a much lower cost which makes this type of siding a very popular choice among homeowners. Not only does it cost less, it is non-flammable, termite resistant and very low maintenance. You can also have the siding painted, as well as textured, to give it a personal touch. This type of siding will need to be replaced every 25-50 years.
Stucco Siding needs to have a galvanized-metal screening and a waterproof barrier applied over the walls of the home to add protection and create a base for the stucco to be installed. This look is typically found in Mediterranean and Spanish-mission homes. This siding is rigid and is tricky to install to avoid cracking. Stucco siding can last the lifetime of the house if applied properly and need little maintenance.
Stone Siding gives homes a natural and elegant look. The durability alone of stone such as granite and limestone appeal to homeowners because this siding can add to their property value. Stone also adds a lot of aesthetic charm to a home because of its texture and uniqueness. No two homes with stone siding will look the same. This type of siding is the most expensive however. There is a more affordable option to use stone veneer which is also lighter weight and synthetic. Veneer needs to be power washed annually.
To find out what the best option for your budget is, call us today and we will happily set up a consultation at your home.
