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What Are the Different Types of Home Siding That Exists Today?

Posted On Thursday, 26 May 2022 20:09

The siding market is expected to grow from $101.7 billion in 2019 to 126.3 billion by 2024 in the US. This market growth is attributed to the numerous benefits that siding offers.

Home siding improves your home's aesthetic appeal and value. It makes your home more energy-efficient, reducing your utility bills. Siding also protects your home from harsh weather conditions and structural damages.

However, you should get the best siding for your home to reap these and more rewards.

Finding the right siding for your house isn't a cinch. There are different types of home siding, so picking the best one can be confusing and difficult. You need to research other home siding and compare them to make informed choices.

To get you started, here are different types of home siding available.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is one of the most attractive house siding materials. It's versatile and comes in various styles. These styles include;

  •  Board and batten
  •  Shingles and shake siding
  •  Clapboard and vertical boards
  •  Composite and drop siding
  •  Log and wooden sheet Siding

 

Each of these options has its pros and cons. So you need to research and compare them to pick the best wood siding for your home. But every style is attractive and adds a sense of traditional charm to your house.

Many homeowners prefer wood siding to others due to its natural and beautiful look. This siding is quick and easy to install, saving you time and installation costs. Also, it's customizable, as you can paint it to tailor its look to your desires.

Unfortunately, wood siding isn't perfect; it has a few cons. It requires regular maintenance that can be costly, offsetting the low installation costs. Maintenance for wood siding includes:

  •  Treatment to prevent damage from termites and woodpeckers
  •  Treatment to improve its flame resistance
  •  Regular painting and staining

 

Wood siding is also prone to damage from insects and rot. It's not fire-resistant, so it's not an ideal option if you live in places susceptible to forest fires.

Wood siding is made from cedar, redwood, spruce, and pine trees. With proper maintenance, wood siding can last up to 40 years.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding has gained popularity due to its versatility, durability, and low costs. It's available in different sizes, colors, and textures. Examples of vinyl siding options include:

  •  Shakes and shingles
  •  Vertical and horizontal panels
  •  Fish scales and beaded designs
  •  Lap

 

Vinyl siding is customizable into different designs. So, you can make it look the way you want and satisfy your desires.

Vinyl is low-maintenance; it requires simple cleaning to remove dirt and prevent mold. Also, it's fade-resistant and not susceptible to weather and insect damage.

This siding involves low installation costs. It doesn't require a professional to be installed, as a DIY can be suitable. It's affordable, with an average cost of between $1.50 and $8.50 per square foot.

Vinyl siding also improves energy efficiency in your home. Installing the insulated vinyl to your house helps you save big bucks on utility bills. Vinyl is also highly durable, as it lasts for decades with little maintenance.

Despite all these benefits, vinyl siding has its downsides. It's not biodegradable, so it degrades the environment after disposal. This makes vinyl unsuitable to eco-conscious individuals.

Vinyl siding has a synthetic look that may not be suitable for people who love natural and rustic designs. It's prone to damage from extreme weather conditions and isn't waterproof.

You can't stain your vinyl siding to achieve your desired color. The vinyl color you pick remains to be your home's color for good. You can only change the color by getting a new vinyl siding for your house.

Metal Siding

Metal siding is made from either aluminum or steel. It comes in a wide range of styles, including;

  •  Shingles
  •  Panels
  •  Horizontal and vertical stripes

 

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish metal from the wood siding at a distance. Horizontal metal strips resemble wood lap siding, hence the confusion.

Metal siding is durable and fire-resistant. It's fade-resistant, so it retains its color over time. You can paint this siding and change its color to match your home's exterior design.

Metal isn't susceptible to pest damages and doesn't buckle. It reflects sunlight during summer, cooling down your home.

Metal siding doesn't grow mold or rot due to water damage. But if not well maintained, it can rust, damaging your home's curb appeal. This siding requires low maintenance, so you can save good money on costs.

However, metal siding can increase heating costs in your home during winter. It doesn't retain warmth, increasing your dependence on heating systems.

Aluminum is soft, so it can dent or scratch easily. Hence, it can't be an ideal option during hail storms and hurricanes. This metal siding can also fade over time, and you might need to replace it.

Since steel is heavy, it takes much time and requires intensive labor to install. This increases its installation costs.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement is gaining a lot of popularity among many homeowners. This is due to its durability, affordability, and weather resistance. It protects your home from noise pollution and pests.

Fiber cement siding comes in a broad range of styles. They include:

  •  Shake and curved shake
  •  Lap and plank
  •  Vertical and various geometric patterns

 

This siding is a long-term investment, as it can last up to 50 or more years. It's ideal for eco-conscious people as it's environmentally sustainable. Fiber cement siding is also a worthwhile home investment, as it can yield 69.4% returns.

Fiber cement is heavy, causing an increase in the installation costs. You need to hire the best construction firm to install it as DIY can't manage it. This makes it more expensive when you do siding cost comparison.

You Now Know the Different Types of Home Siding

Installing siding on your home is a worthwhile investment. Besides, improving your home's curb appeal siding offers more benefits. However, you need to know different types of home siding to get one that suits your needs.

Did you enjoy reading this article? If yes, read more informative blog posts on our website.

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