Siding Choices
Like clothing on your body, the siding on a house can make a world of difference to the outside eye. Most of us put a lot of time into selecting the clothes that we use to cover our bodies, so why not put that same amount of time into selecting the siding that will cover your house. There are a number of factors must be taken into consideration when it comes to the different types of siding available.
Start off by asking yourself the following questions:
• What overall look do you want your house to have?
• Are you looking to have your home’s appearance integrate other homes in your neighborhood, or would you rather your home have its own unique look?
• What type of weather conditions does your area receive and how will this affect your siding? Do you need an extremely durable product to protect against harsh weather?
• How much are you looking to spend on your siding?
As with so many home improvement products, there is a wide range of choices available in siding. The most common options include wood, vinyl, fiber-cement, metal, and masonry products. Each siding material has its own pros and cons. It is recommended that you research the qualities of each material to help you figure out which one would be best for your home.
Solid wood siding is considered the classic choice for siding. It has a warm, rich and strong aesthetic appeal which keeps it very popular. Wood is also more expensive then most other siding materials, but this is mainly because the cutting process is more tedious and requires more skill and time. Wood also requires routine treatment to ensure that it will remain durable and good looking. Treated wood will resist water damage, dry rot, and insect infestation. Wood siding should be treated every 4-6 years in order to ensure that the wood remain in good condition.
Keep in mind, engineered wood products are cut and installed like hardboard, making them much faster and cheaper to install. It still offers the look of real wood, but with less required maintenance and a lower price. However, the product should be treated, as you would treat real wood, to resist mildew and deterioration.
If cost is a concern, vinyl is by far your cheapest option, but this doesn’t mean that vinyl is of the poorest quality either. Significant improvements have made to vinyl to make it far more durable and attractive than it once was. Other perks include low maintenance, a variety of styles and colors, and lower cost of installation.
Fiber-cement is another siding option, but it is still considered fairly new in North America. At a much lower cost than wood, fiber-cement features great durability and a “wood-like” look. However, unlike wood, this product doesn’t expand and contract in different temperatures. This translates to lower maintenance. Keep in mind, the installation of fiber-cement is crucial to its overall performance.
Metal siding is a step up from vinyl. It is one option that happens to be simple to install which is why it is the cheapest to install. Metal siding is a good choice for homeowners who want a bright color for their home, but don’t want the cost of wood siding. Metal does require regular maintenance, but not as much as wood does. It is also an extremely durable product, especially with an occasional coat of paint.
If you are looking for more information regarding the different types of siding material, a good contractor will have suggestions about the best siding choice for your climate and your budget. In addition to general questions, be sure to talk about warranties for both installation and the product with the contractor. Have this discussion before you purchase the product.
Interested in More Information in Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl Siding could be the right match for you and your home’s needs. However, you'll want to make sure you are choosing the right Siding material for your home and your budget. If you would like to find out if vinyl siding will work for you, we offer Free Siding Quotes from top quality local contractors.
