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Choosing the best type of siding to install on your house is a big decision, and it’s often a difficult one. There are many different options to choose from, and it’s important to consider them all. When selecting the ideal exterior siding for your home, several key factors come into play, including durability, aesthetic value, cost and required maintenance. Each type of siding, as suggested by siding contractors, has its own set of pros and cons in these areas. Super Flat Aluminum Sheet
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices in the United States. It’s a form of plastic siding that is often seen on smaller homes or apartment buildings that need weatherproof protection (especially in areas that get lots of precipitation and storms). It can come in a variety of colors, making it an aesthetically pleasing exterior choice.
Vinyl is a relatively low-cost siding option. For a typical single-family home of about 2,000 square feet, it costs between $6,150 and $15,900 to install.
Because it’s made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, vinyl siding is essentially fire-resistant. PVC will not ignite unless it reaches an extremely high temperature, about 750 degrees Fahrenheit. PVC also needs a uniquely high amount of oxygen to continue burning. That means it’s harder for fires to initially ignite and even harder to continue burning.
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Wood is one of the oldest exterior siding options available. It’s very versatile as it can be stained or painted to look exactly how you want it to. Plus, it comes in multiple different arrangements, like shingles and vertical boards, to help homeowners achieve any desired look. Depending on the arrangement, the cost of installing wood siding can range from $7,000 to $23,000.
While wood siding tends to look impressive, it is a risk for house fires. Wood is a combustible material, meaning it can go up in flames when exposed to high heat. Wood siding can ignite, causing flames to spread up the wall and into the home. Wood siding also requires continuous maintenance and repainting as time goes on. Painting professionals recommend a fresh coat every three to four years. When wood siding is regularly maintained, it can last for 20 to 40 years before needing a full replacement.
TIP: Wood is a combustible material, meaning it is quick to go up in flames if exposed to high heat. One option homeowners have to combat this is to add a flame retardant chemical to the siding, which is an added cost.
Many homeowners think of metal only as a roofing material, but metal is gaining popularity as an exterior siding material as well. It’s strong, relatively easy to install and can come in a variety of types, like aluminum and steel. After metal siding is installed, it requires virtually no maintenance.
Metal siding is durable and stands up well to harsh weather conditions like snow and extreme temperatures. Unlike wood siding, metal siding does not have the tendency to warp, rot or be susceptible to pests. The downside is that metal is a poor insulator and is not soundproof. If you live in an area with an extreme climate and if you are sensitive to outside noises, metal may not be the best siding choice.
Durable and solid, fiber cement siding is an excellent exterior siding option for those who are looking for something that will last at least 30 years. Fiber cement siding is especially good for homeowners who live in an intense climate, because it can stand up to harsh weather, including hail and strong winds.
Fiber cement siding is made out of a mixture of wood pulp and cement. It maintains the durability of cement but offers flexibility in aesthetics. Fiber cement siding can be made to look like a variety of other siding materials, like wood. The biggest barrier of fiber cement siding is the fact that it’s expensive to install. That’s because the installation process requires a significant amount of manpower, and therefore, labor time. You will likely have to pay for a professional to install fiber cement siding, so be prepared for a hit to your wallet.
Brick is a classic and timeless exterior siding material, and it’s been a standard in the building industry for years largely because of its durability. Brick siding doesn’t need to be regularly repainted, unlike wood or vinyl siding that tends to fade in the sun. Brick is a very low-maintenance exterior siding option that will last at least 100 years on average.
Brick also tends to increase your home’s value as compared to other exterior siding types, so it can be a good choice if you’d like to turn a home into an investment property. A report by Acme Brick shows that brick homes increase in value by about $4,000 over a home with wood or fiber-cement siding.
While brick siding beats other siding materials in terms of appearance, longevity and strength, it does come with a drawback: Its cost. Brick is one of the most expensive options on the market. For a 2,000 square foot home, brick siding costs between $8,900 and $25,000.
It also requires additional materials, like a waterproof membrane, to make sure it’s effective. But besides these additional materials, brick is an all-natural and very eco-friendly choice. Since bricks originate from natural materials, its carbon footprint is relatively small. Plus, bricks are recyclable and biodegradable.
Stone veneer siding is an inexpensive alternative to natural stone, but it creates a beautiful, natural look for your home. This variety of siding can be installed on any kind of exterior surface, including brick and stucco. Stone veneer costs $5.50 to $10.75 per square foot and offers the same durability of real stone at a fraction of the cost.
Composite siding is comprised of various materials that are mostly made of wood. It started getting popular in the market when it was discovered that it is better, longer-lasting and non-prone to destruction from elements. Composite siding is used in making the exterior designs of houses look beautiful. It also ensures that inside structures are not easily affected by water, fallen house particles and other factors from outside.
Composite siding is an ideal choice for homes in areas where heavy winds, sunlight and harsh weather conditions are frequent. From its composition, it is solid and durable, though it easily meets the homeowner’s budget. By using it on your home’s exterior edges, you can protect the interior of your house and the beauty outside by making it attractive.
Manufactured siding is a durable alternative to real wood. It’s made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) and makes composite siding a solid material. Not only is it water-resistant and fire-resistant, but it is also resistant to insects, mildew and most weather factors.
Manufactured siding is available in various styles, including profiles that look like traditional clapboards, rounded edges and contemporary square shapes. It comes in both 4×8 sheets and lap panels for easy installation and fake wood vinyl siding in varying tones. It also can be vertically boarded for added protection against rain exposure.
Unlike real wood siding, which must be painted every two years or so to keep it looking great, the polymerized pigments within composite siding provide weather resistance for decades with just simple washing from time to time, maintaining its appearance. Embossed or flat-surfaced finishes are two popular style options that allow you to choose the look you desire most while adding an extra layer of protection to your home.
Insulated vinyl is an upgrade from regular vinyl and comes at an affordable price. What makes insulated vinyl siding special is that the insulation is built right into the ridge of the panel. This helps to insulate your home better and secure its temperature, which can help save you money on heating costs—plus, it makes insulation more durable! You’ll also find a wide variety of colors available with insulation.
Choosing the right type of siding for your home can be difficult, especially when there are so many options to choose from. That said, homeowners should consider these top five factors when choosing their new siding material.
Siding is the most visible component of home improvements, so it’s essential to get it right—and ensure you get the look you want at a price that meets your budget. Various siding options are available, but they fall into two categories: new construction and replacement. New construction siding is typically cheaper than repair or replacement since you won’t need to replace existing walls or framework.
To determine the right siding for your home, you must consider cost and durability. The lifespan of your new siding plays a significant role in determining how long it will last. Typically, vinyl lasts about 30 years, but natural stone can last more than 100 years. While siding with a longer lifespan is more expensive, it is also worth it as you won’t need to replace it as often. Besides, who doesn’t want a beautiful home that lasts for generations?
The aesthetic of your home is essential, and choosing siding that suits the look of your home and enhances its curb appeal will improve your property’s value. There are many types of siding, so choosing the right one for your project can be a challenge. One place you can start with is picking the color.
Siding is an important part of your home’s exterior, so choosing a color for your new siding is part of the fun of a siding replacement project. However, only some color spectrum is available for some types of siding. For instance, vinyl, fiber cement and Hardie board siding have dozens of different colors. On the other hand, natural stone, brick and metal siding are more limited in available colors.
When choosing your home’s exterior siding, there are several factors you want to keep in mind. One of the most important factors is which types of siding are most suitable for your area’s weather. Some homes need something more resistant to moisture, while others will benefit from an exterior covering that can insulate better and cost less on yearly heating bills.
For instance, fiber cement siding offers top-notch protection against harsh weather conditions. It is also one of the most durable materials and can last up to 50 years without significant problems. Vinyl and wood siding can be prone to rot and damage, especially in tropical climates. A professional can help determine the best siding for your home and area.
If you aren’t familiar with the different types of siding, it can be confusing to pick out which option is suitable for your home. No matter which type you choose, the biggest concern should be the level of maintenance you can handle. Different types of siding require different maintenance levels and will usually last a specific length of time before needing an update. In addition to durability and average lifespan, it’s essential to consider the maintenance requirements for different types of siding.
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Not only is siding an effective tool for beautifying a home, but it’s also an important safety feature and an investment into your home’s value. Its durability and cost differ depending on the material used, so it’s important to keep each material’s pros and cons in mind when choosing siding for your home. Contact your local siding expert to determine which option is best for your budget and locale.
Costing between $4 to $5 per square foot on average, vinyl siding is an ideal option for homeowners who want a durable, budget-friendly and low-maintenance exterior.
Manufactured siding is regarded as one of the most durable types of siding. Crafted from high-density fiberboard (HDF), this composite siding material offers robust qualities. Not only is it water- and fire-resistant, but it also effectively fends off mildew and various weather elements. Other durable siding types include metal, fiber cement, composite and insulated vinyl siding.
The lifespan of siding can vary widely depending on the material used, climate conditions, maintenance and other factors. Generally, well-maintained siding can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years or more.
Lap siding is characterized by long, horizontal boards overlapping each other slightly. This overlapping design helps allows water to run down while protecting the underlying structure from moisture, making it a popular choice for various homes in varying weather conditions.
Lauren is an accomplished freelance writer who covers a variety of topics, including home improvement, sustainability and more. Her background in news reporting allows her to look at topics from all angles and break things down into digestible content that’s useful to every reader. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Lauren thinking up her next DIY project or exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her pup.
In addition to being a contributing editor for Forbes, Corinne is a dynamic digital professional specializing in copywriting, copy editing and content strategy. With over eight years of experience at Bed Bath and Beyond, she has gained invaluable knowledge and expertise on everything related to the home. In her current role as SEO Editor, Corinne oversees the SEO content strategy for sites such as Bed Bath and Beyond, Bed Bath and Beyond Canada, buybuy BABY and Harmon Face Values.
Awning Window Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.