We live in a world full of choices: Paper or plastic? Whole wheat or white bread? Three bedrooms or four? On one hand, having choices is great. You can select options closest to what you want without worrying about being stuck on one path. But let’s face it: Choices can also be overwhelming, especially when making decisions about your home. Let’s talk about the best types of siding for your home:
Five Popular Types of Siding
Vinyl Siding
Pros
Vinyl is affordable, versatile, and relatively low-maintenance. It comes in a wide variety of colors (pretty much all of them!), and you can arrange it in different patterns. Additionally, the only maintenance vinyl requires is occasional washing.
Cons
That being said, vinyl does have some downsides. First, it can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew. Contractors often install vinyl siding over a layer of insulation board, which catches water vapor.
Vinyl also doesn’t last as long as other sidings. Typically, manufacturers advertise vinyl as lasting between 20 and 30 years. However, sometimes the life expectancy of vinyl can be as low as 10 years. This type of siding fades under sunlight after a while, and it’s prone to cracks and dings from temperature fluctuations and small projectiles like pebbles that get stirred up while mowing your lawn.
Additionally, choosing vinyl siding may lower your home’s value, especially if you own a historical property. Some homebuyers view this siding as inferior. That means lower offers.
Furthermore, vinyl siding is not eco-friendly. Vinyl siding contains PVC, which most recycling plants do not accept. Often people dispose of vinyl siding by burning it, causing pollution issues. For this reason, it is not the best type of siding for your home if you are green-conscious.
Fiber Cement
Pros
Fiber cement is sturdy, long-lasting, and low-maintenance. It’s not as cheap as vinyl, but it’s less expensive than wood and synthetic stucco. This durable siding won’t combust if exposed to flame, nor will it hold moisture. Additionally, it doesn’t appeal to any common household pests. Additionally, there are no environmental concerns with this product. It’s mostly made of recycled materials.
You can expect your fiber cement siding to last about 50 years, give or take. It holds up well against the elements. However, you should consider it an investment. Because it’s more expensive than vinyl, you should live in your house for at least five years longer after getting this siding installed to maximize value.
Cons
Installing fiber cement siding means higher labor costs. You can reduce the costs by installing it yourself, but for most people, this is not a viable option. Home improvement, in general, should be left to contractors who know what they’re doing.
Fiber cement will likely need to be repainted after around 15 years, which may be an inconvenience. Because fiber cement isn’t easy to repaint, you’ll need a professional’s help. Lack of DIY potential can be a turn-off for some.
Two other concerns associated with fiber cement are weight and low insulation value. Fiber cement is heavy, and some house structures may not be able to withstand the weight. Finally, fiber cement allows heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer unless you invest in high-quality insulation, which means higher energy bills. This makes it a less eco-friendly and ergonomic option.
Wood
Pros
Wood siding is beautiful and adds curb appeal to your home. While it isn’t the cheapest siding on the market, it’s certainly not the most expensive option. Considering wood can last more than 40 years, investing a little extra money in it can be worth it. Plus, wood is both eco and budget-friendly. It insulates your house better than fiber cement, meaning cheaper energy bills. And when you’re done with it, you don’t have to worry about environmental concerns because it’s biodegradable.
Cons
Wood siding requires more upkeep than other types. If you choose wood siding, you’ll need to have it repainted and resealed regularly—every few years or so. Additionally, wood siding is vulnerable to moisture and pests like termites. If you don’t want a material that needs careful maintenance, this is not the best type of siding for your home.
Aluminum
Pros
Aluminum costs a little more than vinyl siding, but it lasts longer and insulates better. Unlike wood, it won’t rot or encourage mildew growth. And unlike steel, aluminum siding doesn’t rust. Because it holds up well against moisture, it’s great for houses near the ocean. One more thing: It’s recyclable!
Cons
The main con of aluminum siding is its tendency to dent and scratch easily. While this won’t cause serious maintenance issues, this damage is certainly not aesthetically pleasing. In general, aluminum siding is not the most attractive siding, which is another con.
Stucco
Pros
Stucco is a hodge-podge of materials like crushed marble, cement, and sand. This type of siding is durable, fire-resistant, and given you treat it with a special insulator—moisture and microbe-resistant as well. It should last you 50 years or more, which makes it an excellent choice. Not to mention stucco is aesthetically pleasing and adds curb appeal.
Cons
Stucco does need regular maintenance to fill in holes and cracks. Plus, you’ll need to maintain the insulation because stucco homes are prone to water damage. Additionally, stucco siding requires the work of a specialist, which ups labor costs. Other than these few concerns, this material doesn’t come with many downsides. It’s a great choice for siding.
We Can Help You Choose the Best Types of Siding for Your Home!
Here at BetterBuilt Builders, we know how daunting it can be to make choices about your home. Our team of professionals can help you choose the right siding and ensure the installation process goes smoothly. Contact us today for a free estimate on your favorite types of siding!