Which is the Best Exterior Siding for Homes?
Curb appeal is one of the factors that can raise a property’s value. If you’re designing a new home, what it looks like on the outside is just as important as what’s inside. If your home is getting on in years and you’ve noticed signs that your siding is on its way out, it might be time to consider replacing it. New siding can give your property a much-needed facelift or give your new build that aesthetic you were looking for.
There are plenty of choices for exterior siding today that weren’t available just a couple of decades ago, giving you a wide range of siding materials to choose from. Read on to learn about the factors to consider while choosing your siding and about some of the options that are available to you.
Factors to Consider While Choosing Your Siding
Picking the right materials for your new siding can be tough given all the options out there. A few factors that you should consider include:
- Durability
The longevity of your siding is an important factor to consider. Siding needs to withstand extreme weather conditions and events particular to where your property is situated. For example, wood may not be the best idea in areas that are prone to wildfires, while terracotta siding is fireproof.
- Cost
The cost of siding materials varies highly. Stone siding, for example, can be expensive while vinyl siding is much cheaper. However, when you take longevity into account, you may find that the cost of replacing siding every so often works out to be more expensive over time than paying higher upfront costs.
- Aesthetics
Aesthetics are deeply personal. Choose a siding material that goes with the look you want.
- Maintenance
Some siding materials need more TLC than others. For example, wood siding needs cleaning and painting every two to four years to look fresh. Think about how much time you’re willing to invest in siding maintenance to get the aesthetic you want.
- Environmental Impact
Some materials are more eco-friendly than others. For example, metal siding can be recycled infinitely when it comes to the end of its life.
Types of Siding to Consider
There are various sidings on the market to suit different budgets, aesthetics, and requirements. Some popular choices include:
- Wood Siding
The classic wooden siding will probably never go out of style. Whether you prefer shingles, vertical, or horizontal boards, it can be painted or stained to achieve the look you want. However, wood needs a lot of maintenance and special fire-retardant coating which can drive costs up.
- Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding is an excellent option for those who want a wood finish but want a lower maintenance option. Engineered wood siding combines wood fibers, wax, and resin for a durable siding. It is also weather-resistant, pest-resistant, and fire resistant to boot.
- Metal Siding
Metal isn’t just a roofing material. It’s also great for your siding. A low maintenance option, it is well known for its longevity – lasting 40 to 60 years or even more. However, it does require higher upfront costs than many other materials.
- Fiber Cement Siding
Made of a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding has gained popularity for its unique blend of durability, versatility, and aesthetics. Resistant to rot, pests, and fire, it can also withstand various weather conditions. However, it can be expensive compared to other options and its installation must be carried out by trained professionals.
- Aluminum Composite Siding (ACS)
Aluminum composite siding (ACS) consists of two aluminum sheets bonded to a core material usually made of made of either polyethylene or fire-retardant materials. Lightweight and sturdy, it is among the top exterior siding products on the market today.
- Ceramic Coated Siding
Ceramic coated siding is made from fiber cement with a ceramic glazed coating. It offers a combination of aesthetics, durability, and environmental consciousness. It’s a great choice for those looking for reliable thermal resistance.
Whatever material you choose, it’s important to make sure that your siding is installed by trained professionals like the experts at Maison Exteriors. Get in touch with our team for a free appraisal today!