(according to Siding Estimater)
Types of Siding for Homes
The good thing about all these types of siding is that for
every style of house and budget there is a suitable siding option waiting for
you!
Issues to Consider
Before you decide on what material you would like to use there are several factors you should consider that will help you make a sound decision.Water Resistant
Depending on the material some types of siding will be more water resistant than others. This will prolong the life of that material as well as prevent decay due to water or moisture.Energy Efficiency
Siding material comes with an R-value that measures the energy efficiency of the material. The higher the R value the better the thermal insulation. For example, stucco siding has an R-Value of .4 while insulated vinyl has a 2.0-3.0 R value.Aesthetics & Texture
The color, texture, and overall aesthetics of the siding is all about appearance. How your siding will look and what colors are available are probably one of the most important decisions that will affect your siding purchase. Brick or stone have limited color options and focus on texture while vinyl siding color options are limitless.Versatility
The structure of your home and exterior can play a role in what type of siding your wish to install. A complex 3-story Victorian home may not be best suited for stone veneer siding.Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly siding is found in many current materials; fiber cement is made of sand, cement, clay, and wood-pulp fibers. Others such as wood are naturally biodegradable & green, and come straight from nature. Green siding is also related to the energy efficiency of the home and how well it insulates the heat.Durability
How long will your siding last before it has to be replaced, maintained, or painted? Some siding such as stucco, if done right can last a lifetime of the home and will only need to be repainted every 6-7 years. Resistance to mother nature, rot, and insects can all play a role in the how your siding will last.Cost
Installing siding is not cheap and can run anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000+ very quickly depending on what you want. Determining a budget beforehand on what you can afford is prudent. Check out our siding calculator to get a rough estimate on how much you can predict to spend.Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is by far the leader boasting roughly 30% market share of new home siding installations. Vinyl siding is attractive due to its combination of durability, color options, and low cost which make it attractive to the budget-conscious homeowner.There are many different profiles of vinyl: horizontal and vertical panels, dutch lap, shakes, shingles, board n batten, beaded, and fish scales or scallops. Vinyl siding sits alone at the top and continues to be one of the best siding options available. Below are the pros and cons of vinyl siding:
PROS
- Vinyl siding is durable and typically is under warranty for 30-40 years after installation
- The color options of vinyl are endless, with hundreds of color palettes to choose from
- It is versatile and can be textured like wood without the disadvantages of decay or termites
- Simple and easy to clean, vinyl siding just needs a power hose and some water
- Wide range of quality of the vinyl materials, you can even get insulated vinyl if you live in colder climates to increase energy efficiency.
- Insulated vinyl siding has the potential to raise your energy efficiency R value from 2 – 5.5!
- Finally, vinyl siding in probably the cheapest option when upgrading your exterior siding
- Although it is water-resistant it is not waterproof. Poor installation can lead to water seeping behind the paneling which leads to mold and other issues
- It is known to warp and bend under extreme weather conditions of both heat & cold
- The color you choose is permanent. Unlike other siding that can be repainted different colors, vinyl siding color choice is here to stay.
- Compared to something like brick siding; hail, baseballs, tree limbs, etc … can leave dents and gashes in the side of your home.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is usually associated with retro and modern style type buildings. Installing metal siding for your home can give it a unique appeal if done properly. The most common types of materials are aluminum and steel siding.Aluminum siding is more popular in the coastal areas due to the salty air and its protection against that. Steel on the other hand is more prone to rust but is resilient to hail damage. The following are the pros and cons of metal siding.
PROS
- Metal cannot mold or rot unlike other siding with the potential for water damage
- Very low maintenance even in harsh winters unlike other siding prone to mother nature
- No fading of color with steel siding unlike vinyl
- Eco friendly and green product since each panel is precisely cut with little waste material
- Fire resistant & resilient, good for dry areas or locations with frequent lightning storms
- Insects cannot find a home in metal siding, while other siding requires periodic spraying of insecticide
- Metal siding if not properly sealed and finished can lead to rust and discolorization
- With ever newer materials, metal has lost appeal and some still see it as a ‘shed’ like
- Aluminum siding is a soft metal and is prone to dents from hail, rocks, baseballs, etc ..
- Aluminum siding is more prone to fading and at times difficult to match pre-colored panels
- Steel siding is heavy and requires more time to install thus driving up the cost
- Metal siding is more easily scratched exposing the metal beneath which can rust very quickly if not resealed and re-painted.
Wood Siding
Everyone likes wood, this type of siding can add a natural & beautiful exterior to your house. The changing colors and tones of wood instantly make a home feel warm and inviting. There are several species of wood to choose from such as: spruce, pine, fir, cedar, and redwood.Apart from the kind of wood you choose you will also have the choice of 4 different profiles: bevel (clapboard), shakes or shingles, board and batten, or engineered wood. This type of siding is particularly dominant in the west, and continues to be a top choice for homeowners with its classic & timeless look. Below are the pros and cons of wood siding:
PROS
- Wood has the advantage of being easily replaced in small quantities if damaged. Other types of siding have to replace whole panels and sides
- No question this is the most green siding you can find on the market.
- Wood can be stained and painted in limitless colors, there are no bounds
- Wood siding has a higher R-Value than most of ~.8 making it more energy efficient
- It’s lightweight feature makes it faster and easier to be installed. Reducing overall labor cost and time
- Can be stained/painted limitless colors, but this also is a drawback. It must be maintained
- Damage to wood can come from insects or water. Termites and other wood eating insects can wreak havoc on a home with wood siding
- The cost of maintenance adds up: stained every 2-3 years, and repainted every 4-5 years
- It’s not fire resistant which can play a factor in dry climate areas
Fiber Cement
On the heels of vinyl siding, another popular siding option is fiber cement. This is a mixture of wood fibers, sand, and cement. It is built to mimic the look and feel of natural wood siding, with less hassle of maintenance, insects, and cost.The most popular brand of fiber cement is James Hardie Siding Manufacturer from Australia. The interest of this type of siding has risen dramatically due to its durability and low-cost wood alternative. Fiber cement is often compared to vinyl, for an in depth review of the two check out the infographic: vinyl siding vs. fiber cement. Below are the pros and cons of fiber cement siding:
PROS
- Get the look and feel of real wood without the high cost or susceptibility to wood insects
- Fiber cement is extremely fire resistant with a class 1A fire rating
- Not prone to rot or decay like wood as well as resistant to salty air for coastal areas
- Easy to maintain and is guaranteed up front for 15 years not to fade or chip
- Very versatile in its finish and texture offering many design and color options such as brick and stone textures
- For DIY (self installation) the material is quite heavy requiring 2 people as well as special cutting tools
- More costly than its synthetic cousin vinyl siding by 2-3 times as much.
- Although not as often as wood, it does have to be repainted every 12-15 years.
- Some evidence of delaminating or gapping of the material, although not frequent
- Color is not all the way through the product like vinyl, so touch ups will be required for chips and damage
Brick Siding
Brick siding is an attractive choice mostly because it is considered to last a lifetime. This coupled with its rustic, elegant, and pleasing aesthetic have many homeowners returning to brick exterior siding. You can find houses and buildings over 100 years ago with the brick siding still in good condition.Brick siding comes in regular brick masonry (solid brick) as well as brick veneer which is a finished exterior that sits on the house as opposed to solid brick which holds up the house! Brick veneer is usually a thinner layer on the exterior of the home like traditional siding. Below are the pros and cons of brick siding:
PROS
- Brick can easily last a lifetime, 100+ years, with just a general wash every now and then
- Brick siding is highly fire resistant
- No termites or wood ants will be found inside of brick siding
- Brick never needs to be repainted or finished, weathers beautifully, and will not fade or decay
- Because it’s fire resistant, termite proof, and durable, home insurance is usually lower for brick siding homes allowing you to recover your investment faster
- Brick siding is definitely one of the more expensive options for siding, ranging from $10 – $15 per square foot.
- Color choice is set once you decide on the type of brick, no repainting allowed
- Overtime the mortar joints can deteriorate and need to be replaced
- Long installation time if you are doing this yourself
Stucco Siding
Stucco siding is more traditional Spanish style exterior made up of a lime mixture, sand, and cement. Although you can paint stucco, it does not hold well and requires often repainting.A stucco exterior starts with a wooden wall, covered by a wire mesh to hold the final layer of stucco mixture. On the market there are 2 options: traditional stucco (3-coat) or synthetic stucco or EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finish System). 3-coat consists of a scratch coat, brown coat, and then finish coat. Below are the pros and cons of stucco siding:
PROS
- Durable can last 50 – 100 years with minimal maintenance and upkeep
- Damage done can be repaired with negligible costs as opposed to replacing whole panels
- Stucco can be mixed to specific color options giving you the look you want
- No insect or rot problems with stucco siding
- Very breathable material which allows for quick drying in areas with normal rainfall
- If a home’s foundation begins to move, the stucco can easily crack
- Weathering and dirt show up more easily on stucco siding
- Although breathable, heavy rainfall areas are not suitable for stucco
- Once color is chosen, you will not want to repaint and repaint
- From a distance, it looks like a plain flat finish
Stone Siding
Stone siding is the grandaddy of all siding and comes with a highest cost of siding to install. The 2 options are real stone siding and faux stone siding (stone veneer).
PROS
- Stone is impenetrable by mother nature and will last a lifetime
- The look and feel of real stone is unmatched and is considered the Rolls-Royce of siding
- Stone veneer gives you a similar look of stone but about half the cost
- Resistant to moisture, extreme temperatures, insects, and fire
- Zero maintenance other than being cleaned with a pressure washer
- Installing natural stone requires heavy labor and installation time driving up the cost
- Stone veneer can have the same moisture problems as stucco
- Faux Stone does not adapt well to extreme temperatures, freezing and thawing
Remember to use our siding estimator to get a rough pricing guide on how much it will cost to install new siding.
(According to HGTV)
Top Six Exterior Siding Options
Pull
the look of your home together by choosing the right siding material.
Awesome Siding Pictures from HGTV
Siding gives you a great way to add color and definition to your house. There are lots of options these days to help you create the perfect façade and you want to choose carefully. While aesthetics are always important, you also want to consider the material's durability, ability to resist water, ease of installation and versatility.
"From a functional point of view, siding gives you protection," says architect Amy A. Alper. "From an architectural point of view, there's an interest now in using a variety of materials to highlight special features on a home. For example, using stone or Western red cedar to highlight an entry."
6 Most Popular Types of Siding
Vinyl siding
The low cost, versatility and
easy maintenance of vinyl siding has helped it become the most popular siding
choice in the United States. While some design professionals and homeowners are
turned off by the "plastic look" of some vinyl siding products, the
variety of colors and styles available helps explain this siding's popularity.
"The technology has
changed dramatically, even in the last five years," says Max Bumgardner,
sales manager for Sutton Siding & Remodeling, Inc. "All the
manufacturers are competing to offer the best product."
Requiring few tools to
install and available at home improvement stores, this is an option for those
looking for a do-it-yourself product. Since mistakes can be costly, make sure
to follow instructions from the manufacturer and take advantage of online
how-to videos.
Wood siding
Commonly used for bungalow, Cape
Cod and cottage exteriors, wood siding offers a rich look and is durable if
maintained properly. If you are attracted to this look keep in mind that it
requires periodic maintenance (chalking and painting or staining to prevent
weather damage) and is susceptible to insect or rodent attacks. Depending on
maintenance, your rich wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years.
Wood siding comes in
clapboard (also known as lap or bevel siding) as well as shakes and shingles.
Clapboard siding uses planks of wood installed horizontally with an upper piece
that overlaps the lower piece. Western red cedar and redwood, woods known for
being attractive and durable, are considered the best choices.
More uniform in appearance
but thinner than shakes, shingles give you a smooth and consistent look. They
can be cut into different shapes to add visual interest to your exterior. Some
manufacturers also offer shingles treated with fire-retardant chemicals, often
a requirement in high-risk locations. Be sure to check into the local rules in
your area.
Wood siding typically costs
around $5 to $10 per square foot installed. That doesn't count additional cost
for painting or staining.
Brick siding
Made from fired clay, genuine
brick comes in different sizes and textures. Brick is commonly found on
Colonial, Tudor and English cottage exteriors, providing a beautiful look that
has been used for hundreds of years and has stood the test of time. These days
brick siding is usually a veneer constructed outside of a home's wood frame
structure, with mortar used to hold the bricks together.
Since water can penetrate
brick veneers, a membrane installed between the brick veneer and house can
protect the structure. Under normal conditions and when installed correctly
brick siding can last the life of your house. Installing brick is
labor-intensive, so the cost is on the higher end compared to other siding
options.
Typically, brick siding costs
around $6 to $15 or more per square foot installed.
Beautiful Brick Homes
Fiber-cement siding
Offering the look of masonry, stucco or wood at a lower cost, fiber-cement siding has become a popular siding choice for many homeowners. Fiber-cement siding is low-maintenance, non-flammable and termite-resistant. Available in a range of styles and textures, factory painting or finishes are highly recommended.
On the other side, fiber-cement siding could encounter possible moisture-related problems, and older homes built before the late 1980s may have siding that contains asbestos and requires a professional abatement contractor for removal.
The average cost is $6 to $12 per square foot installed (cost higher with trim), and the siding will last 25 to 50 years, depending on manufacturer.
Fiber Cement Siding 02:15
Fiber cement siding is reasonably priced, durable and fire-resistant.Traditional stucco is made from building sand, Portland cement, lime and water. A waterproof barrier paper and galvanized-metal screening are applied over wood walls before stucco is added to provide a good base for the stucco and protect the walls underneath. While stucco can be applied to homes with brick and stone surfaces, the classic look is commonly found on Mediterranean, ranch and Spanish-mission exteriors.
Because stucco is very rigid, careful installation can help reduce the possibility of unwanted cracks. When stucco siding is properly installed and maintained, it can last the lifetime of the house.
The natural beauty and durability of stones like granite and limestone are appealing to homeowners who want a siding that adds texture and visual interest to their exterior. Because stone is more expensive than other siding options — and can be difficult to add to an existing home — concerns about costs should be considered.
More lightweight and less expensive than natural stone, stone-veneer siding comes in natural and synthetic materials. There are many styles available that help enhance your home's curb appeal. Annual cleaning with a hose and inspection of the siding helps ensure it will last the life of the house.
The average cost of stone is around $10 to $30 per square foot installed, and if maintained properly, can last the lifetime of house.
Outfit Your Home's Exterior
Make
the outside of your home shine by choosing smart details that define the look
and style.
"At a certain level, the outer skin of your house is who you are," says architect Lewis Butler, AIA, president of Butler Armsden Architects of San Francisco. "There's great opportunity with the exterior of your house to say something profound, if you choose to do that. The outside is the face of your house."
Attractive trim, a well-placed arbor, a beautiful stone walkway or a period porch light are other tools you can use to give your home a sense of style. But choosing wisely will help you avoid the too-many-ornaments-on-the-Christmas-tree syndrome. Smart decisions and some restraint allow your home to shine.
Top 10 Exterior Styles
"Less is more on the outside of a house," says Armsden. "People sometimes try to do too much. We like to use materials with depth and warmth. Good architecture has to be reinforced by good detailing."
You can even perform an "architectural facelift" by using key design details and some imagination to transform a 1950s ranch home into an inviting Cape Cod-style house. But be aware that what makes a Cape Cod special are not the same details that give a Colonial or Tudor their distinct personality. Explore your home's architectural roots for inspiration and think about the look you want to achieve.
"A big mistake people make is that they don't let their house be what it wants to be," says architect Eddie Maestri, AIA, of Maestri Architecture & Design. "Pay attention to architectural details and go with a theme."
Take a good look at what your home already offers and consider how you can take your house to the next level. The following articles offer ideas and tips to help you reach your goals and create a cohesive look.
You may even discover a new love for your house that you never had before.
(According to DIY Network)
Different Types of Exterior Siding
and Cladding
Find
out about the different types of home exteriors including brick, vinyl and wood
siding.
Things to Consider
Regulations and PermissionsThe rules covering exterior alterations vary from area to area, and according to whether the building is in a historic district. Before your plans advance too far, check with your local authorities and homeowner's association as to whether you need permission. It may also be necessary to get permission to use certain paint colors.
Choosing the right exterior cladding material depends on your climate, personal preference, and budget. Follow all manufacturer's guidelines and local codes to ensure the material you choose performs well over time. One part of this is choosing the correct fasteners for the material and your weather conditions. Most often, you will need to use rust-resistant nails for exterior work.
Stucco
This can be applied directly to blocks or bricks, or onto metal laths (sheets of wire mesh that help adhesion) to provide a decorative, weatherproofing coat that protects a wall's structure. There are several finishing options, including smooth stucco, the smoothest of stucco finishes with some slight texture (image 1); Patterned stucco, a smooth stucco that can be tooled to produce various patterns (image 2); Rough, a uniform rough finish that is applied over smooth stucco (image 3); and Pebbledash, which is achieved by throwing pebbles onto damp stucco.Some topcoats have extra features, such as enhanced water-proofing properties, or suitability for finishing with outside-quality paint. Investigate your options with your builder or supplier, who will also be able to advise you on the quantities needed, and any waterproofing measures that may be necessary.
Planning to Stucco
Stuccoing large walls is not a job for an amateur—advanced plastering skills are required, as is experience in achieving the chosen finish. Unless you are very experienced, hire somebody to do the work for you. It may need several coats—usually an initial scratch coat followed by one or more further layers of stucco. Avoid application at times of extreme weather conditions, which can seriously affect the way stucco adheres, and may therefore reduce its life span. For those less experienced at DIY or the novice who wants the look of stucco, EIFS is an option. Made in panels, EIFS is similar to finished stucco and easier to install but requires careful flashing, so you will need professional help even for this option.
Siding
Siding is often found on most newer houses, forming the outer layer of a wood cavity wall. Some homes are partially covered in siding for decorative effect — boards can be placed horizontally or vertically — but siding also performs a vital weatherproofing function. Boards may be wooden, but synthetic options such as fiber cement board, vinyl, and aluminum are also available. These need less maintenance than wood, and some can be painted. Metal-based boards are usually attached to the house with special clips and channels, bought with the boards.Siding should be applied on top of either building paper (a moisture barrier) or a breather membrane (which stops water from entering a wall, but allows vapor within the wall to escape). If you have a block house you may need a series of furring strips over the paper or membrane, to provide anchor points for the nails or screws to attach the siding.
Using Furring Strips
Horizontal siding goes onto vertical furring strips, which provide a cavity for drainage channels between boards and wall. To maintain channels behind vertical siding, which attaches to horizontal furring strips, fit vertical furring strips first. Chamfering the top edges of the horizontal furring strips directs water away from the wall. If untreated, furring strips must end 6 inches above the ground, so that siding does not touch damp soil. Use treated softwood measuring 1 x 2 inches. Some manufacturers will produce siding systems that incorporate an insulation layer between siding and the wall. Ask for professional advice, because it is important to use the correct insulation and vapor barrier to avoid problems with condensation.
Siding Products
Typically siding is installed from bottom to top, nailed to plywood sheathing through a building paper. Each product has its benefits and special installation instructions. These can include tools and techniques for making installation easier, and some require air spaces or nailing strips. Examples include, feather-edge boards with breather paper and vertical furring strips (image 1); tongue-and-groove boards with plyboard sheathing and breather paper (image 2); shiplap boards (image 3); and shingles with vertical furring strips beneath horizontal strips.More Siding Options
Vinyl siding (image 1); brick (image 2); fiber-cement siding with plyboard sheathing behind breather paper and vertical furring strips (image 3); and tiles with horizontal furring strips.Green Cladding Options
Consider green alternatives when choosing cladding for your external walls. Try using reclaimed wood, for example, or make sure that any new lumber you use comes from a sustainable source.Aluminum cladding produced from recycled aluminum rather than a virgin source is another viable option. For clay tiles, visit a reclamation yard, as reuse is the most eco-friendly option and may save you money. While cement board is not the greenest option, if you are determined to use it, find manufacturers that use high quantities of recycled material.
Siding Materials
It's
time to find out about the many kinds of siding materials that can be used to
cover a home, from brick and wood to cultured stone.
Brick is an especially higher priced choice, due to the cost of materials and labor for the installation. A lot of people today want to imitate the look of homes where they actually made the brick on the site and a lot of people will spend the extra money to get that handmade look.
While brick can add 25 percent or more to the cost of your house construction vs. a less-expensive option such as stucco or vinyl, it more than makes up for it due to durability.
Wood is the next high-end siding option to consider for your home. Much like brick, it may also cost 25 percent more than vinyl or fiber-cement siding. Lumber products are volatile in their price fluctuations, and the supply is also volatile.
Natural stone is another high-end option to consider, but it's costly for a different reason — because it's heavier weight, which means it's more difficult to install. This will raise the labor costs, obviously.
Note: Both stone and brick take longer to install than vinyl siding, and this additional time is another element contributing to their higher cost.
If you love the look of stone and brick but your budget won't allow for the added cost, you do have alternatives:
One way to achieve the look of a high-end siding material without breaking your budget is to use synthetic substitutes. For example, if you want the look of wood siding, consider using an engineered wood as an option.
Engineered wood takes wood chips, breaks them down into a size of a fiber, adds resins and wax and, with heat and pressure, bonds them back into a homogeneous panel. That yields a very stable product that can provide an excellent finish and a lot of versatility when it comes to siding the house.
Like wood, stone has a synthetic alternative called "cultured stone," which provides homeowners with the high-end look of natural stone — but without the higher price tag.
Cultured stone is actually a manufactured stone
veneer product that replicates natural stone in size, shape and texture. And
it's a lightweight product, which means it has installation advantages. Unlike
quarried stone, which may be limited to a geographical area where it's
available, this product can be available anywhere in the country.
Siding Basics
Siding
refers to any kind of material that is placed on the exterior of a home. Learn
about the basics and the different types available for your home.
Siding Basics
As you begin to cover the frame of your home, it's important to understand the two primary functions of the exterior siding:- The first is to provide protection from the elements, such as rain, snow or ice.
- The second is to provide an aesthetically pleasing look that matches the rest of your house.
Siding That Protects
There are many types of siding you can choose for the exterior of your home. Wood, brick and vinyl are just a few, but what's important is how well they keep out one of nature's most common elements — water."Water penetration is far and away the most disastrous effect that can happen on a house. It's the easiest way to have a house see all sorts of problems, whether it's structurally or in terms of mold growth — or just having it break down," said John Broniek, manager of building programs at IBACOS.
Some kinds of siding are better than others for keeping moisture at bay, and among them are aluminum and vinyl siding, which are perfect for wet climate regions of the country. Other materials such as wood, stucco or stone may be aesthetically pleasing but are less affective as water barriers. If you have heavy rainfall in your region, these are not the best choices for your siding because they probably won't hold up and could develop problems with mold.
Vinyl, aluminum, cement and brick, however, do work well in wet climates.
Siding That Looks Good
Once you've considered what kind of siding is best at handling the elements in your particular climate, it's time to look at the second function of siding — the aesthetic one."Another aspect of exterior building products are their aesthetic value that they give to a house. They're often the first thing that a person sees as they drive up to a house, so it's important that it's very presentable because it adds to the quality and the character of the house," John said.
Choosing a siding material that's appealing to the eye, however, is a purely subjective choice. Some potential homeowners may like the elegant look of brick or the traditional look of wood siding, while others may prefer cultured stone or stucco, which is a combination of lime, sand and water and is actually a modern version of ancient adobe construction — a building technique introduced more than 400 years ago by Native Americans.
Note: Exterior building materials can vary in price; therefore, it's important to balance your choice of siding with your budget.
Siding Cost
Because siding options vary widely in their cost, making a choice can be pretty tough, especially when you throw in concerns about water resistance and aesthetic value. You'll need to take time and research the siding options "before" you make the purchase.Constructive Advice: Whether it's brick, wood or any other product that you've chosen for your siding material, make sure that you don't just pick a sample from a showroom. Go out and look at examples in your neighborhood of how that material will look on a larger scale. Seeing that choice in a larger context will help prevent disappointment and expensive replacements in the future.
Alternative Siding Options
Take
a closer look at a few alternative siding options, all of which will help ease
the burden on your wallet.
"One of the biggest siding or exterior cladding system choices now is vinyl," said John Broniek, manager of builder programs at IBACOS. "It's very popular, especially for production homes. You have many colors, it's very durable, low maintenance, which people appreciate."
For those of you who like the look of wood, vinyl siding is a perfect alternative because it captures the distinctive look of wood — but at a lower cost.
Like vinyl siding, fiber-cement siding is another material that's becoming more popular with homeowners and builders alike. This new innovation is basically cement board, which can look like regular vinyl or wood siding. The only difference is that it's made with cement-type material, and when you put it on your house it can last for decades — with little maintenance required. Most manufacturers have at least 50-year warranties, and it's a durable product that installs as easily as regular siding.
Note: Vinyl and fiber-cement siding can cost up to 25 percent "less" than high-end siding options such as brick, wood and stone.
Low-Cost Siding Drawbacks
Like all siding materials, some of these low-cost alternatives have drawbacks. For example, fiber-cement siding is much heavier than traditional siding options and needs some moisture barrier underneath to ensure its waterproof qualities. Exterior building products aren't 100 percent watertight. In fact, water will get around them somehow — either through them or around them at windows and doors. This means a secondary line of protection is necessary to protect the building that's behind it.A drawback of vinyl siding is that it doesn't come in as many colors that can be painted on traditional wood.
How Long Will Siding Last?
Regardless of whether you're
using a high-end siding or low-cost alternative to cover your home's exterior,
you'll want the siding to last as long as possible. The longevity depends upon
two things:
- The durability of the product.
- How well the product is maintained.
Durability is an important
quality of exterior building products, but it's vital to remember that the
materials will be exposed to the extent of what Mother Nature can throw at them
in terms of wind, rain, sun, rain, snow and more. All exterior building
materials will deteriorate over time.
You can make the building
product last longer if you maintain it extremely well. Vinyl siding requires
little maintenance, but wood siding requires much more. One of the easiest ways
to ensure a longer life for your siding is to keep it clean.
With vinyl or stucco siding,
cleaning is as simple as using a garden hose to wash it. With high-end options
such as wood, you'll need to have paint or a wood sealant applied by an
installation professional or if you're a do-it-yourselfer, you. Once the
elements have worn through the out sealant, they'll have to be replaced.
So after you've chosen a material, make sure that your
builder has purchased a siding that has a long-term warranty. And once you've
moved into your home, remember to clean and repaint or reseal the siding on a
regular basis.