First Impressions: The Different Types of Siding and How to Choose the Best for Your Home

Are you planning on remodeling your home soon? Then you might be looking at all the elements you can upgrade and improve on to create your dream home.

One of those elements is siding, which both insulates your house and protects it from weathering. But it can also serve another purpose—enhancing your property’s aesthetics. Read on to find out the types of siding you can choose from.

The Types of Siding Available

When it comes to siding, you’ll have many options available to you, which means you get a chance to make your home stand out in the neighborhood. However, keep in mind that not all siding is created equally; each has its own strengths and weaknesses, plus different price points as well.

Below, we’ve listed the types of siding you can consider for your home.

Wood

Wood can be a beautiful choice if you live somewhere with lots of greenery or like a more natural feel for your home. It’s also unique since no two pieces of wood look the same.

Not only does the wood itself look different, but you can also stain and paint it whatever color you wish. But with that freedom comes with a caveat; you have to restain and repaint it every few years to maintain the looks of your siding.

A downside is that it can be susceptible to termites and water damage. The upside to this is that wood is very easy to replace in sections, whereas with other types of siding, you have to replace whole chunks, which can become costly.

Vinyl

This is one of the most commonly used types of siding; this is because it can last for decades and is easy to clean. Also, you have a wide range of choices for colors and can even texture it to look like wood so you get the same aesthetics but without the problem of termites and damage from water.

However, vinyl can warp if you live somewhere with extreme weather, either hot or cold. Plus, even though the material is waterproof, improper installation can cause water damage and mold to form on your home.

Insulated

This is similar to vinyl, but an upgrade. Not only do you get vinyl, but you get another layer that’s made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). This material can last around 40 years.

As the name suggests, when you pick insulated siding, you’ll get much better insulation for your home. As a result, you’ll save on your utility bills.

Metal

Metal siding can really make your house stand out! A great benefit is that it’s low maintenance, so you don’t need to do anything to maintain it. It’s resistant to fire and with steel siding, it won’t fade like with other materials.

If you get aluminum siding, be aware that it can dent from weathering. It can also fade.

Brick

Brick is one of your choices that’ll have practically no downsides. It’s elegant and can last over a century with little to no maintenance required. You also won’t have to worry about termites or falling victim to fires.

The bad news? Brick siding is very expensive when compared to other materials. It can cost up to $15 per square foot.

Stucco

Stucco is like brick and can last up to a century with little maintenance. You also won’t get problems with termites or other insects. If you get any damage, you can easily repair it for cheap.

However, stucco is not recommended for houses located where there’s lots of rain or weathering; it can show up more, which can give your house a more tired look.

Stone

If you thought brick was expensive, then you’ll definitely have to cross stone siding off your list. It can cost up to $50 per square foot, which can eat up your budget for remodeling quickly.

But the upside is, stone will last you a lifetime, so consider it a long-term investment. Even if you don’t stay in your home for the rest of your life, you’ll be able to sell it for a higher price due to its wonderful stone siding.

Fiber Cement

This is the second most popular type of siding; it’s in high demand since it has the appearance of wood, but without its problems and costs. Also, it’s fire-resistant, which is handy if you live somewhere prone to fires.

The only negatives to getting fiber cement siding are that it needs touchups and you’ll have to repaint it every decade or so.

Concrete

Concrete is one of the sidings that has a lower cost; you can expect to pay around $5 per square foot. This material can last a lifetime and has very little maintenance involved. It’s also great for insulation and can withstand multiple types of weathering.

Although the price per square foot is low, unfortunately, installation costs will be high.

How to Choose the Right Siding

There’s no single right way to choose the right type of siding for your home. However, there are three main things you need to think about: your budget, tastes, and local weather.

For instance, you might live somewhere where brick siding is perfect and you love the look, but can’t afford it. In that case, you’d have to look to other types of siding to fit your budget.

If you aren’t sure what type of siding is right for your home, you should consider consulting with a professional siding contractor like GVD Renovations. They’ll be able to take the above three points into consideration to make optimal suggestions.

Elevate Your Home’s Looks with Beautiful Siding

Now that you know all the types of siding and what factors go into choosing the right one for your home, you’ll be able to pick out siding that’ll elevate your home’s aesthetics. Not only will it increase the curb appeal of your residence, but you’ll also get excellent protection from weathering.

Want more ideas for your remodeling project? Then take a look at our article on house remodeling ideas!