Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home

Most homeowners don’t think siding is essential, but choosing the right material for your home will influence how well it stands up to common problems. If you’re thinking about putting siding on your home, there are several options to consider. The right type of siding can add value, beauty, and energy efficiency to your home. The following guide may help you to decide which type of siding is best for you and your home.

Wood clapboard was a classic choice in siding material. The beauty of clapboard siding can be seen on many historic homes. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros:

Adds a touch of timelessness and authenticity to the look of the home. May increase the value if the home is in a historic neighborhood.

Wood comes in a variety of colors, styles, and textures.

Fairly easy to repair – shingles can be repaired individually.

Cons:

Requires a lot of maintenance; especially if it is painted.

Prone to problems with rot, pests, insects (bees, termites and carpenter ants) and warping or splitting.

Also prone to paint problems like blistering and peeling.

Aluminum siding became the alternative to wood siding as an answer to the desire for less maintenance.

Pros:

Available in a variety of textures intended to mimic shingle style siding.

Easy to retrofit over existing wood shingle.

Very low maintenance and durable. Some brands may come with a warranty.

Cons:

Cannot be customized with detailed trim work.

Prone to denting and can be very loud during storms.

Pre-Finished colors may have issues with fading.

Less energy efficient with the aluminum metal on the home.

Vinyl siding was the next material to be developed as a durable, low cost, customizable alternative to aluminum.

Pros:

Lowest cost of all siding choices.

Largest variety of colors, styles, and textures. Decorative trim can be applied.

Very low maintenance and easy to retrofit.

Can be insulated to increase energy efficiency and value of the home

Cons:

If not installed properly, it will lead to serious issues with warping and buckling.

Prone to cracking in very cold temperatures.

If repairs are needed, large sections will have to removed and replaced instead of individual shingles.

Fiber Cement siding is the higher end of siding. It was developed to be very strong and durable with a cosmetic beauty similar to that of wood siding.

Pros:

Several siding styles and profiles available

An option for older homes to keep the historical look without rotting

Variety of colors, styles, and textures.

A manufacturer painted product with a 15 year warranty

Very low maintenance and easy to install

Can be insulated to increase energy efficiency and value of the home

Better Curb Appeal

Cons:

Most expensive siding product

If not installed properly, you could see warping on the wall

May need to be re-painted over time

Now that you know the pros and cons of the most popular siding choices, it should be easier for you to make a decision. Think about the neighborhood around you, the common weather patterns for your area, and aesthetic choices versus economical choices, and you should have a pretty good idea of the siding material that is most appropriate for your home.