Different Types of Siding for Your Home (and How to Choose)
The moment someone builds a house, nature begins the process of destroying it. It can be an incredibly fast process, like when a natural disaster sweeps through an area and wipes out a house, or it can be a slow, torturous process of weather and time that gradually destroys the structure.
That’s why houses are always covered with some kind of siding. Siding protects the structure of the house from the sun, wind and rain, extending its service life. But siding is not cheap. The average cost of home siding these days is $12,690, but more expensive options top $20,000. Good news? This is an amazing investment. Not only does siding protect your overall investment in your home, but it also has a very high return on investment (typically 75% to 85% ). Additionally, the boost to your home’s curb appeal that new siding provides can increase property values by as much as 10%.
There are many siding options for your home. Here’s a rundown of your options and how to decide if they’re right for you.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is inherently plastic, but don’t let that fool you. While early versions of vinyl siding were prone to cracking and looked cheap, modern vinyl siding comes in a wide range of styles and colors and is one of the most durable siding materials available.
Pros: Vinyl siding is relatively affordable, averaging about $11,100 for installation. It’s also a flexible choice because you can find vinyl in a variety of styles that mimic wood or other materials.
Cons: While vinyl can last decades with proper care , it can also fade within a decade or two and is generally considered to have a lifespan of about 20 years or so , which is shorter than other materials.
When to choose: When cost is a major factor.
Metal siding
Metal siding, usually aluminum or steel (though other metals such as copper can also be used), is a durable siding material with a distinctive appearance. Costs range from $8,374 to $22,942 depending on the material and size of the home.
Pros: Most metal siding will last 30-50 years and requires little maintenance. It will also give your home a unique look.
Cons: Metal is durable , but subject to unpredictable influences. Dents, scratches, or some sort of patina are not uncommon, and while they won’t ruin the siding’s functionality, they can detract from your style. Metal is also a poor insulator and sound barrier and can conduct sound into the home.
When to choose: When strength and durability are paramount, but you don’t want the look of brick or stone.
Wood siding
Wood siding comes in a variety of forms, including old-school style sheathing (which most vinyl siding strives to emulate), split logs (for a homey feel), board and batten (for a farmhouse look), and shingles and shingles ( to create a feeling of home). this New England port city). There are also industrial (called engineered) versions made from a combination of wood fibers and a resin binder . Overall, wood siding will cost you an average of $19,300 , although this amount can be much higher depending on the specific style and type of wood you choose.
Pros: Classic, traditional look. Environmentally friendly as it does not require toxic materials to produce and is a renewable material.
Cons: Requires additional care. Although wood siding can last for decades, it often requires periodic cleaning and sealing and is vulnerable to rot and insect infestation (like termites, a word that strikes fear in the heart of any homeowner).
When to Choose: When you want a cozy, old-school look or want to worry less about your home’s environmental impact.
Fiber cement siding
Made from Portland cement, silica and wood fiber , such as vinyl fiber cement siding can mimic the appearance of wood or other textures while providing superior durability.
Pros: This material will last: Fiber cement siding will last at least 50 years. It’s also comparable in cost to vinyl, with most installations costing around $15,000 . It is also very easy to maintain.
Cons: Like vinyl, it can look a little artificial compared to wood or metal.
When to Choose: If you’re looking for the same flexibility as vinyl, but want a more durable material.
Brick and stone siding
When you think of “siding,” you may think of traditional planks of vinyl siding or wood shingles. But anything that covers the exterior of your home is siding, including brick and stone siding.
Pros: Brick and stone siding has a classic, traditional look. It also requires little maintenance and can last up to 100 years if properly cared for.
Cons: Consumption. Installing brick siding can cost an average of $22,500 , while stone siding can cost as much as a whopping $72,000 , depending on the size of your home.
When to Choose: If you want your siding to outlast you with minimal maintenance.
Plaster siding
Stucco is old school siding made by combining cement with sand or lime and applying it to some kind of lathe (usually a metal screen) attached to the exterior of the house.
Pros: It is very flexible in terms of color and provides excellent energy efficiency as it forms insulation around the home, keeping outside air outside. It’s also affordable, with an average cost of less than $10,000 .
Cons: Stucco is porous and not suitable for cold or humid climates. It also requires high maintenance costs , as weather conditions and precipitation can cause cracks to form, which will require relatively regular repairs.
When to choose: When the main thing is cost or energy efficiency.
Other Considerations
Of course, your neighborhood will play an important role when choosing siding for your home. You may not want to have a completely different style of home (or you may not be allowed to have a completely different style of home if you have a homeowners association). When choosing siding, consider the appearance of your home that will appeal to others in the community.
Another consideration is the installation process: If you want to DIY your siding to save some money, you might want to choose vinyl siding (even if you don’t like the look of it) because it’s definitely something you can do yourself .
Whatever siding you choose will improve the curb appeal, comfort, and durability of your home, so there’s no wrong choice here. You just need to balance cost, durability and aesthetics.