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The exterior of your home is the first thing people see when they pass by, and it plays a crucial role in protecting the interior from weather elements. The siding is one of the most important aspects of a home’s exterior. If you are looking for a smart way to increase both the curb appeal and the value of your home, then installing new siding is undoubtedly the home improvement project that can help you achieve your goal.
The siding industry has seen tremendous growth and development in recent years. You now have plenty of options available at your disposal. To help you get started, we have created a list of the nine most popular types of siding available on the market that you can consider. Each of the siding options has specific features and can appeal to different homeowners. By the end of this post, you will better understand the different options available to you.
#1 Vinyl Siding
Few siding options on the market are as popular as vinyl siding. Due to its wide popularity, vinyl siding is on most home exteriors.
It is made from a synthetic plastic compound known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is molded into various shapes and sizes. Vinyl siding can also mimic the look of traditional siding materials, such as wood shingles and brick. Traditional vinyl siding is available in many colors, styles, and textures, so you can use vinyl to complement any type of architecture. Also, the recent vinyl siding manufactured today is extremely durable and does not require regular re-painting and maintenance.
However, vinyl siding doesn’t have good insulation properties, and if it’s not installed correctly it may trap moisture underneath its material and become a problem.
There are various styles and types of vinyl siding available on the market, such as insulated siding.
Verdict
Overall, vinyl can be a good siding option for many homeowners looking for low-cost, and low-maintenance siding options. However, it’s essential to keep in mind its limitations and consider how it will fit with your home’s climate and aesthetics.
#2 Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is one of the most durable siding materials you can install on your home.
As the name suggests, fiber cement is the primary component of this siding. It is a robust and extremely durable material made by mixing portland cement with water and sand. Its cellulose fibers give the material strength and dimensional stability, while the cement provides durability, and pest and fire resistance.
Fiber cement siding is also low maintenance and long-lasting. It can resist rot, fire, termite damage, and extreme sun exposure. If you want to install fiber cement siding, you can consider James Hardie sidings for your home.
Verdict
Fiber cement siding is a relatively recent addition to the industry but has surely made its mark quickly. Go for this siding if you want a durable alternative to vinyl siding and want more variety.
#3 Wood Siding
Wood siding can be made from various types of wood, such as cedar, redwood, or pine. You can easily stain or paint them to match the desired aesthetic of a home, which gives you options to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Wood might be one of the most beautiful materials used for siding, however, wood siding can be more expensive and have high maintenance requirements compared to other types of siding. Wood siding will need regular staining or painting to protect it from moisture and UV rays from the sun. It also requires regular inspection for rot, decay, pests, and mold. You may find that your wood siding is also prone to warping, cracking, and rotting without regular maintenance.
Verdict
Natural wood siding is the most aesthetically pleasing siding that most homeowners still prefer for their properties. Its natural, rugged look and ability to be customized works quite well. However, you will need to take proper care of this siding. You can choose from several types of wood siding options, such as cedar, redwood, and pine.
#4 Stone Siding
Real stone siding, also known as natural stone siding, is one of the best types of siding that are made from natural stone. This type of siding is quarried from the earth and cut into thin, uniform pieces that can be used to cover the exterior of a building.
Many different types of natural stone can be used for sidings, such as granite, limestone, sandstone, and slate. The natural stone has a unique, rustic appearance that can add an air of elegance and sophistication to a home.
Natural stone is heavy in nature and can easily withstand the harshest weather conditions. It is highly durable and long-lasting and can last for many decades. It is fire-resistant and also offers resistance against pest and animal attacks.
Due to its various features, its price is also on the higher side. Stone is considered a premium siding material, so finding a professional with the experience and skills to install it can be more complicated and involve the use of various equipment.
Verdict
Stone siding is a popular but highly expensive material. We recommend to install this siding if you have a sizeable budget and are looking for a solution that can last for years. However if you do not have the budget, consider our next option on the list.
#5 Stone Veneer
Stone veneer, also known as faux stone siding, is cheaper than natural stone. Stone veneer siding is a type of exterior siding that mimics the look of natural stone. It is made from a thin layer of natural stone applied to a backing material, such as concrete or a wood composite.
However, it’s not as durable as natural stone and is more prone to cracking or chipping over time. It’s also not a good insulation material and may not be as long-lasting as natural stone, especially if installed incorrectly.
Verdict
Stone veneer siding is gaining popularity in the area. This type of home siding does offer cost advantages over its natural counterparts. However, it falls short in durability. If you want the look of stone siding and are on a budget, you should consider faux stone siding.
#6 Manufactured Wood Siding
Seeing the issues with natural wood siding, manufacturers have tried to create an alternative that promises to be better than real wood and serves your home better.
Just like the way stone veneer mimics real stone, manufactured wood does the same.
Manufactured wood, also known as engineered wood siding, has the appearance of raw wood but is instead made from composite materials combined with shards or splinters of wood.
This alternative is a better house siding option in various ways. One main reason is that it is much more affordable than real cedarwood or pinewood. Also, it is more durable than natural wood siding. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, and you will not need to spend time maintaining this siding regularly.
LP siding is a pioneer in the engineered wood siding industry. Sidings from LP Siding also come in a variety of textures and patterns to mimic natural types of wood siding materials.
Verdict
Engineered wood siding is a good choice if you want a more affordable composite siding that still looks like real wood. It’s essential to keep in mind that the durability and performance of engineered wood siding will depend on the quality of the product, the manufacturer, and the installation.
#7 Brick Siding
Brick-sided homes are timeless classics, and they still have an aesthetic appeal that pleases the majority of homeowners. Over the years, more and more colors have been introduced for brick siding, further increasing your home’s appeal and value.
Since bricks are also used in the construction of homes, there is no doubt that these are one of the most durable types of siding available today. It can easily withstand harsh weather conditions, and this siding can last for decades with little to no maintenance. Brick siding is also fire-resistant, making it a safe siding option for your home.
Another advantage of brick siding is that it can provide good insulation for a home, helping to keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can lead to energy savings.
Verdict
Since it passes the test in almost every aspect, you might be wondering if there are any downsides to it. Well, there are. Brick siding can be costly, and is a bit harder to install. The brick mortar used to join the bricks can also become damaged and require regular maintenance.
#8 Aluminum Siding
Aluminum and steel siding is also quite good for house siding options. Metal rules the roofing industry, but is also popular when it comes to siding as well. Aluminum is the most common metal siding that manufacturers produce.
Aluminum is an excellent choice because it’s durable, lightweight, and easy to work with. It also has some amazing energy-efficient properties. Aluminum conducts heat more efficiently than other siding materials, so it helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This material is also fire-resistant.
However, aluminum siding can be prone to denting and scratches, which can affect the overall appearance of the exterior siding. It may also be more prone to expanding and contracting with temperature changes.
Verdict
Overall, aluminum metal siding is a durable and long-lasting option, particularly for coastal homes. Still, it’s important to consider the product’s potential drawbacks and quality before making a decision. They are available in both vertical panels and horizontal panels.
#9 Stucco
Last but not least is stucco siding. Most homeowners do not consider stucco a type of siding as it is unavailable in the conventional plank system. However, stucco has been used as a primary exterior material for centuries and is still a standard commercially used siding option.
Stucco is a durable and relatively low-maintenance material that can help to insulate a building and improve its appearance. You can expect stucco siding to last for more than 50 years. It is often applied in multiple layers, with a scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat.
One advantage of stucco siding is that it can be used on any type of structure, from a small shed to an entire home. It now comes in a variety of colors and textures, so you can customize it to match your home’s design.
Verdict
Stucco is a durable and long-lasting material, but it is more difficult to install and repair than other siding materials such as vinyl siding.
What Should You Consider Before You Make Your Decision?
Now that you know the different types of siding available, you might be confused about the options. So how do you decide which is the right one for your home? You can do this by comparing the siding types based on certain factors. Below we have shared a list of things to consider before you choose the siding for your home.
Climate And Weather Conditions:
Some types of siding may be more suitable for certain climates and weather conditions than others. For example, aluminum siding may be a good choice for coastal areas, while brick siding may be better for areas with extremely cold weather.
Energy Efficiency:
The insulative properties of different types of siding can also be an important factor, especially in areas with extreme temperature conditions such as Wisconsin. Some types of siding may provide better insulation, such as insulated vinyl siding, or stucco.
Aesthetics:
Nowadays, there is more focus on curb appeal than ever before. Some types of siding, such as natural stone or brick, have a unique, rustic appearance that can add character and curb appeal to a home. Other types of siding, such as vinyl siding, come in various colors.
It is also essential to consult with a professional local contractor or specialist to help you make the best decision.
Meet Your Professional Siding Installers In Wisconsin
We hope that with the help of our list, you are now more aware of the options available to you and can now choose the best alternative for your home. However, selecting the right siding material is only a part of the process. You also need to hire a professional contractor to install the siding material on your home.
You should make Kickapoo Roofing your preferred roofing company for your new siding project. We are the best roofing company in Wisconsin, and we install high-quality siding materials from leading manufacturers.
Contact us at (608) 352-8688, to learn more about the services we can provide you in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
