If you want to learn more about your property’s various types of siding, you’re in the right place.
There are seemingly countless decisions that go into a property renovation or new build. Between roofing materials, flooring types, windows, paint colors, and so many more, homeowners spend a considerable amount of time making selections and crossing their fingers that it’s a good choice. One of the biggest decisions homeowners make about their property is what type of material is used on the exterior walls.
Common materials used for building exteriors include brick, wood, stone, and concrete (one of the most popular siding materials). There are many options for house siding, and the sheer volume of information and options can feel overwhelming.
To ensure you, the homeowner, make a good choice for your home exteriors, we’re diving into eight of the most common types of siding for homes and filling you in on everything you need to know.
Continue reading to learn more…
What is Siding?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of it all, let’s make sure we have our bases covered and understand the fundamentals of siding. Siding, also called wall cladding, is a type of building material and protective outermost layer for properties. You can think of siding as an affordable and highly effective weatherproof jacket for your home. Without it, your property would be left extremely vulnerable.
Why is House Siding Important?
Alongside your roof, siding is the building’s first defense against external environmental factors, like animals, weather, pests, etc. Having your home wrapped in an effective exterior material is crucial for its safety, functionality, and overall curb appeal.
8 Common Types of Siding for Your House
There are many different types of siding for homes, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s dive into the characteristics of eight of the most popular options among homeowners below:
- Natural Wood Siding — It’s no secret that wood siding is incredibly beautiful. It adds instant character to any house and is a relatively good eco-friendly option. However, its functionality and affordability fall short compared to other siding options. Wood siding is an expensive upfront investment, tends to warp and swell over time, and is susceptible to rot and pest infestations. Overall, it is not the most durable choice, meaning you’ll need frequent repairs and general maintenance.
- Engineered Wood Siding — Contrasting its natural counterpart, engineered wood siding is resistant to water and weather damage, warping, critters, mildew, mold, and fungus. Unfortunately, engineered wood siding, also called composite wood siding, is extremely heavy and can be irregularly shaped, making repairs tedious, expensive, and complex.
- Metal Siding — Metal siding can look stylish, contemporary, and low maintenance as long as it is in decent shape. When it becomes damaged, scratched, or left unpainted (or without a seal) for an extended period of time, it is susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Properties wrapped in metal siding may experience higher energy bills and are not good at blocking out external noises. This siding is prone to dents and various other visible imperfections. Moreover, the replacement process can be challenging since homeowners have to replace an entire panel just to fix any damage (large or small). - Brick Veneers — There may not be a building material more traditional and classic than brick. We’re not surprised the third little pig built his house out of it — it’s a great option! Sometimes, a hefty price tag comes with a lengthy list of pros, and brick is no exception. If property owners want a less-expensive option, they can opt for brick veneers. However, sometimes you get what you pay for, and with brick veneers, this sentiment also rings true. Plenty of issues accompany brick veneers, such as a complex installation, cumbersome repair process, and flashing problems.
- Stucco Exteriors — Stucco is an excellent budget-friendly exterior option that can be both versatile and attractive. It is effective as long as it is intact. While the initial stucco installment is not a big production or project, stucco upkeep is a big commitment. The instant any cracks appear, or pieces go missing, your property is susceptible to damage far beyond superficial, contributing to major structural damage.
- Fiber Cement Siding — Fiber cement siding is extremely versatile in style and boasts a long lifespan. This is a great option if you want to emulate the look of wood siding. However, as time passes, it can absorb moisture which may result in various issues. Additionally, the installation of fiber cement siding can be cumbersome and is not-so-eco-friendly.
- Stone Cladding — Stone cladding is a classic and naturally beautiful option. When you’re as much as you are for stone exteriors, it better be timeless and unrivaled in its beauty! Moreover, the installation process is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. In addition to the structural sublate it requires, it also needs a protective sealant.
- Vinyl Siding — One of the most popular choices for exterior materials among homeowners is vinyl siding. This budding material is made from highly durable plastic and is extremely versatile in color, texture, and style. There are many reasons why vinyl is the house siding of choice.
Here are some reasons why property owners choose to wrap their houses in this material:
- Vinyl Siding is Highly-Durable — It’s no wonder why homeowners gravitate towards vinyl when it’s as durable as it is! Vinyl siding is made to resist excessive amounts of moisture and withstands constant exposure to extreme elements such as wind, hail, snow, and sun. Vinyl siding also will not rot, rust, or warp. This material’s installation typically comes with a warranty to back up their lofty claims. So even if it does not live up to its promises — which isn’t likely to happen — homeowners can rest assured knowing they have a warranty to fall back on if necessary (so long as they do not void the agreement).
- Vinyl Siding Requires Little Maintenance — When determining the type of exterior materials you want to use for your property, it is important for property owners to consider how much maintenance (read: time and money) it requires. Vinyl siding is one of if not the lowest maintenance options on the market. It requires very little work and upkeep to keep it looking new. Your vinyl siding requires cleaning and inspections a couple of times yearly; otherwise, you are pretty much good to go once the installation is complete. The great news is that these simple tasks are something homeowners can do themselves or hire a professional to do for them.
- Vinyl Siding Lower Energy Bills — Many homeowners opt for vinyl siding because of its awesome insulating properties. Homes with poor insulation or wrapped in other types of siding cost a lot more money to heat and cool than houses with vinyl siding. Moreover, insulated vinyl siding can help you avoid heat loss via thermal bridging. Siding plays a critical role in your property’s insulation. Installing this material is like spreading protective shelter across your house, keeping it comfortable year-round: warmer in the winter, cooler during the summer. Your wallet, HVAC system, and Mother Nature will surely thank you!
- Vinyl Siding is Very Affordable — In addition to saving money on utility bills, vinyl siding will help save money because of its affordable, upfront cost. It is significantly less expensive than other exterior building materials, such as brick or wood siding. Not only will your initial investment cost you less money, but repairs and continued maintenance are also really affordable! For example, other building materials like metal or wooden siding are much more likely to incur damage and require more maintenance, which costs more money. Not only are homeowners paying more money upfront, but they wind up spending even more hard-earned cash for repairs and care along the way. If your vinyl siding ever does become damaged, and you are required to foot the bill (read: your warranty is void), vinyl siding is still the better, more affordable option.
- Vinyl Siding is Easy to Install — This superstar building material boasts a simple installation process, especially when you compare it to other types of siding or materials. Property owners are able to save time and money by selecting this siding for their homes. Vinyl siding is ultra-lightweight and comes with pre-drilled holes, making it quick and easy for professionals to install. So, if you want a painless and quick job, vinyl siding is a clear choice.
- Vinyl Siding is Extremely Versatile — Another exciting feature of this building material is that it can be manufactured to look just about identical to other types of materials, such as stone and wood! The vinyl siding we see today is so convincing that the average person looking could not spot the difference. If functionality and design are important to you, vinyl siding is the perfect balance of both; you don’t have to give up on having the other. Homeowners can enjoy the benefits of durable and affordable siding without compromising appearance. Vinyl siding comes in nearly every color, shape, and texture, allowing property owners to have any exterior.
- Vinyl Siding Improves Curb Appeal — Wrapping your property in vinyl siding instantly improves your home’s curb appeal. Houses with this material are typically the nicest-looking ones on the block. Moreover, vinyl siding helps nicer your home’s value. And, if you ever hope to sell your property, curb appeal and value are essential! It’s not uncommon for homebuyers to skip over looking inside a house if the exterior doesn’t catch their eye or meet their standards. Curb appeal is key in the real estate world. While there are many types of siding for homes that can update the look and feel of your house, vinyl siding is the perfect way to give your exteriors a facelift.
Want to Learn More About the Various Types of Siding? Contact Mountain States Windows & Siding!
The number of types of siding out there can feel overwhelming, but the professionals at Mountain States Windows and Siding are here to help you throughout the entire process.
Whether your property is a new build and you need to select its original exteriors, or you simply want to update the look and function of your current home, vinyl is a great choice! Wood, stucco, and other types of siding are much less effective, inefficient, and expensive. If you want to make the upgrade and improve the look and functionality of your property, our trusted team is here to help.
Our skilled crew has worked tirelessly for our extraordinary reputation and is proud to be known as a hassle-free, trustworthy, and professional home improvement company. We are dedicated to giving our clients more than just quality siding and windows — we also strive to provide each of our customers with unmatched customer service.
Anyone who has worked with Mountain States can attest that we stand behind our work and products. When it comes to remodels, from kitchen or bathroom renovations (hire us for that, too!) to window and siding installations and upgrades, property owners want a highly qualified and professional company to handle the job. We are proud to be that company.
We promise each of our clients with professional and transparent service. We are always upfront about our processes and accompanying costs. We also understand the importance of and are dedicated to staying within your budget. At Mountain States, we only use quality materials and products that are sure to improve the look, function, and value of your property.
When you choose Mountain States Windows & Siding, you choose premium, honest, and friendly service with a smile. We serve homes, businesses, and other properties along the Wasatch Front, so if you live in Salt Lake City, Payson, West Jordan, Lehi, Park City, or a nearby city, contact the team at Mountain States Window & Siding today!
