If you are a property owner and have wondered, “What is the best siding for my house?” We are here to fill you in on all of the siding details you need to know.
Countless decisions go into a property build or renovation. Between flooring types, paint colors, windows, roofing materials, and more, homeowners spend a considerable amount of time making their selections and hoping it is a good one. One of the most significant decisions a homeowner has to make about their home is what materials to use on its exterior walls.
Common exterior building materials include stone, brick, wood, concrete, and more. One of the most common selections is siding. But even then, there are many different types of siding that a property owner could choose. So, which is the best siding for a house? Keep scrolling to find out.
What is Siding?
Siding, commonly referred to as wall cladding, is a protective outermost layer of a home or commercial property. Similar to how people wear a windproof rain jacket on a blustery day, siding helps protect a structure from harsh elements. Like your rain jacket, without it, you are left very vulnerable.
Why is Siding for My House Important?
Siding is your property’s first line of defense against any external environmental factors, such as weather and animals. An effective home exterior material is essential for the functionality and safety of your home. Moreover, siding can help improve the ever-important curb appeal.
What is the Best Siding For a House? 8 Types of Siding for Your Property
As previously mentioned, there are many different kinds of siding. Each type comes with plenty of advantages and disadvantages. So if you are wondering, “What is the best siding for a house?” You will find our honest answer and opinion below:
Natural Wood Siding — There is no denying that wood siding is incredibly beautiful. It adds instant charm and character to any property and is a relatively environmentally-friendly choice. However, its functionality falls short in comparison to other materials.
Wood siding can swell and warp over time and is susceptible to critter infestations and rot. Overall, it is not super durable, resulting in the need for frequent repairs and other types of maintenance. Moreover, its upfront investment is typically high.
Engineered Wood Siding — Unlike its natural counterpart, engineered wood siding, also called composite wood siding, is resistant to water and weather damage, warping, fungus, pests, mildew, and mold. Unfortunately, engineered wood siding is heavy and can be irregularly shaped, making repairs tedious, costly, and challenging.
Fiber Cement Siding — Fiber cement siding has a long lifespan and is extremely versatile in style. It is the best way to emulate the look of wood siding; however, it can, over time, absorb moisture which can lead to various issues. Moreover, the installation process can be challenging, and it is not really an eco-friendly choice.
Brick Veneers — Is there anything more traditional and classic than a brick-clad home? It is no wonder that the third little pig built his house out of the material. We are able to learn a lot about this character just by his choice of brick, including the fact that brick is expensive, so this little pig must have had cash to go along with it.
Even if a property owner opts for the cheaper brick veneer option, you get what you pay for. There are plenty of issues that come with veneers, such as flashing problems, and they are shockingly cumbersome and complex to install.
Metal Siding — Metal siding is modern, stylish, and low maintenance as long as it is in good shape; once it becomes damaged, even scratched, or unpainted for an extended period of time, it is susceptible to rust.
Homes wrapped in metal siding can experience higher energy bills and are not great at blocking out external noise. It is prone to dents and other visible imperfections. Furthermore, the replacement process can be tricky, mainly due to the fact that you have to replace the entire panel to fix even the smaller section or sign of damage.
Stone Cladding — Stone cladding is natural and unrivaled in its beauty. But some issues can arise, like the labor-intensive and time-consuming installation process. It is one of the more expensive ends of siding that requires a structural substrate that is expensive. It also requires a protective sealant that, if done incorrectly, can trap moisture and other major issues.
Stucco Exteriors — Stucco is a budget-friendly, versatile, and attractive home exterior option. It is an effective exterior material as long as it is intact. While the initial stucco installment is not a big product or project, the upkeep is a big commitment. The minute cracks appear or chunks go missing, it is susceptible to damage, far beyond superficial, and can contribute to structural damage.
Vinyl Siding — One of the most common choices for exterior materials among property owners, and for a good reason! Vinyl siding is made from a durable form of plastic and is versatile in color and style. There are many reasons why vinyl is the best siding for a house.
Here are seven reasons why homeowners opt to wrap their home in the material:
- Vinyl Siding is a Low Maintenance Material — When deciding the type of exteriors you want for your property, it is essential to consider how much maintenance (read: time and money) it will require. Vinyl siding is among the lowest maintenance options available for exterior materials. It requires little to no work and upkeep to keep it looking its best. After your installation is complete, you are essentially good to go. All you will need to do to maintain your vinyl siding is clean it once or twice each year. The great news is that it is a pretty simple task, something homeowners can DIY! More low-maintenance advantages of vinyl siding include:
- There is no need to ever paint the exterior of your property.
- It is pest and rot-resistant.
- It is essentially indestructible (more on that in the following section).
- Vinyl Siding is Ultra-Durable — Another reason property owners gravitate towards this material is that it is very durable. It is made to resist excessive amounts of moisture and can withstand constant exposure to harsh elements such as rain, sun, heavy snowfall, wind, and hail. Vinyl siding also will not rust, rot, or warp. Vinyl siding installations often come with a warranty (possibly even a lifetime warranty) to back up their claims. So even if it does not live up to its promises — which it rarely fails — property owners can rest easy knowing they have a warranty to fall back on if ever necessary (so long as they hold up their end of the deal).
- Vinyl Siding Can Lower Energy Costs — Property owners often choose vinyl siding over other materials because it is great at lowering utility bills. Properties with poor insulation cost a lot more to heat or cool than properties with decent insulation. You can avoid heat loss via thermal bridging with insulated vinyl siding. Siding is a critical component of your home’s insulation, and installing vinyl siding on your property is like spreading a warm, protective shelter across its exterior. This means a more comfortable house year-round: cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Your HVAC system, wallet, and the earth will thank you!
- Vinyl Siding is an Extremely Affordable Option — Not only will vinyl siding help you save money on energy bills, but it will also save you money because it boasts a very affordable upfront price tag. Vinyl siding is significantly less expensive than most other building materials, like wood or brick. Not only is the initial investment and installation less money, but repairs and maintenance are also affordable. For example, other materials like wood or metal siding are much more susceptible to damage and require a lot more maintenance at a higher price. Not only are property owners paying more upfront, but they end up spending more for care and repairs along the way with other building materials. If your vinyl siding ever does become damaged and you have to pay for repairs (i.e., the warranty is void), vinyl siding is still the less expensive choice.
- Vinyl Siding is Very Versatile — One awesome feature of vinyl siding that is alluring to property owners is that it can be manufactured to look virtually identical to other materials. Today’s vinyl siding is so convincing that most people will not be able to spot the difference. If design and functionality are essential to you, vinyl siding is the way to go. Property owners can enjoy the perks of affordable and durable exterior siding without having to compromise on how it looks. Vinyl siding comes in virtually every shape, texture, and color, allowing homeowners to have the exterior of their dreams. There are even options that look like stone and wood!
- Vinyl Siding Adds Immediate Curb Appeal — Vinyl siding adds instant curb appeal to your home. Any properties wrapped in vinyl siding will be the best-looking ones on the block. Moreover, vinyl siding helps increase the value of the house. If you want to see your property (now or years down the road), curb appeal and value are essential. Sellers know that plenty of homebuyers won’t bother to look inside a house where the exterior does not catch their eyes or meet their standards. Curb appeal is key, and vinyl siding is a great way to start any exterior facelift.
- Vinyl Siding is a Simple Installation Process — Vinyl siding is extremely easy to install, especially when compared to other materials. Homeowners save time and money by choosing vinyl siding for their homes.
Vinyl siding is lightweight and comes with pre-drilled holes, which makes it a quick and easy process for professionals to install. Other materials have longer, more involved installation processes. So if you want a fast and painless job, vinyl siding is the way to go.
Want Vinyl Siding for Your Property? Mountain State Windows & Siding Is Here for You!
Are you a homeowner searching the internet for “siding for my house?” The Professionals at Mountain State Windows & Siding can help!
Whether you are building a new house from the ground up and are selecting the original exteriors, or you simply want to update the look of your current property or upgrade its material, vinyl is the best siding for a house. Old siding and other types of building materials are much less efficient, less effective, and cost a lot more money. If you want to upgrade and improve the look and functionality of your house, our skilled team can help.
Our crew has worked tirelessly for our exceptional reputation and is proud to be known as a trustworthy, professional, and hassle-free home improvement company. We strive to give our clients more than just quality windows and siding — we are also dedicated to ensuring each of our projects goes smoothly from beginning to end.
Anyone who has worked with us can attest that we stand behind our work and products. When it comes to remodels, from kitchen or bathroom renovations (our trusted team does that, too!) to siding and window installations or upgrades, homeowners want a highly quilted and professional company to make their dreams come true. We are proud to be that type of company.
Our promise to each of our clients is to provide them with professional, transparent service. We will always be upfront about processes and all accompanying costs. We are also dedicated to staying within your budget. At Mountain States, we only provide quality materials and products that are sure to improve the function, look, and value of your home or business.
When you choose Mountain States, you are sure to receive premium, honest, and friendly service with a smile. We serve homes and other properties along the Wasatch Front, so if you live in Salt Lake City, Lehi, Payson, West Jordan, Park City, or a surrounding city in between, contact the skilled team at Mountain States Window & Siding today!
