Your home's exterior comprises various elements, but none are more noticeable or significant than your external siding. The protective and ornamental cladding that covers a home's exterior or other building is known as a home siding material. These house siding options offer your home its final look and curb appeal and serve as its first defense against the weather. These are different types of siding that you can choose from to make your house look beautiful and protected.

It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each house siding options to help you choose the best course of action for your property, whether you decide to replace your siding with the same material you currently have or upgrade to something new.

Learn more about the most popular siding types by reading this blog. We will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each material and a range of styles for the different types house siding that you would like to try.

Types of Siding

Numerous house siding options are available depending on the budget, weather, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and curb appeal. Here is a list of the top four types of siding that you can choose from:

Vinyl Siding

After aluminum and steel siding, vinyl siding was the next development for low-cost, low-maintenance siding. One of the most affordable options is vinyl siding. It is prized for both its affordability and adaptability.

Vinyl siding styles are available in various designs, including horizontal and vertical panels, hues, and textures. It can be painted and is available in a wide range of colors. Another substance that vinyl can imitate is wood. This material does have some serious flaws, though. However, it is not ecologically friendly and may decrease the value of your home. Moreover, it is prone to fading and could conceal structural deterioration brought on by dampness and vermin.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement is a siding alternative made from Portland cement and other natural cellulose wood fibers. It has been increasingly well-liked through the years. It requires less upkeep and uses fewer resources because it is composed of recyclable materials. Like wood siding, fiber cement siding can be cut and installed. 

One of the strongest materials available is fiber cement. Unlike wood, it is resistant to decay, moisture damage, and fire. Fiber cement is the most accurate at simulating real wood grain compared to some wood siding products. It is available as fully finished pieces or with a basic prime coat that can be painted whatever color you like. To add design intricacy to the house, complimentary millwork and trim pieces are also available.

Sadly, the insulating value of this material could be higher. Although fiber cement siding is a great choice due to its longevity, you will need to spend more money on insulation for your home if you want your utility costs to stay the same.

Metal Siding

When considering different types of siding, metal may not be the first option that comes to mind, but it is gaining popularity. There are many reasons to enjoy metal siding. Despite being easily dented, it is resilient and holds up well in almost any condition. Metal was one of the first substitute siding materials developed. It started to gain popularity in the 1950s due to the high maintenance requirements and decreasing supply of high-quality wood appropriate for siding.

In addition to being an excellent insulator, this material is also energy efficient. Metal siding's insect resistance is yet another fantastic advantage. Termite infestations are impossible with metal! While the benefits of metal siding are abundant, there is one drawback. The main drawback of metal siding is the overall cost. 

Today, lap siding planks and shingle/shake-style siding products are frequently made from steel and aluminum. The first material that met the criteria was aluminum siding, which over time developed into a highly low-maintenance and popular siding option for newer homes. Steel siding has become more popular in recent years due to the accessibility of cheap steel from elsewhere.

Engineered Wood Siding

For centuries, wood siding in the shape of lap siding boards, shakes, and shingles were the dominant option if brick or stone were impractical. It is still among the most enticing choices for residential siding. Planks, boards, or siding panels made of wood and shingles are common varieties of wood siding. One of the earliest house siding options is wood clapboard lap siding.

For homeowners, wood is a versatile material. You may obtain the precise look you desire for your home from various species and stains. Wood, like brick, is a timeless material that will never go out of fashion. It adds beauty to any home while increasing curb appeal, being energy efficient, and lasting a long time with proper care.

However, wood is one of the most difficult materials to maintain. To prevent pest infestations and moisture damage, you'll need to seal it every three years. Furthermore, wood is prone to bending and breaking, particularly in humid areas.

What is the best type of siding to get?

The only siding alternative that is genuinely low-maintenance and offers you a variety of style and appearance options is fiber cement. Moreover, it costs less than other low-maintenance materials like brick and doesn't require as much upkeep as wood or stucco.

Fiber cement siding is a great option for people searching for outside siding that will last at least 30 years because it is strong and long-lasting. Homeowners in tough climates would benefit most from fiber cement siding because it can withstand stormy weather conditions like hail and strong winds.

Conclusion

The siding is one of the items you might start with while making improvements at home. It's advisable to start with the siding because it's one of the elements of your house that people can see the most. Either of these four types of siding styles may cover almost any home, so deciding which one to use largely depends on your preferences, DIY skills, and willingness to maintain the siding.

Visit QDRUSA immediately to learn more about house siding options and other home renovation services. Because they have won awards, they provide the greatest roofing and building services. Connect with them on Linkedin and follow them on Twitter right away!