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Did you know that the type of siding material you choose for your home can greatly impact the way it looks? If you want to differentiate your home from your neighbors and create a visual impact, going for the tried-and-true vinyl siding may not be your best option.
However, if you’re looking for an affordable option that’s virtually maintenance-free, there are plenty of other options available. Consider your lifestyle and the aesthetic you’re striving for as you make your decision.
With this in mind, read on to learn about the different types of exterior siding and what would work best for your home!
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular options in the United States due to its popularity and affordability. You can expect to pay about $3 to $8 per square foot, though this isn’t counting labor. However, the cost of labor won’t break the bank because this siding is also easy to install.
Another benefit of this material is that it typically has 50-year warranties and doesn’t require much maintenance. If it’s cracked, you’ll need to pay for siding repair of the whole panel.
The only negative of this material is that some people aren’t a fan of the plastic look. You won’t be able to differentiate your house too much from your neighbors. To avoid this, online retailers like Factory Direct Siding are able to provide vinyl siding that resembles realistic cedar shake siding.
Wood Siding
One of the main benefits of wood siding is that you’ll get a classic and unique look instantly for your home. Wood siding is available in a variety of textures and colors, meaning that it can be an interesting juxtaposition for a modern home or complete your rustic cabin.
Wood requires far more maintenance than vinyl as its susceptible to water damage as well as being attacked by rodents or pests. It’s also prone to sun damage and warping due to moisture. Depending on the type you choose, it can run you between $3 to $10 per square foot to install not counting labor.
Many historical homes are built with wood siding. This makes the maintenance worth it for many homeowners if they love the aesthetic.
Brick Siding
Bricking siding can be one of the most luxurious siding materials to choose from. Running between $6 to $12 per square foot it’s not cheap, as you’ll also need to account for the cost of labor. Brick is heavy and takes time to install outside the home, so this will be more than either wood or vinyl.
Brick siding today is a veneer constructed outside of the home’s wood frame, but it still provides ample protection and insulation from the elements. Since it’s porous, you’ll need to be aware that it’s susceptible to moisture-related issues. However, if it’s installed correctly with a membrane in-between your house and the siding, it can easily last as long as your home is standing.
Fiber-Cement Siding
Are you looking for a similar maintenance-free option compared to vinyl? Fiber-cement siding is a great option if you don’t like the look of vinyl and want a material that can emulate stucco, brick, or wood without the expense. Although it’s pricier at about $10 per square foot, you won’t have to worry about termite or water damage if you want the look of wood.
This material is known to be extremely durable, meaning that exterior repair is often not necessary. Many manufacturers provide a 50-year warranty, though they tend to have much longer lifespans.
Stucco Siding
Stucco is a material that’s been used for hundreds of years with a unique textured look that resembles clay. Although it’s able to repel some moisture, it doesn’t do well in humid climates, making it more prevalent in the Southwest regions of the United States.
The longevity of stucco all depends on how it’s applied and installed, so you’ll want to work with a reputable siding company that knows the correct technique. The plaster created by a combination of sand and cement can have high impact resistance when it’s applied correctly.
It’s also a breathable material that allows moisture to escape, so you won’t have the same moisture-related problems as wood.
Insulated Siding
Last but not least, insulated siding is another popular choice that’s another kind of vinyl siding. This kind of siding adds an extra insulating layer from expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). This can make your home about 20% more energy-efficient because it’s able to keep warm air in when it’s cold out or keep your home cooler in the summer.
If you’re interested in building a green home with energy efficiency as the priority, we recommend doing some research into this type of siding.
Choosing the Best Types of Exterior Siding
Not sure what types of exterior siding to choose? You’ll want to consider how you want your house to look as well as the level of maintenance you’re able to keep up with. For instance, while everyone seems to love the classic look of wood siding, it also comes with a number of issues if it’s not maintained regularly.
On the other hand, you’ll also want to remember that you can choose a combination of materials in order to make your house stand out. Modern homes that boast a mixture of wood and fiber cement can look stunning when done well. Plain white vinyl siding paired with black board and batten shutters can also look stately and appealing. If you want to know more, check out Home Siding Mighty Dog Roofing.
Are you ready to learn more ways on how to shape your dream house into reality? Keep reading our blog for more informative interior and exterior guides!