It’s not hard to tell when it’s time to have your home’s siding replaced, but what can be hard is choosing the type of siding you want to replace it with. There are more types of siding available today than ever before, and each offers its own advantages and disadvantages.
Before you replace your siding, it is important for you to know your exterior siding options. In this blog, we will review the different types of siding, so you can make the best choice for your home’s unique style, needs, and your budget.
- Brick Siding
There’s a reason why our founding fathers built their homes using bricks. Brick lasts practically forever if it is maintained properly. In fact, many of the country’s first homes are still standing! Of course, today there’s also the option of brick veneer, which is essentially a brick finish on your home’s exterior and not full bricks.
The advantages of brick siding start with the fact that it lasts very long, but is also fire resistant, termite-proof, and it weathers well, so it doesn’t have to be repainted or refinished. Another advantage of brick is that because of its fire-resistant nature, many insurance companies charge lower premiums.
The disadvantage of brick is that is one of the most expensive types of siding available. You will also need to replace mortar joints over time, and should you ever paint it, it will be near impossible to return the brick to its original look.
- Wood Siding
Wood siding was another popular exterior for the country’s first homes because it was readily available, natural, and timeless looking. There is a variety of wood species that can be used for siding, such as cedar, pine, fir, and redwood, and each type will give the home a different look.
The advantages of wood siding include it being an eco-friendly and energy efficient type of siding. Wood can also be stained or painted any color, and it’s lightweight and quick to install.
The cons of going with wood include that it can be damaged by insects or water, and it requires regular re-painting or re-staining, which can make it expensive to maintain. Wood siding should also be avoided in dry environments because it is not resistant to fire.
- Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is the most popular siding option today because it is affordable, easy to install, comes in a range of colors, and it’s very durable. Vinyl siding is also available in an array of profiles, like shingles, shakes, scallops, and others.
The benefits of vinyl include its versatility and low maintenance needs. High-quality vinyl siding, with a backer can add an insulation factor and also help reduce noise from entering your home. It’s also economical, and most types of vinyl come with 30 to 40-year warranties.
The disadvantages of vinyl are that low-grade vinyl siding can weather quicker, and once you choose a color, you can’t repaint it or change it.
- Metal Siding
Metal siding typically comes in aluminum or steel. It can give a home a more modern aesthetic as long as it is installed properly.
The pros of metal siding are that it does not mold or rot, it is low maintenance, its color will not fade over time, it is fire-resistant, and it’s eco-friendly because there is little waste of material with this type of siding.
The cons of metal siding include that it could rust if it isn’t installed right, it can be dented or scratched easily, and it is a heavier product, which makes it take longer and cost more to have installed.
- Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is the second-most popular option among modern homeowners. This product is a mixture of wood, sand, and cement, but it is manufactured to resemble wood siding.
The benefits of fiber cement include it has a Class 1A fire rating, it looks and feels like wood but isn’t susceptible to insects, rot, or decay, it is available in different textures and finishes, and it’s very low maintenance.
The cons of this type of siding are that it is expensive, it needs to be repainted every 12 to 15 years, and the color doesn’t run through the product, so chips or damages will stand out, requiring touch-ups.
Discover the Best Siding Materials From Thompson Creek
Which is the best siding material for your home? That depends on several factors. Contact the siding professionals at Thompson Creek today and they will help you determine what type of siding would look best on your home. We’ll even give you a free estimate for your new siding project, so call today.