The most popular home siding material is vinyl, with 74% of new homes in the Middle Atlantic and New England having it. But vinyl isn’t your only option.
If you’re building a new home or are looking to makeover your current home, then you need to decide what type of siding you’d like. You need to choose the best house siding that will look beautiful, be protective, and is durable.
Use this guide to help you decide.
Brick
Brick is a traditional material for siding because it’s beautiful and durable. You can expect the bricks to last the life of the building. Though the masonry does deteriorate and you’ll eventually need to repair the mortar joints.
Brick can be a smart choice in warmer climates because it can help keep your home cool.
Vinyl
The most popular material, vinyl siding is virtually indestructible. It won’t attract bugs, resists fading in the sun, and will protect your home in harsh weather. It’s also one of the cheapest materials on the market.
You have a wide variety of options when buying your siding. You can choose almost any colors you want and a variety of textures. There’s even an option that looks like wood.
Vinyl requires regular maintenance. It can quickly grow mold and have grime buildup.
Wood
Wood siding comes in redwood, fir, pine, spruce, and cedar. But the type of wood you choose will depend on the climate and region of where you live. Not all wood siding options are suitable everywhere.
You’ll also need to give your siding regular care to prevent it from splitting, cracking, cupping, and rotting. Frequent pressure washing, staining, and sealing is a must.
Harsh sun rays will dry out and fade your wood, while high humidity and moisture will lead to mildew and mold growth.
Stucco
Stucco is the newest siding material on the market, with popularity only rising in the last 50 years. It comes in a wide variety of colors and textures to let you customize the look of your home.
The cost of the materials for stucco is relatively low, but labor costs tend to raise the overall cost. This is because it typically takes about three coats to achieve the right application.
Stucco is excellent for an area that receives normal rain levels but may not be great in high precipitation areas. The siding is breathable, which helps it absorb and evaporate moisture quickly.
Stone
You could choose natural stone, but the cost is extremely high. Another great option is manufactured stone from Portland cement and pigments. This manmade product will fool anyone, and the cost is significantly lower.
Manufactured stone doesn’t have the same durability and longevity as natural stone. You can still expect it to last for the life of the home, though.
Choose the Best House Siding for Your House
So what sort of look do you want the exterior of your home to have? Don’t feel pressured to choose one. You could create a unique look by using more than one of these best house siding options.
When choosing your siding, consider the upfront investment, its useful life, and regularly required maintenance.
Check out the home improvement section of our blog.