How to Choose the Best Siding for Your House

Table Of Content

• What is the most durable type of siding?
• Regional U.S. Exterior House Siding Preferences
• Different Types of Exterior House Siding for 2023 (with Photo Gallery)
• Can vinyl siding be painted a different color?
• How long does wood siding last?
• What is the best way to wash vinyl siding?
• Choosing a Siding Material

Siding options on the market today include masonite and hardiplank - both offering great results when enhanced with regular maintenance. Ultimately, the right exterior wall siding panel that offers exterior protection without sacrificing style would be down to personal preference. Types of metal siding and roofing have both been on the rise and becoming more and more popular in residential homes. Despite its expensive cost upfront, the longevity and durability of metal siding make it worth it.

What is the most durable type of siding?

Manufactured siding is regarded as one of the most durable types of siding. Crafted from high-density fiberboard (HDF), this composite siding material offers robust qualities. Not only is it water- and fire-resistant, but it also effectively fends off mildew and various weather elements. Other durable siding types include metal, fiber cement, composite and insulated vinyl siding. Like fiber cement siding, Hardie board siding is completely rot and insect resistant and can even handle salt spray from the ocean. Hardie board is made of 90% sand and cement which make it very fire-resistant.

Regional U.S. Exterior House Siding Preferences

They can also be fashioned into any shape or size, from shake siding that closely resemble cedar to traditional lap siding. Most varieties can be painted or stained any color, or you can choose from factory-applied finishes. Made from a blend of cement, sand and cellulose, fiber cement siding has been around for more than four decades.

Different Types of Exterior House Siding for 2023 (with Photo Gallery)

Bevel (also called clapboard or lap) siding is one of the oldest forms of exterior home siding. Boards are resawed at an angle to create two pieces that are thicker on one edge than on the other. Pine must also be pressure treated or it will be more susceptible to termites and moisture.

How to Install Vinyl Siding – Forbes Home - Forbes

How to Install Vinyl Siding – Forbes Home.

Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Can vinyl siding be painted a different color?

Located in Columbus, Ohio, they developed vinyl siding as a replacement for aluminum siding. The product that was available then compared to now is much different. It has evolved from being a product that faded in the sun to be one of the most durable choices for houses today. Knowing which one is best for you home will depend on several factors, including where you live and the type of weather you encounter, your budget and your personal preference. Some of these siding options require more maintenance than others, so this may also be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing which one is best for your home. Royal Building Products is also another well-known and highly regarded brand of vinyl siding (RBP).

Siding that Withstands Woodpeckers

Its popularity has grown steadily in that time, especially in the West, where more than a third of new homes are now clad in fiber cement. Part of its appeal in wildfire-prone parts of the country is the material’s resistance to fire (some insurance providers offer discounts for homes with fiber cement siding). The material also does an excellent job fending off extreme weather, wind, moisture and pests, plus it's easy to maintain. Like fabricated brick, the stone veneers and fabricated stone sidings manufactured today are molded from actual rock, stone, or other natural materials. They're just as durable, realistic, lightweight, and easy to install. Water can penetrate brick veneers, so a water membrane must be installed between the wood and brick layers to protect the home.

Many people consider stone, especially natural stone harvested fresh from the earth, the pinnacle of exterior siding options. As the most luxurious option, it has a lot of prestige attached to it. Limestone, granite, slate, and other natural stones are used in creating this home exterior. Although the initial cost may be high, it is long-lasting and it requires less maintenance.

Cedar siding can be painted or treated with stain, oil, or even left untreated. Modernize is here to help you navigate siding options for your home and decide on the best type of siding for your next home improvement project. New siding can significantly improve the look of your home, increasing your home’s curb appeal and resale value. Siding is also crucial in protecting your home from the elements. According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value report, a siding replacement can yield as much as a 70% return on investment.

Choosing a Siding Material

However, once this type of siding is installed, the maintenance requirements are limited. Most manufacturers recommend refinishing the siding every 15 years to maintain your warranty. This material provides the cottage-like appearance of real wood with the insulation and durability of synthetic fibers. Best yet, it’s a more affordable option that will go a long way for a tiny home’s lower square footage. Styles range from straight, shiplap, clapboard, dutch lap, board-and-batten, cedar shake, scallop, and even faux stone. Triple 6-inch straight and dutch lap tend to be the most popular ones, given that they are the most notable siding styles that run horizontally, DiMartino says.

It also can be vertically boarded for added protection against rain exposure. Stucco is a cement and sand-based type of siding found on about 50% to 60% of homes in the Southwest and Pacific regions of the U.S. In fact, stucco siding is known to help homeowners save on their month to month utility bills, thanks to its great energy efficiency and insulation. It typically costs under $15 per square foot to install on a home.

Quarried stone can create a more natural-looking aesthetic on a house. Like brick, the expense of installing stone became too great and stone veneers were created. Unlike brick, stone veneers are generally made entirely of man-made materials to make them easier to install and more cost effective. Brick is an ideal material for home exteriors because it requires very little maintenance. Because it’s installation is labor intensive, and the process of making bricks is involved, brick tends to be more expensive than other material options. Split-log siding is impressive on a house and offers instant rustic and cabin-like qualities.