If you are wonder what the best types of siding are for your home, you’re in the right place.
Replacing your home’s siding is one of the most exciting upgrades you can do to your exterior. It gives your house an instant refresh, boosts your curb appeal, and can even increase your home’s value. When you’re planning your project, the most important decision you’ll make is the material to use. In order to make the right decision for your home, you’ll first need to understand the different types of siding available to you.
Generally, the three most common types of siding that homeowners choose are vinyl, fiber cement, and wood siding. Below, we’ve outlined the difference between these materials so you can feel confident that you’re making the right decision for your home.
All About Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made from PVC plastic, which is a hard and durable material. When installed, it’s securely attached to your home in a way that allows it to expand and contract as the weather changes. This keeps it from cracking every time the temperature changes.
Pros of Vinyl Siding
- It’s a relatively inexpensive material
- It doesn’t need to be repainted over time
- It requires very little maintenance to keep it looking great
- It comes in a variety of color options
Cons of Vinyl Siding
- It fades over time because of prolonged exposure to sunlight
- It’s susceptible to water damage because water can make its way behind the vinyl panels
- It’s not the most environmentally friendly siding choice
All About Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of Portland cement, water, cellulose fiber, and sand to create one of the most durable materials on the market. By far, the most popular brand of fiber cement siding is James Hardie, or Hardie Board siding.
Pros of Fiber Cement Siding
- It’s extremely durable, made to withstand the range of weather we get here in Indiana
- It’s resistant to pests, mold and mildew growth, UV exposure, and fire
- It’s an environmentally neutral siding product
- It comes in a variety of color and style options like planks and shingles designed to mimic the look of wood
- It requires almost no maintenance
Cons of Fiber Cement Siding
- It tends to be a more expensive siding material
- It requires a more extensive installation process and can take a bit longer to install
All About Wood Siding
If you want your home to have a natural, rustic look, wood siding is a great option. As one of the oldest siding materials on the market, homeowners love its natural beauty.
Pros of Wood Siding
- It comes in a variety of different styles like pine, cedar, and cypress
- It’s an environmentally friendly choice as it’s biodegradable
- It can be painted or stained in countless colors and finishes
- It’s considered a high-end siding and can boost your home’s value
Cons of Wood Siding
- It requires a lot of maintenance and should be restained every two to three years
- It’s susceptible to water damage, which leads to mold and mildew growth
- It’s susceptible to damage from termites
- It’s a relatively expensive siding option
- It can crack and rot easily over time
Explore the Different Types of Siding
After reading through this post, you should have a better idea of how the different types of siding compare to each other so you can make the right choice for your home. Here at UHQ Construction, we proudly install James Hardie fiber cement siding as well as Mastic vinyl siding.
We’d love to tell you more about these options and help you decide which material makes the most sense for your needs. Contact us to learn more about our siding replacement services and to request a free estimate for your project.
