It's essential to protect the outside of your home. If you don't choose a durable siding, you could end up with storm damage, pest infestation, or damage to the structure. Siding is a significant investment, so you want to choose a material that will last. 

In addition to protecting your home's structural integrity, it's essential to enjoy how your siding looks. No one wants to pull up to their home each day filled with regret because they don't like their siding. When you choose wisely, siding material can even increase the value of your home. 

There are more siding options out there than ever before. It can feel intimidating to shop for siding and challenging to know where to start. 

Here's the great news: choosing new siding for your home doesn't have to feel overwhelming! Three great questions to ask beforehand are:

  • Are you more focused on aesthetics or functionality?
  • What is your budget?
  • Is this an immediate need, or a project that can wait?

When you know your goals, you know where to start. 

Look at the details, pros, cons, and cost of different siding types, and start to consider what would work best for your budget and home.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is cost-effective and low maintenance. However, it doesn't hold up as well as many other siding materials. It could also lower your home's value, as potential buyers might find it undesirable with newer options available on the market 

Pros of Vinyl Siding

  • Withstands winds up to 110 MPH
  • Rot, moisture, and hail resistant
  • Easy maintenance 
  • Easy installation 
  • Cost-effective, ranging from $6-$12 per square foot

Cons of Vinyl Siding

  • Vinyl can bend and crack, especially in extreme weather conditions 
  • The color of vinyl siding will fade over time
  • Vinyl siding is not eco-friendly
  • Moisture can become trapped behind vinyl siding if not installed properly

Fiber-Cement Siding

Fiber-cement siding is made of cement, wood fibers, and sand. It gives the appearance of wood and provides excellent protection from the elements.

Pros of Fiber-Cement Siding

  • Withstands winds of up to 150 MPH
  • Withstands hail damage
  • Fire and pest-resistant
  • Won't peel or crack in extreme temperatures
  • Easy maintenance (pressure washing twice a year is recommended) 
  • It can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance
  • Eco-friendly
  • Comes in a wide variety of colors and styles 

Cons of Fiber-Cement Siding

  • Higher cost: on average $10 to $15 per square foot
  • Installation is labor-intensive
  • It's expensive to remove
  • The siding will need to be repainted
  • Does not provide much insulation (but this can be added during installation) 

We install James Hardie Fiber-Cement Siding. We highly recommend this product to our clients. 

Stone and Stone Veneer Siding

Few homes have an entirely stone exterior, but many yuse stone for accents. Natural stone is expensive and heavy. Therefore, stone veneer is more widely used today for larger exterior projects. 

Stone veneer can be made from real stone or materials such as cement dyed with natural pigments, or dense polyurethane poured into molds. 

Pros of Stone Veneer Siding

  • Does not need to be installed by a mason
  • Light and inexpensive
  • Many options available in style and color
  • Durability, stone veneer can last for up to 50 years
  • Unique look

Cons of Stone Veneer Siding

  • Moisture can be a problem if not installed and sealed properly
  • The color can fade over time

With stone veneer siding, you can get the natural look of stone at a fraction of the cost. 

Deciding Between House Siding Types

Homeowners should carefully consider their options when deciding between house siding types. You need to think about your budget, desired look, and the preferred attributes. 

Think about the possibilities and choose your favorite choices. After you do this, get in touch with our expert team. WE would be happy to provide more information and answer any questions you may have. 

When you stick to your budget and choose siding that you genuinely love, you can feel joy when looking at your house. With a durable siding option, you can sleep easy knowing that your home is protected. 

Better yet, try it before you buy it! Download our 3D Home App today and discover which siding fits your home best.