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 your 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
We install Norandex Vinyl Siding and PlyGem Vinyl Siding.
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.
Stucco and Acrylic Stucco Siding
Stucco is a plaster-like material made of cement, sand, lime, and water. Stucco has been used for centuries, and it can last 50-100 years with proper care. These days, synthetic stucco is also available (also known as acrylic stucco or EIFS siding), and is made from acrylic resins and coarse sand. Know which type of stucco you are buying!
Pros of Stucco Siding
- Withstands winds of up to 130 MPH
- Impact-resistant to hail
- Fire-resistant
- Provides insulation and decreases utility bills
- Color can be added to the stucco, so it will not need painting
Cons of Stucco Siding
- Stucco is not recommended in wet and rainy climates because it’s vulnerable to moisture
- Installation is labor-intensive
- Stucco needs to be cleaned frequently
- Any problems need to be fixed immediately to prevent additional damage
Since Colorado has a dry climate, stucco is an excellent choice for durable, beautiful siding.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is usually made from steel. This is a highly durable and environmentally friendly option.
Pros of Metal Siding
- Withstands winds up to 170 MPH
- Pest and insect resistant
- Moisture resistant
- Non-combustible
- Easy maintenance (requires washing twice a year)
- It can last up to 50 years
- Steel is 100% recyclable and is made of 25% minimum recycled materials
Cons of Metal Siding
- Higher cost: usually $15-$20 per square foot
- Metal is heavy, which increases labor costs
- Susceptible to dents and imperfections
We install EDCO metal siding and Quality Edge: Vesta Steel Siding. These materials are highly durable and provide an upscale look.
Stone and Stone Veneer Siding
Few homes have an entirely stone exterior, but many use 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.
Wood Siding
Wood is a traditional siding option that’s been trusted for centuries. Today, wood siding has come a long way, and there are many types to choose from.
Wood Composite
This siding is made of scrap wood that’s compressed and bonded with resins. It’s also chemically treated to fend off pests and insects. The siding comes pre-primed and ready to paint. It’s water, fungus, mold, and mildew resistant and will not warp.
This siding needs repainting about every 10 years. It’s available in many colors, textures, and finishes. Cheaper than natural wood, the average cost of wood composite is $10-$15 per square foot.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood costs slightly more than wood composite siding. It undergoes a SmartGuard treatment that protects it from temperature fluctuations. This siding comes with a 30-year no-fade warranty.
Maintenance is simple, with cleaning required once or twice a year. We install Diamond Kote engineered wood siding. This company strives to reduce emissions whenever possible in the manufacturing and transport of its materials.
Cedar
Many homeowners prefer real, natural wood. For many reasons, cedar is the best option for home siding. It provides a timeless warmth and is durable and low-maintenance. You can choose from many styles, such as shake style siding, horizontal boards, or vertical boards.
This siding should be cleaned twice a year, and routine painting or staining is necessary to avoid water leakage. Cedar siding can last 10-30 years. Often, individual planks will need to be occasionally replaced.
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 additional 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.
ARTICLE RESOURCES
Vinyl Siding
Fiber-Cement Siding
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
Metal Siding
Quality Edge: Vesta Steel Siding
Weatherproof Treatment