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The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Exterior Siding

Exterior siding can give your home the attractive look you want with the fundamental benefits you need. Not only is siding visually pleasing due to its various types, designs and colors, but it’s also a durable feature that protects your home from potential problems and damage. Choosing the best exterior siding for your home can be difficult and time-consuming, so use the following tips and information to make an educated decision.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying Exterior Siding 

Before you decide which exterior siding you want for your home, here are the main factors to consider.

Amount Needed

Siding professionals will measure how much exterior siding your home needs. But with a little math, it’s easy to get a rough estimate yourself by determining the square footage of your home’s surface area. Avoid overpaying for unneeded amounts.

Cost

Exterior siding can be costly, so make sure you’re spending the right amount of money for the right kind. Prices vary depending on the type of siding and the size of your home. Also, use a siding company that guarantees reasonable prices for quality products.

Maintenance

Different types of exterior siding require different levels of care and attention to uphold its new appearance. Pick a siding type that is easily maintained in your climate in order to extend its lifeline and lower its likelihood of getting cracked and damaged.

Types of Exterior Siding

Each type of exterior siding offers a unique look and provides useful additions to your home. But be mindful of the drawbacks of each option and make sure that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of the various types of exterior siding.

Vinyl

Pros: Vinyl siding is a popular option for homeowners due to its low cost. It’s easy to install, readily available in many stores and doesn’t require a lot of fuss. It’s also very durable and relatively easy to maintain. Since the color is baked throughout the piece, it’s long-lasting and doesn’t chip like painted surfaces. There are tons of colors to choose from too.

Vinyl siding

Cons: Although vinyl siding is water resistant, it isn’t waterproof, so water can potentially leak in between the siding. Also, it’s likely to gather dirt and stains, if not properly maintained. Become an expert on how to clean vinyl siding.

Cost: $

Fiber Cement

Pros: Fiber cement siding is highly stable through weather changes, including moisture, wind and temperature swings. It’s also fireproof and very protective in climates susceptible to these conditions. Since it’s resistant to insects and rotting, it doesn’t require too much maintenance. Most manufacturers warrant this siding up to 50 years due to its durability.

Cutting Fiber Cement

Cons: Fiber cement siding requires repainting every so often, which can be pricey and a bit tricky to apply correctly on the material. Also, labor costs to install it can be higher than vinyl because it’s a heavy product.

Cost: $

Wood

Pros: Wood siding gives your home a classic look that feels natural. What’s more, it’s environmentally friendly for homeowners who want to stay green. Also, it’s easy to paint or stain in any color, great for those who want to add their own touch. It can increase your home’s overall value too.

Wood siding

Cons: Wood is on the pricier end of exterior siding material due to its high value. It can be hard to maintain because insects and weather make it susceptible to decaying and cracking. It requires regular upkeep and repainting to make sure it looks like new, taking up extra time and money.

Cost: $

Other Home Exterior Options

Traditional exterior siding isn’t the only category to choose from when it comes to your home’s outside appearance. For a different exterior look, consider the pros and cons of the following other options.

Traditional Stucco

Pros: Traditional stucco is a strong product that’s resistant to earthquake and fire damages. It has good insulation, keeping homes cool in the heat. Since it’s such a durable product, it can last for a long period of time and be a great investment.

Stucco on a home siding

Cons: Traditional stucco can appear flat from a distance because the unique texture can only be seen up close. It can also be difficult to repaint since paint does not adhere well to its surface. If too much moisture gets through, it can also cause rotting problems that can be difficult to resolve.

Cost: $

Brick

Pros: Brick is a sturdy option as it can withstand weather damage. No need to worry about insect or fire issues due to its durable nature. Also, it comes in many colors and textures which is great for customizing. It adds value to your home with little additional maintenance.

Cons: Brick can be costly since it’s heavy and difficult to install. Over time, it can start to deteriorate and become soft in some places, requiring replacement of the material.

Cost: $$

Stone

Pros: Stone gives homes an elegant and unique look with natural beauty. It’s friendly to the environment since the material comes directly from the earth. Its strong nature resists cracks and fading to make it long-lasting so it doesn’t require routine painting or upkeep.

Stone veneer siding

Cons: Since stone is very heavy, it can be labor-intensive to install. It’s also one of the most expensive options due to its intricate look and complex manufacturing process.

Cost: $$

Choosing a Color

When choosing your exterior’s color, pick one that makes your house pop in an attractive way. Take a look at your neighborhood to see what fits in well with its surroundings. Although you want to be unique, eclectic colors may stand out negatively in a conservative town. Pick a color that also looks natural in your climate and its most intense seasons. Make sure the colors you choose compliment your home’s roof, windows and landscaping. Lastly, don’t be afraid to use colors that accent one another in order to bring out the best look of your home.

The Best Exterior Siding for Your Home

There are many different exterior siding ideas that allow you to customize the look you want. Weigh the pros and cons of each type of exterior siding in order to determine which option fulfills your needs. With the right considerations, you can choose the best exterior siding that gives your home a dynamic and lasting appearance.

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