If you have a house and are looking to do some home improvement, it is important that you make the most of your changes while also doing whatever you can to protect your investment in case things go wrong. You may want to consider installing siding on all or part of your home’s exterior walls if you’re trying to create an aesthetic look with minimal upkeep.
The “what is the best house siding material” is a question that has been asked by many people. There are 14 types of siding for houses to protect and impress, including vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, wood, and more.
The many varieties of siding are not only for cosmetic purposes, but also to preserve your most valuable asset, which is your house, apartment complex, office building, or other structure.
Your house will need some upkeep every 20 or 30 years. This happens around once per generation. It will endure another 30 years if you do a decent job.
We are not here to assist you with the interiors, but siding work is one of the most important operations on the outside. There are several alternatives available when it comes to house exteriors.
Many people think of this as a fast paint job. However, the exterior of your property is the first thing visitors see, and it is also subjected to inclement weather.
14 Different Types of Siding
You now have two compelling reasons to choose the best home siding options. So, let’s see what works best for you and your house.
Siding made of vinyl
Because everyone is acquainted with it, this is a popular option. And knowing that makes it a safe option for them. It’s also a cost-effective siding alternative, even if it’s not as long-lasting as some of the other possibilities. We’ll get to it in just a moment.
Horizontal and vertical panels, as well as wood shaking styles, are available in a variety of colors, styles, and textures. That is why so many people are attracted to it.
Vinyl siding now costs between $3 and $8 per square foot and is very simple to maintain. So, unless there is hail damage, it lasts for roughly half a century.
Siding made of natural wood
Other materials may be used to mimic the appearance of wood siding, but genuine wood is the best option most of the time. Because of its texture and curb appeal, real wood shingles are a popular option in the west.
They may be costly, but there are advantages, like as the ability to simply paint the exterior of the home. Staining is also a simple task that improves the appearance.
Now for the drawbacks. The first and most evident is that it is pricey. However, maintaining genuine wood requires considerable effort. If you haven’t used cedar before, expect to repaint or stain every five to seven years.
You should also keep in mind that termites and bugs may cause damage to wood forms of home siding, so keep an eye out for holes and signs of gnawing.
Those concerns, however, are simple to resolve. Trapped water or moisture may also cause decay, which necessitates the removal of the region and its replacement by an expert.
Wood siding, on the other hand, comes in a variety of designs, finishes, and textures. It will most likely cost three to fourteen dollars per square foot and will need staining or painting.
Wood Siding That Has Been Manufactured
Obviously, there are several types of wood, so you may choose a less expensive alternative without sacrificing the aesthetic.
Wood sidings, such as engineered wood or cedar shakes, will age beautifully and last a century if properly maintained. They are less expensive than genuine wood and have the same appearance. However, there are several hazards to be aware of.
While woods like cedar are simple to care for, they are susceptible to moisture damage. If there is moisture beneath the siding, you should anticipate mold and mildew.
If you can keep that in mind, board, batten, or slate look lovely, and engineered wood, which is made up of a variety of materials, seems to be genuine. These sorts of home siding, in my view, look great with a mansard roof.
Even if you can’t paint or stain it, it will last you 20 to 30 years and you won’t have to worry about it ending up in a landfill for decades. There are also sorts you can paint that are more expensive, such as LP SmartSide.
Siding made of composite materials
Composite siding is one of the most contemporary forms of siding available and is incredibly durable. It has fewer colors, but you can paint them anyway you like.
They’re so tough that they’re covered by a “length of ownership” warranty. Crushed concrete, polymers, resins, and wood are some of the components that may be used to create this composite.
You won’t find a more durable or long-lasting alternative than steel once it’s been heated and chemically treated, however steel may be loud in the rain.
Siding made of wood logs and steel logs
The log cabin form of home is well-known among the general public. Many people are unaware that wood log siding, which are thinner slices of wood that may be affixed to the house to give it the impression of a log cabin, can be used to produce that effect on the outside.
However, there’s also contemporary steel log siding, which is made of steel and then rounded, pressed, and painted to seem like log cabin siding. The advantage is that it is very durable and requires little care. Painting them a decade or more afterwards is the most you’ll want to do.
Siding Made With Fiber Cement
When done correctly, this one looks quite close to actual wood. It is very long-lasting, with a 50-year lifespan. It’s also a little pricey at about $10 per square foot.
Fiber cement siding, on the other hand, does not need a lot of upkeep. It also doesn’t decay and isn’t susceptible to insect harm. As long as you don’t have any children, these kinds of siding are rather simple to maintain.
Siding made with metal
Metal is a fantastic alternative for panels, strips, and shingles. This is simple to maintain and is fire and pest resistant. That is most likely why metal siding for residential areas has become more popular over time.
Metal siding is also long-lasting and can withstand the elements. It is also entirely recyclable, making it an environmentally beneficial option. Put it beneath your barn’s gambrel roof and you’ve got a structure that will endure a lifetime.
You won’t have to worry about rats or mold as a homeowner, and it can mimic any other sort of siding with the added bonus of a long lifespan. However, not everything that glitters is gold. This theory also applies to metal siding.
This is a costly project to begin with, costing between three and six dollars per square foot. Steel that isn’t coated costs between four and eight dollars per square foot. Steel and aluminum, on the other hand, are both prone to denting. Rust is also a possibility if you live near the sea.
Siding that is insulated
This kind of vinyl siding differs from others in that it features an insulating layer composed of expanded polystyrene foam, or EPS. This brings it closer to your house and allows it to store more air.
Because of the insulated siding, several homeowners claim that their energy efficiency increased by roughly 20%.
The insulated layer is incorporated into the ridge of the panel, which ensures that the structure’s temperature remains constant.
Insulated sidings are also more durable, which means less repairs and replacements are required. These are also available in a variety of colors. As a result, it is a bonus.
Siding made of stucco
Not all forms of siding are based on materials found on the structure’s exterior. So, here are a few alternatives.
Stucco comes in a variety of hues and is constructed of lime or sand and cement. It does not tolerate dampness well, which is why it is so popular in the Southwest of the United States, where the environment is drier. A pressure washer can quickly clean it.
Siding made of brick
This is another siding choice that is available in a variety of colors. It may also be costly, depending on the size of the construction, but it is simple to maintain and long-lasting. Siding made of brick is renowned to endure a lifetime. They’re also quite attractive and fire-resistant.
Brick sidings are also excellent for controlling temperature and are timeless in appearance. While brick is more often used as a construction material, brick siding panels may give your home a unique look. It’s built of clay and shale, so it’ll last for a long time.
Bricks are also incredibly environmentally beneficial since they can be reused. This kind of siding has certain landscaping benefits as well. There are, however, a few drawbacks.
Bricks are long-lasting, but the mortar between them may deteriorate with extended exposure to the elements. And that may be a costly task that only has to be done every few years.
You’ll want a professional crew to install it since they’ll need the correct saws and chisels, as well as the skills to operate them safely.
Siding made of concrete
This is a substance that is well-known for its durability and strength. It is also, maybe next to insulated sidings, one of the most energy-efficient solutions.
However, it is one of the most costly forms of house siding. So that’s something to think about while weighing the various options.
Siding made with stone
Then there’s another form of siding that’s highly popular. Flagstone, lime, granite, and slate are common stone siding materials.
As you undoubtedly already know, this is not a cheap choice, and you will almost certainly need to hire a professional to install it. However, keep in mind that it does not need much upkeep and will last a lifetime.
You will also have a beautiful home. So, if you can afford it, this is a fantastic option.
Siding made of stone veneer
Of course, you may use “genuine” stone, like with the ancient home siding kinds above, or you can use stone veneer siding, which is less expensive. With the exception of being somewhat thinner, it seems to be identical to the actual thing.
Natural stone siding is estimated to cost between $17 and $20 per square foot, while stone veneer saves between $5 and $10 per square foot. Add labor for installation, just as you would with anything else.
The appearance is particularly appealing when combined with stucco or wood shingle siding. It doesn’t take much upkeep, can be pressure cleaned, and looks fairly nice.
Siding made of glass
This is for those that value luxury and elegance in their houses, whether the inside or outside. It’s not just a lovely alternative, but also a one-of-a-kind one.
You’ll be making an excellent option if you can afford it and can live with the fact that it requires a lot of continuous window washing. Because you’ll have a lot of them, you’ll simply want to learn all there is to know about fastening a sliding glass door.
Siding Options for Every Home and Environment
The goal of house siding is to protect your home from exterior threats (including, but not limited to, those caused by the weather) while also making it seem as attractive as possible.
You must pick a material that strikes a fair balance between the two. If you sacrifice one for the other, you’ll end up with a home that needs a lot of work or looks unappealing.
Water penetration is one place where siding falls short. Water will enter your property via the roof, windows, and any other weak place if you choose aesthetics above practicality.
Even if it results in mold, it is the least of your concerns. Water infiltration may compromise a building’s structural integrity, resulting in a higher expense and sometimes even hazard.
Consider your climate and choose a kind of siding that can expand and contract in response to changes in temperature. Best of luck!
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Rick Worst is the editor.
Rick is a home design expert and enthusiast who is obsessed with anything related to the house and garden. Started as a personal project, it has evolved into a hub of knowledge and inspiration for professionals and homeowners alike. Rick is the proprietor of the company and works as an editor for our various content providers. Here’s where you can learn more about Rick and the business.
Watch This Video-
The “engineered wood siding” is a type of siding that has been engineered to be more durable, resistant to weather and rot. Engineered wood siding can make your home look like it’s from another era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most weather resistant siding?
What type of siding lasts the longest?
A: Vinyl siding lasts the longest, as it is a more durable material. However, vinyl doesnt breathe and therefore limits air flow through your home. If you live in an area with very hot summers or cold winters, consider aluminum sidings instead of vinyl to reduce energy costs for heating or cooling your house because they are not so restrictive on humidity levels within the home.
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