Our exterior siding is the most important line of defense against the weather conditions and the first thing buyers see from the curb. There are plenty of different styles and options that you can install on your house. In the next section, we will better explain the pros and cons of the most popular siding options that we have for you.
Fiber Cement
The pros: Fiber cement is considered the most resistant to common enemies of residential siding. This material doesn’t rot or warp and is crack-resistant. Another advantage of fiber cement is that the UV exposure does not degrade it and it resists hail, snow, and ice as well. One of the most important advantages of fiber cement is the manufacturer’s warranty. Fiber cement siding typically offers an average of 50-year service life for non-back coated products and 75 years for back-coated versions.
The cons: Fiber cement is a heavy product, for that reason it requires to be installed by experts with special installation tools and techniques. After about 15 years, it usually needs to be refinished; however, maintenance duties are always recommended to keep your fiber cement siding in good shape.
Vinyl
The pros: One of the main advantages of vinyl siding is that the material is more durable compared to other materials available on the market and can stand up to the harsh elements it is exposed to. Vinyl siding can provide you with a wider selection of different styles, textures, and colors. Compared to other types of siding, vinyl requires very little work to maintain its condition.
The cons: One of the main issues you should know is that vinyl will bend or crack when put under pressure and that would require the siding to be replaced or fixed. While promoted as a maintenance-free material, vinyl siding does require some work. Take into consideration that the color will begin to fade after a few years and may require you to replace it to prevent your home from losing its appeal.
Brick
The pros: Among the most relevant advantages, we can say brick absorbs humidity better than any other building material and minimizes the chances of mold, mildew, and dust mites. Another thing to consider is that because of its thickness, brick can block more sound from outside than wood and vinyl siding does, even with insulation as a buffer.
The cons: Although brick is reliable and has a long life, the same cannot always be said of the mortar. If the mortar starts to wear down and crumble, you would have to repoint your brick, and that costs time and money. However, it often takes decades for the mortar to wear down with proper maintenance and upkeep.
Synthetic Stone
The pros: Artificial stone veneer siding is long-lasting and durable. Manufacturers’ warranties range from 20 to 75 years. If properly installed, synthetic stone siding is maintenance-free and more fire-resistant than wood or vinyl siding. This material can mimic virtually any stone type, including limestone and granite.
Synthetic stone looks very similar to real stone at a fraction of the cost. Because it’s lightweight, there’s also no need for builders to reinforce foundation footings.
The cons: Stone veneer costs much less than real stone, but it is still quite expensive relative to other siding options. Also, because it is made of concrete, synthetic stone is less structurally sound than actual stone.
Natural Wood
The pros: Upgrading to wood siding can add value to a home because it is considered a high-end siding. If you are planning to sell your house, replacing your old siding with wood will give your home a slight boost in resale value, and don’t forget that wood is durable enough to last for decades, if maintained properly.
The cons: Quality wood grades cost a lot, and the siding will always demand diligent maintenance. Wood siding is also vulnerable to woodpeckers, termites, and rot.
Engineered Wood Siding
The pros: Made from exterior-grade resins and wood fibers, this siding material is strong enough to tolerate the most extreme weather conditions. It’s available in a nice variety of textures and styles, such as rough-sawn clapboard, beaded lap, and wood shingles. It also usually comes primed and ready to paint or with existing factory finishes.
The cons: While currently backed by iron-clad warranties, earlier versions have prompted class-action lawsuits, due to moisture issues. Many builders feel the modern varieties haven’t been on the market long enough to prove reliable.
Aluminum
The pros: Aluminum has different advantages that can make the use of this material more attractive for a residential owner. Today’s metal panels don’t require much maintenance and occasional power washing is all that is needed. It should be said that aluminum is one of the cheapest siding materials available. You can expect to pay about $2.50 per sq. ft. for aluminum siding. The heaviest-gauge metal will cost about $5 per sq. ft. with a total cost of $4 to $8 per square foot installed.
The cons: Aluminum is a soft metal, so it is easy to work with on the job site. However, this also makes it more prone to scratches and dents. Repairs to metal siding are more difficult because once the colors have faded, they are hard to match.
Stucco
Pros: Stucco beautifully transforms a home’s appearance and the material achieves a look that stands the test of time. While most stucco installers provide warranties of 15 to 20 years, properly maintained stucco siding can last for more than 100 years.
Cons: Because it usually requires three coats, stucco siding can drive up labor costs. It’s also not an ideal option in wetter climates; however, with proper application techniques, it is still a viable option.