Siding for Homes | What Type should you Choose?

Siding for homes is found in a wide range of materials, but which type will work best for your home? You can choose from vinyl siding, wood options, aluminum products, and even cement fiber or fiberglass. Each type of siding will have pros and cons, as well as a cost that may be higher or lower than other choices, and these need to be examined before you decide.

Different Types of Siding for Homes

Some siding types will require more maintenance, others may be damaged easier, and the weather conditions and typical climate in your area will also help you determine which siding to use. If you are looking for high durability, you may have a different choice than if you are looking for the lowest maintenance possible.

Wood Siding for Homes

Wood siding for homes can be beautiful and provide a natural look for your residence, but this siding version may require special maintenance and be more time and labor intensive than other options. Wood planks, wood shakes or shingles, and beveled wood siding are all choices in this category.

Wood siding is considered to be moderately priced and it can be found in a variety of finishes, textures, and material types. An exterior finish on the siding is needed, such as a paint or stain, and it can be hard to install this siding type over an existing product. The wood materials used may be affected by insects, and the wood products can warp or split which can be disadvantages.

Wood siding, latticework, door and window frames and similar wood items should be at least six inches above ground level.

Source: University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Vinyl Siding Choices

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for homeowners. This type is easy to install, easy to maintain, and easy to clean. There are many product styles and colors to choose from and it is fairly lightweight and affordable. Panels can be chosen which lie vertically or horizontally, and this will affect the finished look of the home.

For many people, price isn’t the issue at all; the real seduction of plastic siding is reduced maintenance.

Source: ThisOldHouse.com

Choosing Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding for homes requires professional installation for the best possible results. If the siding is not properly installed then buckling or warping can occur, and in colder climates, this type of siding may become brittle and could crack because of the lower temperatures. The cost is usually one of the lowest when it comes to siding, and there is little maintenance needed.

Aluminum Siding Products

Aluminum siding for homes is not as popular as vinyl today but it is still used in some cases. You can choose from several textures and many colors. This is a low maintenance option and a durable material, but the finished color can fade or run off over time. Some of the newest aluminum siding can be found with a vinyl finish instead of a painted finish.

Aluminum siding does have other drawbacks that you need to think about. The metal can be easily dinged and dented, and it can be a noisy choice during rain and other inclement weather. The cost is typically moderate unless you choose the latest versions that have a plastic or vinyl finish applied, and then the cost will increase.

If you plan to repaint vinyl coated aluminum siding or vinyl siding, also use a surface de-glosser solvent to clean the house siding.

Source: HomeAdditionPlus.com

Cement Fiber Options

Cement fiber siding for homes is one of the latest choices, and it has a lot of benefits. It offers durability, it requires little maintenance, and it is created using recycled materials so it is also environmentally friendly and green. Cement fiber siding can be an attractive pick and it can be used to create an appearance of wood without actually using this material.

Fiber cement is known to be a low-maintenance siding option when compared to many others, including many choices in wood siding.

Source: BuildDirect.com

This type of home siding can be more expensive to purchase and to install. Cement fiber siding products are incredibly durable, and it will not rot or be damaged by insect activity the way that wood siding will. There is almost no maintenance required, and many of these products offer a 50 year warranty.

Fiberglass Siding

Fiberglass products are panels which are manufactured using fiberglass strands. The benefits that you will get are similar to those with vinyl siding. Fiberglass will usually run about 20% more than vinyl though, so you should be prepared for a higher cost.

Asbestos Siding is Not Typically Used for Homes Today

Asbestos siding for homes is not typically available for home use today because of the risks associated with asbestos and the removal of this material. If you want to replace existing asbestos panels with vinyl siding or another choice then a certified professional will be needed to remove any asbestos safely and effectively.

As you can see, when it comes to siding for homes, there are many choices. What types of siding for homes have you considered in the past, and which type did you finally choose?

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