Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your current home, siding is an important factor. It adds curb appeal and conveys your home’s aesthetic while also serving as a protection against the outside elements. Making a decision on siding isn’t as simple as picking the one you believe looks the best; there are several other factors to consider. Here’s a guide to helping you pick the right one for you.
Setting Your Priorities
When choosing the best siding for your home, there are several factors you should consider. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
What are your siding priorities (e.g., is it more important to have siding that is stylish or low maintenance)?
What weather elements will your siding need to endure?
Are pests a problem?
How sustainable do you want your siding to be?
How durable do you need your siding to be (e.g., how soon are you willing to replace it)?
You’ll soon learn there’s no one-size-fits-all siding solution. It’s really up to you and what your family’s needs and priorities are to determine which siding option is best for you.
Evaluating Different Siding Materials
Vinyl Siding
Overview
Vinyl siding is tough, long-lasting, affordable and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. It’s an extrudable plastic material made from PVC resin for durability and element resistance. The material gets tinted in the production process, so the color goes all the way through, meaning dings and scratches won’t show.
Sustainability
Although vinyl siding is recyclable, few locations accept it.
Additional Pros
DIY-friendly and easy to handle
Insulation options available
Moisture- and insect-resistant
Good fire rating, though it will melt in high heat
Minimal fading
Aesthetic Options
There’s a variety of vinyl siding styles and colors, including those that resemble wood-grain lap siding, wood shingles and even stone. It typically comes in three appearance options: horizontal, vertical and shingle/shake panels.
Maintenance
Routine cleaning with a brush and hose (and occasionally a power washer) is all the maintenance vinyl siding requires.
Longevity
Vinyl siding has an expected longevity of 18-30 years.
Wood Siding
Overview
Wood siding is a traditional choice that gives a warm, natural appearance and provides timeless beauty. Although the material type is a little obvious — wood — there are still several different options. Pine, spruce, fir, cedar and redwood are the most common types of wood used in siding.
Aesthetic Options
Multiple siding styles and stain or paint colors are available to customize wood siding to any homeowner’s desired aesthetic.
Longevity
With good maintenance, wood siding will last anywhere from 20-40 years.
Sustainability
Wood siding is a green and sustainable option.
Maintenance
Wood siding will need to be painted or stained every 3-7 years, which can cost approximately $1.50-$2.50 per square foot. If not well-maintained, wood siding can be susceptible to insects and moisture damage.
Metal Siding
Overview
Aluminum and steel siding are another popular siding option that has made a recent comeback after first being introduced into the market several decades ago. Metal siding is often more affordable than wood but more expensive than vinyl. It comes in several different styles and options as well.
Maintenance
Metal siding is very low maintenance but is more susceptible to dents than vinyl siding and can rust if it is scratched and not touched up.
Longevity
Metal siding has an expected longevity up to 50 years.
Sustainability
Metal siding is a green building material.
Additional Pros
DIY-friendly installation
Insect-, weather- and mold-resistant
Great fire rating (fire-resistant)
Helps keep homes cool
Aesthetic Options
There are three types of metal siding that you might encounter:
Horizontal siding: mimics wood siding with several color and style options
Vertical steel and aluminum siding: produced in board and batten styles and have a more modern appearance
Steel shingles: a genuine wood appearance with a high profile
Each of these options comes in a variety of finishes, and improved coating technology has eliminated chalking.
Finding the Right Construction Partner
Once you’ve chosen the siding type, or types, that works for your home, the next step is finding the right construction partner. Because installation is the key to how good your siding looks and how well it performs, you should look for an experienced construction team with a proven track record of excellence, not the cheapest option you can find.
At Fortin Construction, for example, we make sure all our materials are ethically and carefully sourced, so that you have high-quality siding no matter what type you choose. We also ensure our installations are done on time and professionally, with no surprises to our customers. Because we stand behind our work, we offer warranties on everything we do.
Whether you pick vinyl, wood or metal — or a combination! — remember that your home is what you make it, and a good construction partner can ensure it reflects your family well.