When it comes to your home, first impressions matter.
The exterior of your home is the first thing people notice, making siding an essential aspect of your home's curb appeal. With the help of reliable siding contractors, you can refresh your home's appearance, increase its equity, and be ready for seasons to come.
Overview
This Ultimate Home Siding Guide has all you need to know about siding in one convenient place.
We overview the various types of siding available in the market. Then, we’ll go over what to do if your home’s siding incurs damage, followed by expert tips on picking a trusted and capable siding contractor. Finally, we’ll outline some straightforward DIY projects to help you keep your home’s siding in tip-top shape.
Chapter 1
Buying Guide to Siding Types
There are many siding materials to choose from when updating the exterior of your home, but a few popular options we’ll review in this guide include vinyl, engineered wood, fiber cement, wood siding, composite siding, and metal siding systems.
Vinyl Siding
When you think of traditional vinyl siding, your mind probably goes to images of dented and faded houses. But it has come a long way over the years and today’s vinyl siding is much more fade-resistant, insect-proof, durable, and cost-effective than it used to be. It can even be eco-friendly! If you buy insulated vinyl siding, it includes a thick foam layer beneath the panels to keep heat in and cold out, boosting your home’s energy efficiency.
For additional ways to make the exterior of your home more eco-friendly, check out our article, “Tips and Tricks for an Eco-Friendly Home Exterior”
Composite Siding
Composite siding is typically made up of scrap wood or other fibers bonded together with resins, and in some cases, cement. It is treated with special chemicals to repel water, insects, and mold so you have to do less upkeep while increasing your home’s energy-efficiency. This type of siding can come pre-primed or painted and is available in various styles and shades that mimic real wood. Examples include fiber cement and engineered wood siding.
Fiber Cement & Engineered Wood Siding
Of the options listed in this guide, two of the most popular siding options on the market are fiber cement and engineered wood siding. If you’re looking to use sustainable materials, both use little wood and have a minimal impact on the environment.
Fiber Cement siding is made of sand, water, and cellulose fibers. It is long lasting and low maintenance. It’s non combustible, resistant to moisture and rot, and unappealing to woodpeckers and other pests.
Engineered wood siding is made to look like real wood but is much more durable and resistant to termites and fungal decay. Even more, it is more cost-effective since it’s lighter than traditional wood siding, making it an excellent choice for many homeowners.
Check out this video from LP SmartSide comparing their engineered wood material to fiber cement.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is a classic choice, especially since there are so many types to choose from. The thing to keep in mind about wood siding is that it requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and water damage.
While it is aesthetically pleasing and can be a green option, it is not the most durable choice and may not be the best for areas prone to insect infestations or heavy moisture. Regardless of the region you live in, proper upkeep will guarantee your wood siding lasts for years to come.
Metal Siding
Metal siding, such as aluminum or steel, has lots of positives like being fire-resistant, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly. It is often made from recycled materials and when its served its purpose and is ready to be replaced, it can be recycled again. A disadvantage to note is that metal siding is susceptible to rust but that can be prevented with proper maintenance and the occasional replacement.
Need help selecting the right siding for your home?
We’re available for a free siding consultation or siding quote.
