How to Choose Appropriate Siding for Your Home

Siding is one of the most overlooked aspects of home improvement. It’s such a small detail, but it can significantly impact your house’s overall appearance and value. Whether you’re looking to add siding to the outside of an existing structure or a new building, there are many factors that you will have to consider when choosing which type of siding will look best on your home. 

This article will cover some common types of siding and how they might appeal to different homeowners.

Choosing the Correct Type of Siding

Choosing the correct type of siding can make a big difference in your home’s appearance and value. If you’re looking to make a significant impact on the appearance of your home, consider choosing a siding that will complement the style of your house.

In addition to considering the look and feel of the siding, other factors should be considered when choosing which type of material is right for your house. For example: how much will it cost? 

Considering the siding budget is one of the first questions people ask when deciding which type of siding they want installed in their homes. While some types may be more expensive than others (wood vs. vinyl), it’s essential also to consider how much maintenance and repairs will cost over time, as well as any potential replacements down the road. 

  • What maintenance does this require? Depending on what type and quality material you buy for your home’s exterior walls, different maintenance requirements may apply, such as resealing the wood siding or replacing cracked or faded pieces of vinyl. 
  • Will I need special tools/equipment? While most homeowners can do simple repairs around their homes without hiring professionals, some types require specialized equipment and skills, such as scaffolding and concrete tools for stucco repairs.

Wood

Wood siding is a traditional choice. It’s often made of redwood or cedar, which can be expensive. This type of material has a warm, natural aesthetic that suits some architectural styles; however, if your home is located in a region of the country where extreme weather is expected (such as the Pacific Northwest), this option may not be ideal because it can easily break and crack when exposed to heavy winds.

If you live in a frigid climate, wood siding is the best choice for your home. Wood is the most expensive type of siding and the most maintenance-intensive. But if you’re looking for something with that unforgettable traditional look, wood may be worth it. Wood gives your house a warm and welcoming look that will last for years—even decades!

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is the most popular choice for new homes since it’s durable and low maintenance. Vinyl can be installed over pre-existing siding, which means you’ll save on labor costs. Vinyl also is a cost-effective choice because it is one of the cheapest siding options to purchase.

Siding Installation

Fiber Cement

One type of siding that is gaining popularity is fiber cement, also called “composite” or “pultruded.” It’s composed of cement and cellulose fibers, which makes it very durable. The finished product looks like real wood siding but doesn’t rot, warp or crack like natural wood.

Fiber cement has been around for years but has recently become popular with homeowners because it lasts so long—the typical lifespan is 40 years! It’s also fire resistant and can be painted to match your house, making it an attractive option if you’re hoping to find something that will blend in with the rest of your home’s look while still being resilient enough to withstand harsh weather conditions year after year without needing any repairs or replacements (like some other types of siding).

While fiber cement is more expensive than other types of siding options on this list, you’ll get what you pay for: a quality product that won’t need replacement anytime soon!

Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, durable and attractive choice for siding on your home. It’s also easy to install, so you won’t have to call in a contractor if you don’t want to. Aluminum makes sense if you live in an area prone to flooding or high winds, as these conditions do not easily damage it. Aluminum siding can be ordered with different textures and colors that match any home style.

Aluminum siding will last longer than other materials if your home sits on a coastline or near saltwater; however, it’s also more susceptible to corrosion over time due to salt buildup on its surface. This can lead to premature wear on the metal material itself as well as additional maintenance costs such as repainting every few years due to discoloration caused by oxidation caused by exposure to sun rays–something that won’t happen with other types like stucco or vinyl since they’re not made from metals like aluminum but instead has their unique compositions.

Stucco

Stucco is another popular exterior siding option. Stucco is a mixed combination of cement, sand, and water that hardens over time to create a protective layer on your home. It’s often used in areas prone to high winds or hurricanes because it can withstand hurricane-force winds without damage.

Stucco is not recommended for homes located in areas with extreme temperature changes as it tends to crack when exposed to temperature changes too quickly.

How significant is resale value?

This is a significant consideration if you plan to sell your home soon. As you probably know, the condition of the siding on the house can have a substantial impact on its resale value. You’ll want to ensure that whatever style of siding you choose will hold up well over time and maintain its appearance.

For example, vinyl siding is one of the least expensive options on the market today. However, it comes with some challenges: It tends to fade after only a few years in direct sunlight; it’s also more prone than other materials to cracking and splitting, and repairs can be tricky if necessary. On top of that, vinyl isn’t as durable as stucco or fiber cement—meaning that over time, you may need more frequent replacements than other homeowners who opted for different materials when building their homes.

Conclusion

Siding is an extremely important investment in your home and can make a huge difference in your home’s appearance. If you’re considering replacing your siding, consider the type of siding most appropriate for your style and the style of your home. 

Ideally, it is always best to choose a type of siding that will last as long as possible while still looking good. Which factors are the most important to you: cost or resale value? Maintenance costs? Durability? These are all questions you may need to ask yourself as you navigate the new siding process. 

If you have further questions about your siding needs, contact your local siding professionals at Allegiant Exteriors to keep your best interests in mind.

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