What Are the Best Materials to Use for Exterior Siding?
If your home’s exterior is lacking curb appeal or you are tired of having to stain or paint it every few years, siding is a relatively fast and cost-effective solution. However, as you will quickly see when you start doing your research, there are a variety of siding options to choose from. Each available siding product has different strengths, so how do you decide which materials are best for your exterior siding? There are several factors to consider. Of course, the look that you want for your home is likely most important. Do you prefer the look of wood, cedar shakes, stone, or maybe brick? Additionally, several types of insulated siding can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Finally, is the durability of the product at the top of your priority list? Or the price?
After you’ve considered all of these factors, your decision about the right exterior siding for your home will be much easier. Here are some popular options to consider:
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is cost-effective, versatile, and relatively easy to install, so it is an immensely popular siding option. While some less expensive vinyl options may have a “plastic” look to them, there is a wide array of vinyl siding options that offer the look of real wood. Additionally, many types of vinyl siding are also insulated and can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Vinyl siding is also low maintenance and maintains its color for many years.
Wood Siding
For some, nothing beats the aesthetic appeal or real wood. However, wood is more expensive than vinyl and is susceptible to insect and rodent damage. It also needs to be stained or painted periodically to maintain its rich look. Popular styles of wood siding include clapboard, cedar shakes, and shingles.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a type of composite siding that is usually constructed of a mix of cellulose fibers, cement, and sand. This product is more durable than vinyl siding and thus more expensive, but it is expected to last longer and provide greater protection for your home.
Stone & Stone Veneer Siding
While it’s hard to match the beauty of stone, stone veneer products, which are constructed of synthetic materials, do a great job of mimicking natural stone and won’t put as big a dent in your wallet.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the siding options available to you, let the home improvement experts at NEWPRO help you choose the perfect exterior siding to match your vision for your home and your budget. We’ve been serving homeowners throughout New England since 1945 and we have the experience needed to ensure that your project goes off without a hitch. Call us today to learn more.
