Types of Siding

Siding is an exterior covering most often made of boards or sheet materials. Popular types of siding for homes are vinyl, wood, fiber cement, metal and stone. Siding can have almost any texture, color or style. It’s a versatile and durable way to enhance the look of your home while protecting it from the elements. The best siding for a house will have its own appearance, budget and maintenance requirements.

Made from PVC resin, vinyl siding is durable and budget friendly. It comes in a variety of colors and options to match the style of most homes. Some vinyl siding even mimic different textures such as wood. One of the easier sidings to install, vinyl requires nails or clips to attach long panels to a house’s exterior walls.

A traditional option, wood siding is made from different types of wood such as redwood, fir, cedar or pine. Pine is usually the most budget-friendly of all the options. A great insulator, this type of siding helps regulate your home’s temperature. Wood siding can be stained to reveal the grain or painted in almost any color. It’s relatively easy to install when compared to other siding. You can also get a similar wood look with some brands of composite siding.

Fiber cement siding is made from a combination of wood fiber, cement and sand. A versatile and durable material, this type of siding can be made to look like wood shingles or stucco. Unlike these natural options, fiber cement siding resists pests, mildew and mold. It’s low maintenance and doesn’t warp. Due to its weight, professional installation is recommended.

Classic and popular, brick or stone siding is a naturally beautiful way to protect your home. It requires very little maintenance and doesn’t fade. This type of siding can be made from thin slices of real stone or molded from concrete to resemble bricks or stone. Known for its durability, stone siding resists fire and pests.

Metal siding can be made from aluminum, steel, copper or zinc. Most often you’ll see metal siding used for commercial buildings. It’s also a good choice for residential because of its easy upkeep and durability in harsh environments. Available in shingles, tiles and horizontal or vertical panels, metal siding is more budget friendly than other choices. Metal siding can be recycled and is energy efficient.

All types of siding have positives and disadvantages. For example, wood has a natural look while fiber cement comes in several more colors. Vinyl is easy to install but stone is much more durable. Find out the pros and cons of popular types of siding below:

Vinyl Siding

Pros:

• Comes in popular colors
• Budget friendly, low maintenance
• Easy to install using nails or clips

Cons:

• Can crack or fade
• Repairs can require replacing the whole panel

Wood Siding

Pros:

• Can be stained or painted
• Great durability
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Most types require a higher upfront investment
• Needs consistent, regular maintenance
• Can rot, get pests or weather damage

Fiber Cement Siding

Pros:

• Warp, rot and pest-resistant
• Can last for 50 years or more
• Budget friendly, low maintenance
• Can be recycled

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment
• Requires professional installation and special tools
• Not suitable for areas with heavy rain or high humidity

Metal Siding

Pros:

• Durable, little to no maintenance
• Budget friendly
• Versatile; variety of styles

Cons:

• Can get dinged or bent
• May need to be repainted

Stone Siding

Pros:

• Most durable siding
• Low maintenance
• Variety of styles and textures
• Can increase home value

Cons:

• Can crack or chip
• High upfront investment
• Requires professional installation
• More maintenance needed than with other types

The best siding for your house depends on your budget and where you live. Whichever siding you choose, you can rest assured that your home will look great and be protected from the weather. Here's a few things to consider when making your choice:

• Choose a siding material that works with the style of your property and the look of your neighborhood.
• Consider the climate where you live. Think about how much insulation you'll need to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.
• If time is a concern, a low maintenance siding such as metal may be a better option than natural wood.
• How long will you keep the same siding? Will changing it mean painting or replacing it? Some siding that requires a higher upfront investment like stone can be repaired. With others like budget-friendly vinyl, you may need to have whole panels replaced. Factor in both upfront and long-term costs in your decision.