When your neighbors, guests, and friends visit your house, there are two parts of the house they see first – your roof, and your siding. Choosing the right siding is as much about making the right first impression as it is about practicality.
Factors to Consider
There are a variety of different considerations to make before you choose your home’s siding. Each type has its pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh each one before you make your final decision. Important elements to keep in mind when choosing siding are:
- Water and weather resistance
- Curb appeal and desirability of each type of material
- Durability – not all materials are made the same, and not all last for the same amount of time
- Energy efficiency – all materials come with a Department of Energy R-value, which indicates its ability to insulate effectively
- Cost – some materials are more expensive than others
The Different Choices for Siding
1. Vinyl
Vinyl siding is cheap and easy to maintain, and the versatility of this material makes it an incredibly useful material for homeowners who want to diversify their home’s look. One major disadvantage to vinyl, however, is that it is not very wind-resistant. There are a ton of different options when you choose vinyl, so you can customize your home to look exactly how you want it!
2. Wood
Wood is a versatile material, and siding is no different. Coming in a wide array of looks and texture, wood is also easy to replace should it start to degrade. Compared to other choices, though, wood degrades faster and may need to be replaced sooner. Luckily, the price tag is reasonably low and shouldn’t set you back too much.
3. Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is an alternative to masonry. It is highly durable – lasting up to 25-50 years. Importantly, though, older fiber cement siding may actually contain asbestos – a major health risk for someone looking to purchase an aging home. They may also have moisture-related problems. Modern homes, however, are completely safe and attractive – and fiber cement is an excellent option for homeowners.
4. Stone
Stone – or stone veneer – siding is one of the most appealing materials to have on your home. The curb appeal of stone is unmatched by any other material. While stone is an expensive choice, starting at roughly $10 per square foot, interested buyers can also go for stone veneer, which has the added advantage of being lighter than regular stone.
5. Brick
Much like stone, brick is an attractive choice for home siding. It is also incredibly durable – even more so than some stone siding. It will never need to be painted or finished, and it is fire-resistant on top of that. Unfortunately for most homeowners, however, brick is one of the most expensive choices on the market – easily ranging $10-15 per square foot. At the same time, you need only look around historical cities and buildings to know that brick is a lifetime investment and is sure to stay standing for a long time to come.
Siding Contractors
At Able Roof, we are professional siding contractors in Columbus, Ohio who install only the best siding materials. Get a free estimate today!
