Types of Siding Every Homeowner Should Consider
When it comes to making sure your home is in good condition and looks its best, you should consider your siding. There are many factors to consider before taking that step, including siding type, material, and color.
However, this is easier said than done. With so many options available, It can be difficult to choose the right siding for your home. For those of you who are in the stage where you're deciding between siding, we have outlined the benefits and drawbacks of each one. By the end of this short read, you should feel more confident in choosing the siding that works best for your home.
Types of Siding Every Homeowner Should Consider:
Vinyl Siding:
Vinyl siding is a fairly popular choice for homes for several reasons. It is a durable, attractive, and affordable exterior material. Vinyl is a safe option to go with because most homeowners are familiar with the products and know what they're getting. One of the benefits of using vinyl siding is that it is a cost-effective option. That being said, this particular siding is not as durable as some of the other siding options available. However, vinyl siding comes in a wide range of colors, increasing its appeal to many homeowners. In general, vinyl siding will do the job, but it is more likely to be damaged by hail, wind, or extreme temperatures.
LP SmartSide:
LP SmartSide is an extremely durable, engineered hardwood. It's so durable that the manufacturing of this siding allows for a 50-year warranty. In other words, the extra money spent on this siding is well worth it. Even if you don't plan on staying for that long, LP Smart Side goes a long way when it comes to increasing your home's value. In contrast to vinyl, you can repaint this type of siding if you decide to change the color or just want to update your home. The best part is that you can have any custom color on your home with LP SmartSide siding, in the event you do updates!
Hardie board siding:
If you think siding made out of cement is durable, you'd be correct. Hardie Board siding is extremely strong and can handle anything thrown it's way. James Hardie paints their siding in-house, ensuring the consistency you see across the board is maintained. They offer a thirty-year warranty and you can get any custom color you desire for your home.
Natural wood siding:
Most siding materials attempt to capture the true look of wood, but only real wood shingles do it justice. Real wood shingles are still the choice of many homeowners. Its texture and curb appeal are unmatched for those who love a natural look.
Installing real wood shingles can get pricey, but ultimately worth it in the end. Wood siding is great because it is easy to paint, stain, or re-stain for added curb appeal. However, there are some downsides to wood siding, one of them being the high up-front cost.
Wood siding needs a lot of care to keep it looking its best. Unless you are using cedar shingles, it is important to re-paint or re-stain them every five to seven years, depending on their condition. Also, rodents and bugs can infiltrate your shingles, so it’s important to watch for holes or signs of chewing on your shingles. Fortunately, those repairs are easy to take care of. Homeowners should check the condition of their siding regularly to ensure its integrity. If water or moisture is trapped in the wood, it can lead to wood rot. If there is rot in a piece of wood, it is usually best to have it professionally torn down and replaced.
Metal Siding:
Metal siding is resistant to bugs, mold, and fire. While metal siding is very durable, it can be prone to rust or dents. The good thing is, Homeowners, don't need to worry about termites or pesky rodents damaging their steel siding. Additionally, metal sides can be manufactured to mimic any other types of sides, but with this added advantage of durability and long life.