Siding provides protection and personality to the outside of your home. As you're planning your new home or replacing existing siding, take time to consider the different options available to you.
The siding on your home not only provides aesthetic value,
but it also protects your home from wind, rain, sleet, snow, dust and other natural elements. So, while you're looking for a style and color that you like, you'll also want to consider durability as well as cost. Let's look at some of the most common options used on today's houses.
Solid Wood:
Solid wood has been used in the construction industry for hundreds of years, and is extremely durable if cared for properly. Most wood options require regular maintenance, which involves repainting or restraining every couple years. But if you love the natural look of wood siding, and don't mind the extra work, wood is an excellent choice. Some of the most popular types of wood that have been used over the years are redwood, cypress, cedar, Douglas fir, pine, and spruce.
Engineered Wood:
With engineered wood, you can have the natural look of wood, without the cumbersome maintenance costs. Bits of real wood are mixed with specifically designed resins to result in a wood-looking product that is more durable than solid wood. These boards are also treated with fungus repellents and insecticides to decrease damage from mold, mildew and insects. Engineered wood endures the heat of the sun, bad weather, abrasions and chemical well.
Vinyl Siding:
Vinyl can be designed to mimic just about any type of wood, shingle, or historic design you'd like to see on the outside walls of your home. Vinyl won't rot, dent, flake, scratch or blister, so it's relatively maintenance free. However, vinyl products don't last nearly as long as authentic wood, stone or brick. Long before those materials begin to show their age, vinyl will split, crack and begin to look faded.
Brick or Stone:
Both brick and stone provide excellent low-maintenance options for the outside of your home. Brick is fired clay, which is available in a variety of colors. You can choose to stick with the well-known brick red, or branch out into just about any earth tone of your choice. Brick will usually last up to 25 year in rain, wind, snow, and sleet before any repairs are needed.
Stone is also an excellent natural choice for the siding of your home. Stone is incredibly durable, and can also stand up to rain, sleet, snow, ice, and extreme heat without cracking or fading. Once again, you can choose from an array of natural colors, which will last for generations.
If you like the look of brick or stone but can't afford the actual thing, look into using a brick or stone veneer. These thin sheets of brick or stone can be easily attached to most homes outdoor walls with mastic or mortar.
Stucco Options:
Stucco has been used for hundreds of years because of its amazing strength and durability. Stucco is a mixture of cement, water, and sand or lime. The goal is to create a shell for the home, which keeps moisture out. Once again, for a less expensive option, you can choose synthetic stucco. As with many synthetic options, synthetic stucco siding will provide the look of stucco with a lower level of durability.
With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find one that you'll love. Take time to decide what look you want on the outside of your home and also the amount of time and money you have to spend, both as you build and for any repair that may be required later on.
