Time to Update Your Home’s Siding?

Are you looking to either update, upgrade or completely change the way your home looks but aren’t sure what home siding options are available for your home’s style? Then this article is for you.

I’m going to briefly go over the main types of siding, their benefits and why I think they are either a smart choice, or something to stay away form. Re-siding your home is a serious amount of cost and work. And when it’s finished, the last thing you want to do is feel unhappy with your choice. So take choosing the best siding option for your unique house seriously.

If your home is starting to look a little run down, or you just don’t want to go through the expense of painting it again, you may want to consider purchasing siding for your home. There are many benefits to using siding and it can be virtually maintenance free if you pick the right kind. For me my personal favorite is brick. It looks great and it lasts forever.

Here is a brief guide to the newest materials that are available for home siding…

1. Brick and Stone Look Siding 

This is one of the most popular new types of siding on the market. It gives the impression of a more expensive façade, but it is much more durable and easy to maintain. You’ll have a wide variety of color choices and this is much easier to install than traditional brick or stone. Most will last around twenty five years without any maintenance, beyond occasional cleaning. And since you’re not using “real” bricks or stone, it’s more cost effective.

2. Cedar Siding

If you have always wanted the look of a log cabin on your home, you can now get it easily with cedar siding. These are actually more of a wooden siding and they will need a little extra care to keep them looking good. They come in a variety of different colors. You may need to stain them from time to time to keep them looking fresh. We do not recommend this type of siding for those that live in areas that get a lot of rain or wind, since this can degrade the siding. Not only that, but since it is wood, wood that will get weathered and dry out, there’s also always the possibility of being a fire hazard.

3. Stucco Siding

Synthetic stucco has been pretty popular through the years, but it is not quite as durable as the real thing. It is much easier to install however and many people prefer the look of stucco on the exterior of their home. Maintenance is usually quite minimal and it will require an occasional cleaning to look fresh.

4. Cement Siding

This is one of the newest forms of siding on the market and it is incredibly popular. It is actually made up of cement fibers and can be constructed to resemble a variety of different looks, such as natural stone, wood or even regular siding. Care is virtually nil and you’ll be able to enjoy it for decades. The best part is, this siding is both fire and termite proof, making it a natural choice for those that live near forests or out in the country where there are more risks for either problem.

5. Vinyl Siding

The old standby is still going strong and is still the number one requested option when I was working for M&M Home Exteriors, thanks to its durability and the wide color selection. Vinyl siding is the most economical option for many homeowners and it will last for at least 25 years or more. It may not be the newest material out there, but it still has its uses.

6. Seamless Steel Siding

This siding looks fantastic and is perfect for those that live in areas where the climate can change dramatically from time to time. Steel siding will not shrink or expand once it is installed and is pretty impervious to weather. It will cost more than vinyl siding, but it is incredibly durable and comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes.

7. Brick and Stone Siding

Here I am talking about the “real” deal. There is simply nothing like using real bricks to build your home, or even just as a cosmetic option. Yes, it is the most costly on the list, but at the same time it is the most maintenance free, and longest lasting option. In fact, brick or stone siding can last hundreds of years if it is maintained. And although it does cost more to use, this can save you far more in the long run. Not only that, but it can also dramatically increase the value of your house.