What types of siding are best suited to your home?
When considering what types of siding you want for your home, there are six main types to choose from. Based on your budget, climate, home style, and dedication to annual maintenance, your contractor can help you choose the style that best suits your home.
The three most profitable types of siding
Vinyl siding is the most popular siding option in the United States due to its versatility, easy maintenance, and low cost. What was once considered a cheap, plastic-looking alternative has been upgraded to a much higher-quality product that looks great, comes in 300 colors, and is durable. It is so easy to install that some do-it-yourselfers install it themselves. But, remember that if you decide to install the siding yourself, it shows poor workmanship and cheap materials. The cost of vinyl ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot installed.
Wood siding comes in several varieties, such as clapboard (lapboard), batten, or individual. It usually costs between $5 and $10 per square foot, plus the cost of finishing it. This siding can last from 10 to 100 years, if cleaned, sealed, painted or stained regularly to protect it from the weather. It is particularly popular on bungalow, Cape Cod, and farmhouse exteriors. It offers a rich appearance and is durable if maintained. For areas where fire is a hazard, it can be coated with fire retardant chemicals. One drawback is that it is prone to attracting insects.
Stucco coating is made of construction sand, Portland cement, lime, and water over a suitable base of impervious barrier paper and galvanized metal lath. It can last a lifetime if properly installed and cared for. It is typically found on homes with Mediterranean, ranch, or Spanish mission exteriors, but is occasionally applied to homes that also have brick or stone surfaces to add variation or interest to the exterior. Installation costs can range from $7.50 to $10 per square foot.
The most expensive siding options
Fiber cement siding replicates the look of wood, stucco or masonry for $6-$12 per square foot plus trim. Available in many textures and styles, the product is termite resistant, nonflammable, requires little maintenance, and can last 25 to 30 years. While very popular, it can have moisture problems if not installed on top of a proper moisture barrier. Fiber cement siding installed on homes before the late 1980s could contain asbestos; this requires special abatement equipment to remove the asbestos before it is safe.
Brick or brick veneer siding is popular on English, Tutor, and Colonial farmhouse exteriors and is considered a classic material. Although it costs $5 to $15 or more per installed square foot, it will last the life of your home, provided it is properly installed and maintained. Adding a waterproof membrane under the brick is necessary to prevent water from infiltrating and damaging the underlying structure. The installation of real bricks is very labor intensive. However, many modern brick homes are actually brick siding, which is a thin brick-like facade over a home’s wood frame. Ultimately, brick veneer will be cheaper than true brick.
Stone or stone veneer siding creates a beautiful exterior finish that can last the lifetime of the home. Using stones like limestone or granite adds texture to a home, but it also adds weight. Stone siding weighs less and is a better option, especially when adding to an existing home. Either product needs annual hosing down. The most expensive of all siding, it costs $10 to $30 per square foot to install.
When deciding on possible types of siding for your home, you need to determine which features are most important to you.