The right siding can entirely change the aspect of your home and it’s a great way to upgrade a house if you’re tired of the same old look or if you intent to sell your home and earn some extra cash.
Here are some of the most popular siding materials and some tips to find out which type of siding material is best suited for your home.
Stucco siding
Stucco has a very reasonable cost and it’s been used for hundreds of years as a siding material. Traditional stucco is actually a mix of cement added to lime or sand. Stucco is flexible, allowing you to shape it and give it some textures; therefore, it’s most suitable for a large variety of architectural styles. In terms of application, stucco is applied mainly on wooden walls, but it can also be used on stone or brick surfaces as well.
Stone siding
Stone is one of the most durable building materials. Granite, slate, limestone and other types of stone are very beautiful and they offer excellent protection against wind, rain, sun or snow. Stone sidings are completely natural and thereby a great alternative for “green homes”. The initial material costs for stone siding are considerably higher and it can be difficult to add it to an existing structure. However, as times passes by, this is a good investment, as stone is very durable and maintains its attractiveness decades later after it was first installed, with very little maintenance.
Brick siding
Many homeowners opt for brick as a siding materials because it’s durable and it doesn’t require much maintenance. Brick comes in different colors and textures, as it’s made out of fired clay. Brick sidings are usually constructed on the outside of a wooden structure. The brick veneer is held together with a mixture of lime or sand, cement and water, called mortar. Water can penetrate brick sidings, so it’s important to install a water membrane between the wood and the brick siding to protect the home. Because of the cost of installation and of the materials, brick sidings are on the more expensive side. Under normal circumstances, brick sidings should last during the life of the building, with little maintenance work.
Wood siding
Wood sidings are one of the oldest forms or exterior siding used on homes. Bevel siding, also called clapboard, is made by using wooden boards that are thicker on one edge than on the other. This type of siding is installed horizontally, with the upper piece of the board overlapping the lower board. Wood siding is installed over a solid surface, like plywood, with a moisture barrier between the surface and the siding and a finishing coat of paint or stain on the outside. All types of wood sidings require ongoing maintenance to prevent weather damage.
Instead of wooden boards, you can also use shakes and shingles. Shakes are made from wood blocks, they’re less uniform and thicker, but they last longer than wooden shingles. Shingles are widely used to create different shapes, because they’re smoother and have a consistent texture. Most common wood types used for shakes and shingles are Western red cedar or redwood. This type of wood siding requires a fire – retardant treatment, especially in high – risk locations. Shakes and shingles are also installed over a solid surface, with a moisture barrier between the two and a finishing coat of paint or stain.
Many American homes are having board and batten siding, simply known as barn siding. This type of siding consists of wide boards, made of cedar or pine, installed vertically, with narrower strips (battens) covering the places where the wider wood boards come together. This type of wood siding is installed on solid surfaces, just like the previous wood siding types.
Engineered wood siding
A less expensive option for wood siding is engineered wood siding, made with wood castoffs, like sawdust, held together by bonding agents. This material is lightweight and it comes in a large array of styles, imitating real wood. It doesn’t need to be painted to make it weatherproof, but it does usually come with factory – applied finishes. With proper installation and maintenance, engineered wood sidings may last you a good 20 to 30 years.
Metal siding
If like the aspect of modern houses, you can opt for aluminum, copper or zinc sidings. One of the advantages is that metals can be formed to take certain required shapes, edges or curves. The strength and longevity of metal sidings surpass most of the other siding materials available on the market. To install metal sidings, you will need a backing material like plywood and a moisture barrier. Some metal sidings like those made of copper or weathering steel change slightly when exposed to weather conditions, but most of them will maintain their factory finish for a long time.
Brick veneers and fabricated brick siding
These types of sidings are molded from actual brick, clay or other natural materials, or they’re made out of polyurethane. They look very natural, are durable, lightweight and easy to install. No footings or foundations are necessary to install these panels. The same type of panels are also used for stone veneers or fabricated stone sidings.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl sidings are very popular in the US, because they’re don’t cost much, are very versatile and require low maintenance. These sidings are available in hundreds of color choices, for horizontal and vertical panels, shakes, shingles, beaded designs or fish scales. Vinyl sidings are installed on flat surfaces and they only require an occasional wash now and then for maintenance.
Fiber cement siding
This type of siding gives the appearance of natural wood, but it’s water – resistant, termite – resistant, nonflammable and with a life expectancy of up to 50 years. Fiber cement siding is made of cement, cellulose fiber and sand or fly ash. Fiber cement is more expensive than vinyl, but less expensive than actual wood siding.
These are some of the most popular choices for home sidings, but it all comes down to the budget you have for this type of project, the design you intend to achieve and the general requirements you need to fulfill, depending on weather conditions and overall maintenance for your home.
Good Deal Remodeling is specialized in various home remodeling projects, including windows and doors installations, and other types of exterior renovations. Don’t hesitate to request a free estimate and we’ll offer you the best solutions for your home remodeling project.