Installing siding is an impactful way to improve a property’s curb appeal. If you’re looking to update your house, there are plenty of varieties of siding materials for your home. Popular options include vinyl, fiber cement, wood, and metal. Let’s look at the benefits of these siding materials.
4 Options for Home Siding Materials
Wooden Siding
Few materials are as versatile and visually appealing as wood. Thanks to a variety of types with different wood grains, homeowners have an array of designs, styles, and colors to choose from. Some of the most common types of wood siding include shingles, wooden planks, and panels. It can be painted in any color available.
The versatility, appeal, and natural beauty of wood, however, come at a cost. Of all the various home siding materials, wooden options are among the most expensive.
Metal Siding Materials for Your Home
Unlike wood which is not only costly to install but also high maintenance, metal sliding materials, like aluminum and steel, are more affordable and low maintenance.
Today, low-cost steel siding is becoming more popular among homeowners. Metal siding comes in a variety of styles including panels, horizontal planks, and shingle-like designs. The bottom edges have an interlocking mechanism that seals the siding against the elements. Metal siding also has a corrosion-resistant finish that’s applied in the factory to improve its lifespan.
Fiber Cement Siding
A fairly new product in the world of home siding, fiber cement is arguably one of the best options available. Not only is this product extremely durable, but the material is exceptionally low maintenance.
Fiber cement siding is made from recyclable products, making it environmentally friendly. This type of siding is installed much like wooden materials, meaning most siding contractors are capable of installing it.
If you want a wood-like exterior finish but don’t have the budget for real wood siding, fiber cement comes close. With availability in shingle, shake, panel, and beveled plank designs, there is a style that will suit your home. Unlike wood, fiber cement is not affected by rot and won’t be damaged by insects.
Vinyl Home Siding
Another alternative in home siding materials is vinyl. Affordable, durable, and easy to maintain, vinyl has gained a considerable share of the siding market. Vinyl, like aluminum, comes in the form of strips with interlocking edges.
However, unlike aluminum siding, vinyl needs more care during installation to prevent cracking. On the flip side, vinyl is available in more colors than aluminum, giving you plenty of options that will complement your home. Vinyl siding is also available in a wide range of textures to meet your design preferences.
Siding is an excellent way to add value to your property and visual appeal to your home’s exterior. If you’re considering updating the exterior of your home, there are plenty of materials available to you.
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