When it comes to choosing the type of siding for your home, it’s as much a practical decision as it is cosmetic. Cost, material availability, geography, house type, and the age of the house are all factors that come into play when deciding what type of siding is best for you and your home. Below, we’re laying out the pros and cons of the most popular types of home siding.
She’s a brick house–and if she’s not, then she probably wants to be. Brick is one of the most beloved siding options for homes. It has a classic look, is extremely durable, and naturally insulates the home’s interior. Of course, with high demand comes high cost–brick is expensive! And while there are more budget-friendly types of brick on the market, they’re not recommended. Lower cost brick is often more porous and less stable, so more prone to leaking water and crumbling over time. Additionally, remodeling a brick house can be a struggle; you can’t replace brick the way you can vinyl and it’s hard to match the new brick with the existing.
Naturally beautiful and hard-wearing, slate is a cost-efficient option in that it lasts for a long time and is easy to replace, since each slate tile is individually installed (and uninstalled).
Affordable, hard-wearing, and customizable, vinyl remains one of the top siding options across climates and home styles. Most modern vinyl is fade-resistant and weather-proof, demanding only periodic cleaning to keep mold from forming.
Because wood is a natural material that reacts to moisture and weather, it’s best to consult with an expert before choosing wood siding for your house. You’ll want to consider rot resistance, cupping, and splitting as well as maintenance, like power washing, staining, and sealing as time goes on. Cedar, redwood, spruce, pine, and fir are some popular options for wood siding.
This love-it-or-hate-it siding material has evolved a lot in the past decades. It’s a relatively cost effective, low maintenance and customizable option that can last up to 80 years. Not recommended for exceptionally rainy areas.
