If the home you own—or are thinking of buying—wasn’t built expressly for you, then this means that the current siding of the home’s exterior is not the one you chose. In some cases, this siding also wouldn’t necessarily be the one you’re satisfied with for this home. However, there’s always something you can do about that.
Provided you have the willingness to take the time and you’re also able to manage the investment required, you could always look at replacement siding options for your current home. But which one is the right one for you? Much of that final decision comes down to your preferences and budget.
Wood
One of the oldest siding options is still viable even in the 21st century, but it comes with some significant caveats. The look and feel of wood is difficult to replicate, and for decades was the building material of choice for many homes in America. And while you can still choose to use it today, you do so with the knowledge that you are taking on some considerable expense.
Wood is one of the siding options that require the highest amount of maintenance. It’s soft and flexible, which means exposure to the elements can warp or bend it. And while some of this can be offset by stains to give it more weather resistance, even these have to be reapplied on a regular basis. Wood is also vulnerable to insect infestation from ants, bees, and, of course, termites. So while a wood home can look beautiful, it requires an extra financial commitment to keep it in good shape.
Brick
Another old standby that is still very popular in terms of both choice and look is brick. Brick continues to be one of the classic siding options, especially for people that want the look of a Victorian home. Brick can be an expensive choice, at least for the initial outlay. It is, however, a very durable material, and many homes still have the same brick exterior even 100 years later!
If you love the look of brick, you can easily have it done for your home. However, it’s an expensive investment, and while it adds value to your property, it may not necessarily recoup the investment cost for many years. Some occasional maintenance, such as repointing the mortar, may be involved within a few decades if the brick is not properly maintained.
Vinyl
The replacement of aluminum siding, vinyl is now one of the more popular siding choices for people that want a more modern look to their home. It’s also a much lower cost option than things like wood or brick, while at the same time being very durable.
However, while water resistant, vinyl isn’t watertight. The color of vinyl can also eventually fade with time, and temperature extremes, whether hot or cold, can damage vinyl over time. It can dent or crack, which may require replacement.
Fiber Cement
One of the most recent materials for siding options is fiber cement, such as James Hardie fiber cement siding. This is a unique hybrid of different materials including wood pulp, Portland cement, silica and other substances. Because it is a type of cement, it is durable and can be shaped and textured to resemble different materials such as wood or stone. At the same time, however, it requires little to no additional maintenance once installed because it has been built for durability and longevity.
If you’re interested in having a siding contractor discuss your siding options, just contact us for a free consultation. We’re looking forward to helping you!