Which Types of House Siding Are Best for My Property?
Look at any home, and you’ll see that its siding is its most prominent feature. The right siding can help you make a bold statement — or put the focus on other features. Whether you want your siding to draw eyes or fade into the background, there are many types of house siding to choose from. Here is a guide to the pros and cons of each type, as well as a list of things to consider before you purchase.
4 Types of House Siding
Before you shop for siding, it’s a good idea to consider your budget, as well as your location. Do the homes in your area trend toward brick ranches? Or do you live in a beach community overrun with Cape Cods? Climate should also play a role in the siding you choose. Let’s take a look at the most common types of siding, and how they stand up to different kinds of weather.
Vinyl Siding
If you’ve seen the original vinyl siding on a home from the 1970s or earlier, you might have a poor opinion of vinyl as a desirable home exterior material. Early vinyl was prone to rippling, cracking, and warping. However, modern vinyl siding is night and day from the stuff used in previous decades.
In fact, over one-third of homes built in the U.S. today have vinyl siding. There are several reasons why vinyl is such a popular choice. It’s affordable and durable and it looks great in a wide range of architectural styles. Vinyl can even mimic more expensive exterior siding options, such as cedar shakes. In fact, many homeowners in humid climates prefer vinyl shakes over wood because they require less maintenance and they are better at keeping out water.
Wood Siding
Often seen on cottages, bungalows, and Cape Cods, wood siding is a classic choice for many homeowners. It can be installed as a clapboard, as well as shakes or shingles. Maintained properly, wood siding can last for several decades — with some wood weathering up to a century with few problems.
However, wood siding requires periodic maintenance, including painting and staining. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, snow, or sun, keep in mind that you’ll need to give your wood siding regular TLC to keep it looking and functioning in top condition.
Brick and Stone Siding
In most cases, brick and stone siding is actually a veneer over a home’s wooden frame. Brick and stone are both more popular in the southern states, where climates generally don’t see as much of a freeze-thaw cycle as in the north. Because a brick or stone exterior is held together with masonry, brick and stone siding can crack and decay if it’s regularly exposed to extreme swings in temperature.
If you love the look of brick or stone, but you live in a climate that makes it a poor choice, consider adding brick or stone accents combined with vinyl siding.
Stucco Siding
You won’t see a lot of stucco-sided homes in the north, but they are quite common in the south, including Florida and Texas, which are heavily influenced by Spanish colonial architecture. While stucco is extremely durable and relatively easy to maintain, a good installation is critical. If stucco is not installed by a skilled contractor, it can crumble, crack and allow water to enter the home.
Call Nu Look Home Design To Schedule Your Siding Consultation
New siding can completely transform the look of your home. Call Nu Look Home Design today to schedule a free consultation. Our siding experts will help you choose the best type of siding for your home.
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