The siding for your home is among the most crucial decisions when performing home improvement. It affects the curb appeal but is also responsible for the home’s comfort and protection. There is a vast choice which can prove overwhelming.
Many homeowners lean on the expertise of a reputable contractor like that of Paramount Builders to help them bring their vision to life.
For most people a big part of the decision lies in care and upkeep. With busy schedules, it’s difficult to have time for heavy maintenance. Homeowners want a material that’s easy and looks good. We’ll look at many options that check those boxes.
Siding Materials That Require Minimal Care and Upkeep
Many different siding materials are available but it’s important that you find the one that’s right for your house and lifestyle. There are companies that have a reputation for making products that not only look good but can withstand the test of time.
Your contractor has years of experience and can offer extensive knowledge on why one type of siding would be better for your house than another.
You also want to consider your budget and the amount of time and energy you have to care for the material. Visit – Everything You Need to Know about Siding for Your Home – This Old House – for a comprehensive guide on siding. Consider the following options when comparing siding.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is among the most popular and also the least expensive. It’s easy to install and comes in varied sizes and an array of colors. Everyone is familiar with the material due to its extensive time on the market. Vinyl has simple care and upkeep and is relatively durable.
When you have a limited budget, the material is affordable and less labor intensive which can save on costs. It’s easy to find style to fit your aesthetic. The thing to remember is that vinyl is more susceptible to damage if your in an area prone to heavy storms. Impact like hail can cause reduce its life span.
Vinyl shake siding is resemble real wood though painted. It looks almost like individual pieces of wood have been overlapped in the same vein as cedar. It’s a good way to get the look for an affordable price.
Wood
From board and batten to shingles and shakes to clapboards, real wood siding option are available to bring a variety of different natural appeal to your property, a timeless, classic feel. These are less about being budget-friendly, however, and more of a premium choice that raises material costs substantially.
Installation is labor intensive making it more expensive. Several types of wood are available for siding including cedar, oak, redwood, spruce, pine, fir, cypress. Your contractor can help you find one that you will your style and home.
Natural wood siding does come with maintenance that the other siding types don’t require. It’s not pained but kept in its natural form so it needs to be treated regularly to avoid pests. You can also apply flame retardant to reduce the risks of fire damage.
The benefit of this maintenance is that wood siding has an extended lifespan of roughly 40 years with adequate care and upkeep.
Fiber cement
It’s a highly durable product that comes in a range of styles including one that resembles wood. The primary ingredients are sand, Portland cement, water, and cellulose fibers. There is an array of other components that make up the material to resist fungus, mold/mildew, and pests.
Another reason for its popularity is that it come in shake lap, pan, and curved shake. It can also resemble brick and stone. Many people choose a style that mimics vinyl. The biggest benefit is the projected lifespan which can extend up to approx. 50 years or more when installed by a season expert. It’s not a DIY project.
Metal
Metal has clear advantages that other siding can’t offer such as being resistant to insects and burning. It’s highly durable and incredibly energy efficient. It has traditionally been favored for outdoor structures like barns, homeowners who want a unique aesthetic choose metal for their house.
A con for this material is the expense. Metal will also dent when impact by flying debris or hail. It’s also not a common material so finding a siding contractor with experience installing the material can be challenging.
Final Thought
There is an array of house siding choices that it’s easy to become overwhelmed when trying to decide. Read here for a homeowner’s guide to different types of siding. The right one can protect your home for decades offering not only visual appeal but energy efficiency and comfort.
It’s important to factor in budget and the time and energy you’ll need to care for the siding along with the durability of the material. A quality contractor can help you find the siding that’s right for your house and lifestyle and will install it with precision. That’s essential for high performance and an extended lifespan.
