Siding is More than Visual, Materials Matter

Knowing when it is time to upgrade your siding is easy. Choosing the best siding for your home can be just as simple.  The choices available to you are extensive, with each material offering vastly different aesthetics, durability, energy efficiency, and price. Before upgrading or replacing your siding, it is important that you educate yourself on the different available materials, so that you can attain the aesthetics you want within the budget you’ve laid out. We have put together this guide to help you familiarize yourself with the different types of siding, so you can make the best choice based on your style, needs and budget.

Our siding contractors will inspect and assess the issues, and based on the extent of the damage, we will discuss siding repairs or replacement. Aesthetically pleasing and effective siding is essential and makes a lasting impression. Below is a description of popular materials our siding contractors prefer to use on a given project.

Materials We Work With

Vinyl Siding

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, vinyl siding is the most popular siding choice in the U.S. today. This is due to the fact that vinyl siding is durable, comes in a range of color options, and it is relatively low cost. There are also a huge variety of profiles of vinyl, including: horizontal or vertical panels, dutch lap, shakes, shingles, beaded, and fish scales or scallops.

Advantages of vinyl siding

• Incredibly durable
• Typically comes with a 30-40 year warranty post-installation
• Huge array of color options when choosing vinyl siding
• Versatile in its textural options
• Easy to clean with just a power washer and a hose
• Often the most economical option

Disadvantages of vinyl siding

• Not waterproof (only water-resistant)
• Can bend under extreme weather conditions, whether it be hot or cold
• Once you choose a color, you cannot change it or repaint it
• Hail and tree branches can leave dents and marks

Wood Siding

Wood siding is another popular siding option due to its natural and timeless look. There is a wide variety of wood species to choose from, including: pine, fir, cedar, and redwood.

Advantages of wood siding

• Lightweight, making installation time quicker
• Eco-friendliest siding on the market
• Can be stained and painted in custom colors
• High R-Value, and is very energy efficient

Disadvantages of wood siding

• While it can be stained limitless color, in doing so, it must be consistently maintained
• Easily damaged over time by insects or water
• Costly to maintain – requires to be staining every 2-3 years and repainting every 4-5 years
• Not fire resistant, so it is not ideal for dry climate areas

Metal Siding

Metal siding comes in a few varieties, with the most popular types being aluminum and steel siding. It offers a modern aesthetic, and can provide your home with a unique look if installed properly. Aluminum is a good option in coastal areas as it protects your home from the salt air, while steel can be prone to rust but it is resilient to hail.

Advantages of metal siding

• Does not mold or rot
• Does not require much maintenance
• Will not fade
• Very eco-friendly > Panels are precisely cut resulting in little waste of material
• Fire resistant (good if you live in dry areas or areas with many lightning storms)

Disadvantages of metal siding

• If not installed properly, it can lead to rust
• Aluminum siding is a soft metal that can be dented easily
• Steel siding is heavy and takes longer to install, making it a more expensive option
• Metal siding will easily scratch and can rust quickly if not resealed and repainted
• Can be very loud during storms

With so many different siding options out there, it is important you do as much research as possible and weigh up the options of cost, durability, energy efficiency, and versatility before making a choice. We hope this guide has been educational in helping you decide on the best siding option for your home.

Make sure your home is in good shape by having Industry Elite Services inspect your siding and decide what materials are best for you. We’ll assist you by alerting you of exactly what’s wrong, and correcting it with siding repair or replacement.