When you’re ready to select siding for your home, there are some things to consider while perusing the options.
First, be sure to check the water-resistance. The ability of your siding to repel water will encourage longer life spans, especially in zones prone to heavy rainfall.
Next, how durable is the siding? No matter where you live, your climate plays a dramatic role in the longevity of your siding. If you have dramatic weather and climate changes throughout the year, you’re going to want to invest in siding with higher durability.
Also, you should consider aesthetics. You’ll be seeing your home everyday, so make sure its going to be something you like to see. Also, consider your location and neighborhood; you may want some personality, but being too avant-garde can quickly decrease your property value.
Energy efficiency is another notable element of siding; what r-rating does your siding carry? This will determine the type and quantity of insulation your house will need in order stay energy-efficient, saving you money in the long-run.
Finally, versatility; make sure the siding has the ability to meet the aspects of your project that require a little more finesse. Some types of siding are harder or impossible to use, based upon your needs. This includes things like local regulations (fire code, etc.), sharp angles, proximity issues, or environmental elements.
Keep these in mind while you pick out your siding style and material. Below is a list of some of the more popular siding options, and though it is not an exhaustive list, will give you an idea of the direction you should be going
Vinyl – By far the most popular siding material, it is cheap, versatile, easy to handle, and comes in a wide array of colors and styles. Vinyl weathers well, and is easy to clean. It is not considered to have much insulation value, which is something to keep in mind.
Stucco – Stucco is a very popular option. It is extremely versatile, as it can fit most building styles and work around elements such as windows, awnings, etc. It is applied easily, and provides good hot-weather resilience.
Stone – Stone is a gorgeous addition to any house, though having it installed for siding may be more costly. Those costs are gained back over time, though, as stone weathers well, adds great insulation, and requires minimal, if any, maintenance for years and years to come.
Brick – Brick siding adds a great aesthetic value, while also being durable. It provides decent insulation, however weather conditions can damage brick overtime, so some maintenance is required.
Shakes – Shake siding is a great option for a more natural look. It is a bit more difficult to install, but is versatile. Sake siding does require maintenance and sealing to be weather-proofed, and some zones require a fire retardant coating.
Board-and-Batten – Board-and-Batten, or Barn, siding is a classic from early in the United State’s housing styles. It consists of wide boards spaced apart, with thicker shafts over the seams. Barn siding is versatile, but requires maintenance, as it is prone to weather related issues.
These are some great options if you are looking to add, update, or replace your siding. We are happy to answer any questions you have as you start down this road, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have!
