When contemplating new siding for your home, you may understandably feel overwhelmed due to the sheer volume of choices out there. Not only do you have to decide on material, you also have to decide on color, trim, accents, etc. Here we’ll go over the most popular choices: vinyl, wood and fiber cement.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is unarguably the most common type of siding adorning homes in this country. In fact, it makes up 32 percent of the U.S. siding market for new homes, according to This Old House. There are many reasons for this:
- It’s more affordable than other materials.
- It lasts longer than many materials.
- It’s easy to maintain and clean. A power wash every few years will remove grime, mold and mildew.
- It requires no painting and upkeep like wood does.
- It’s available in a wide spectrum of colors and styles.
Wood Siding
Timeless and classic, wood is a good choice for those who want to maintain a rustic, natural look for their home. Known for its durability and natural appeal, wood siding is typically made from cedar but can also be made of redwood. Both are ideal for their decay resistant qualities. You have many options when it comes to wood, from hand-cut shakes and machine-cut shingles to clapboard and solid wood.
You can get siding in horizontal and vertical styles and can easily switch out pieces that may be damaged for new ones. However, wood does come with some maintenance, as it needs to be painted every few years. Wood can also split, rot and crack over time if not well maintained and cared for. Still, it remains a popular choice, as it has for time immemorial.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
One of the fastest growing siding choices in the country, James Hardie® fiber cement siding is rugged, durable and comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. It provides the traditional look of natural wood siding, yet you’re not tasked with all the maintenance hassles that are inherent with wood. Affordable, durable and low in maintenance, the benefits of fiber cement siding include:
- High performance of masonry
- Can mimic look of wood, shingles, stone or brick
- Minimal upkeep
- Rot and fire resistant
- Termite proof
- Resistant to wind and cold
- Low cost
Fifteen percent of today’s new homes are made with fiber cement siding, with many of the next generation choosing this material over others. Fiber cement can withstand the sub-zero temps and can even resist freeze-thaw cycles that tend to expand and contract siding material.
Contact Amazing Exteriors for the Best Siding Replacement!
Find out more about your siding options by calling us to get a free siding replacement estimate.
