There are so many types of siding to choose from. Some of these options may be more expensive, but they can also last for many years to come, saving you money in the long run.
There are many different factors that you should take into consideration when deciding which one is best for your home. It all depends on what type of look or feel you’re going for and which features matter most for your needs.
Here are the ten common types of sidings for the exterior of your home:
1. Brick Siding
Brick siding is a great way to add a traditional look to your home. The brick is durable, and it can last for decades. However, brick is heavy and will add extra weight to the structure of your house.
You’ll need to ensure that the foundation can hold up this excess weight without causing structural damage.
Since brick-sided homes are naturally insulated and efficiently cool your home during prolonged hot weather, brick siding can also reduce your monthly electricity costs.
Pros:
- It is environmentally friendly due to its natural materials composition.
- It is simple to clean.
- You can paint brick siding
- It can survive adverse weather, including storms, wind, and rain.
- It offers excellent temperature management and is fire-resistant.
Cons:
- It costs more than the majority of house siding options.
- It is vulnerable to high-humidity settings that result in moisture and mold problems.
Cost:
Brick siding is priced per square foot between $6 and $15. For the first 25 years after installation, brick siding requires almost no maintenance. You should check the mortar joints after 25 years since the masonry could decay.
2. Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding is a wood composite siding made from wood fibers, adhesives, and resins. Engineered siding is similar to solid wood in appearance and can be used on the exterior of your home.
It has handles like solid wood and comes in smooth or embossed textures that you can choose from.
This type of siding also comes in many cuts, so you can find something that works for your house’s design.
Engineered wood siding is reasonably priced compared to most other types of exterior cladding materials because it’s made from recycled materials, which saves money on production costs.
Another benefit of this type of material is its energy efficiency. At the same time, although it may not be as durable as cedar shingles or vinyl clapboards, engineered lumber helps reduce heat transfer into your home during winter months – making it one way homeowners can save money on heating costs.
Pros:
- It is more lightweight than fiber cement and some types of wood siding.
- It is just as durable as natural wood.
- It has a glossy and streamlined appearance and incorporates recyclable materials.
- It costs less than other forms of house siding, and installation is reasonably priced.
- It comes in a variety of colors.
Cons:
- It has to be painted because it does not seem natural.
- It contains unsustainable binding agents.
- Since it is susceptible to moisture, mold, and mildew can grow there.
Cost:
Engineered wood siding starts at about $3 to $9 per square foot. The better your property’s protection and attractiveness, the more expensive the engineered wood siding.
3. Faux Stone Veneer Siding
Faux stone veneer siding is a type of siding that is made to look like natural stone. It may be an alternative if your financial situation means you can’t afford actual stone siding.
Or, it will give your home a strikingly close look to real stone while being far less expensive than natural materials.
Faux stone veneer siding comes in many different designs and colors, but all serve the same purpose: giving homes an exterior appearance that matches their interior decorating schemes.
Pros:
- Its cost is reasonable and in the middle range pricing.
- It resists flames and is sturdy.
- Because of the lightweight materials, it is adaptable.
- Even though it is lighter, it closely resembles actual stone.
Cons:
- It is susceptible to moisture if not installed correctly, where water can leak in and lead to mold.
- Maintenance costs are considered if it is not installed and sealed correctly.
Cost:
If you choose this type, the cost can vary, but you should plan to spend between $5 and $15 per square foot installed. Faux stone veneer is a fantastic alternative compared to the expensive cost of natural options.
4. Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a composite material made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It is similar to vinyl siding in appearance because it comes in many different colors and textures.
Still, fiber cement can withstand the weather without sacrificing style and make your home safe and secure.
The siding made of fiber cement is resistant to termites and durable in high winds. Fiber Cement Siding has an extensive warranty covering everything from labor costs to replacement parts after installation.
Pros:
- Due to its cement construction, it provides superior fire protection.
- It is better siding for intense weather since it is more resilient than other forms of house siding.
- It provides better protection against termite infestations.
- It is a versatile design and can be painted over.
Cons:
- It doesn’t appear to be natural wood.
- Cracking may be a problem, depending on the environment.
Cost:
Fiber cement siding can cost from $2 to $12 per square foot. Since the siding can endure up to 50 years, it is considered a pretty good investment.
5. Glass Siding
If your home is in a sunny area, glass siding can be an excellent choice. Glass lets in sunlight and other natural light that makes your home feel larger and brighter.
In addition to enjoying those extra rays of sunshine, it may also save you money on air conditioning costs during the summer months and heating bills during winter.
Glass siding is also an ideal choice if you want to take in panoramic views from a bright and airy home while maintaining privacy from your neighbors across the street.
Glass siding offers homeowners all these benefits without sacrificing any durability or protection against weather damage, as long as it’s installed correctly by professionals who know how to handle this material appropriately.
Pros:
- Because it is light, it aids in lowering the structure’s dead load.
- It provides unhindered views, making the interiors appear spacious.
- It is adaptable and gives designers more creative freedom.
- It does not rust.
Cons:
- Due to its fragility, it is terrible in areas with poor weather or earthquakes.
- It is a costly material that must be handled with caution.
Cost:
Panels can cost up to $60 per square foot, depending on quality and customization. Other professionals, such as an architect, may be required in addition to the cost of materials and installation because these exterior walls are frequently load-bearing.
6. Metal Siding
Metal siding is noteworthy due to its enduring quality and durability. Additionally resistant to pests, mold, and fire is metal siding. Metal siding is the way to go if you want your house to look modern and industrial.
Metal siding can be installed on any home in the United States. The color range available on the market today is so versatile that you’ll have no problem finding something that will complement your existing house color scheme.
Metal panels are also lightweight enough for homeowners who want an easy installation process with minimal noise pollution during installation and less wear-and-tear on their homes. At the same time, they are being worked on by contractors or DIY folks.
Pros:
- It is more durable than most types of home siding.
- It provides excellent fire protection.
- It will improve the appearance of your home and thus increase its curb appeal.
- It requires little upkeep and is environmentally friendly.
- It is bug and fire-resistant.
Cons:
- It rusts easily, especially in wet or coastal climates.
- It is susceptible to dents and damage.
Cost:
Typically, the price of metal siding is $3 to $35 per square foot. Different metal selections may be the cause of this range in costs.
7. Natural Wood Siding
There are many options available if you’re looking for the traditional look of natural wood siding. Wood siding can be made from cedar, redwood, pine, and other types of wood.
It gives homes a rustic appeal that blends in with the landscape.
Although natural wood siding installation is usually more expensive than vinyl or aluminum versions, it’s worth it if you want your home to look like it was built decades ago.
And although maintenance and upkeep are required for all types of house siding materials including natural wood, there are ways to keep this type of house siding looking good as new without spending a fortune on repairs every year.
Pros:
- It is more resilient than other forms of siding and will last for decades.
- It is available in various designs and colors that complement any decor.
- It provides good insulation, improving the level of protection against the cold in your home.
- It has great aesthetic value and is simple to alter with paint or stain.
- It is environmentally friendly and simple to fix.
Cons:
- It costs more than other kinds of siding.
- Due to its wood composition being exposed to wet and rainy settings, it can deteriorate more quickly.
- It is prone to termites if not adequately maintained.
Cost:
Installation of natural wood siding typically ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot. Your expenses will be significantly influenced by the wood siding you choose.
8. Stone Siding
Stone siding is an excellent choice for many homeowners. It gives your home a stunning appearance that will make it stand out from every other on the block and requires far less maintenance than wood, metal, or even vinyl siding.
Natural stone’s heavy weight makes installation very expensive. Still, this is a good option for you if you want something that will last for decades without requiring any touch-ups or repairs besides regular maintenance.
Because natural stone does not fade over time like some other types of siding, but it can also be desirable when your home needs to blend in with its surroundings.
Pros:
- It has a great deal of aesthetic value.
- Because it is natural and requires low maintenance, it is not harmful to the environment.
- Because it is recyclable, it can be destroyed and put to new use.
Cons:
- If it is not installed correctly, it is easily cracked.
- It is more expensive compared to other types of siding.
Cost:
Installation might cost anywhere from $30 to $48 per square foot due to the weight of the stone. If you like the look and durability of natural stone but don’t like the price, consider stone veneer siding.
9. Stucco Siding
Stucco siding is a popular option for residential homes because it can be used on wood, stone, and brick surfaces. In addition to being adaptable to various house styles, stucco siding can be used on walls, roofs, and columns.
Stucco is a highly durable, fire-resistant material with excellent insulating qualities.
Due to its superior insulation and energy efficiency, stucco siding is renowned for helping homeowners reduce their monthly power costs. It’s also an excellent choice for drier climates but not recommended in wet environments.
Pros:
- It is long-lasting if properly installed.
- It will improve the appearance of your home and make it easier to sell if you decide to relocate.
- It is very cost-effective.
- It is well-insulated and energy-efficient.
- It is resistant to fire.
Cons:
- It may crack if improper installation is made.
- It can cause mold and mildew problems since it readily absorbs moisture.
Cost:
Installing stucco siding typically costs $5 to $9.50 per square foot. The size of the home’s footprint affects the cost of stucco per square foot.
10. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has become a popular choice for homeowners because of how easy it is to maintain and repair and how long-lasting it can be.
Vinyl siding is available in a wide range of colors and styles. You can choose from traditional looks like colonial or ranch styles or more modern designs like board-and-batten or cedar shake.
Many vinyl sidings also have a wood grain look that adds timeless appeal to any home’s exterior. If you are looking for something unique, specialty vinyl products on the market resemble stucco or stone veneer.
Because vinyl siding is so durable and doesn’t require much maintenance, it’s one of the most cost efficient types of siding available today, making it an excellent option if you’re looking for value without sacrificing looks,
Pros:
- It is the most often used kind of siding.
- Because vinyl provides more robust protection from cold weather and absorbs outside noise, it is weather-resistant in all conditions.
- It has numerous color options.
- It is inexpensive and requires low maintenance.
- It is both impact and energy efficient.
Cons:
- It is susceptible to warping and cracking depending on the area’s weather conditions.
- It is prone to trapping if foam backing is not included with insulated vinyl siding installation.
Cost:
With prices ranging from $1.50 to $8.50 installed per square foot, vinyl siding is among the least expensive options. Because of this, vinyl siding is a popular choice for many. The pricing is determined by the type of vinyl siding you choose and local vinyl prices at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about different types of home siding.
What type of siding is best for the average home?
Fiber cement siding is the best for the average homeowner searching for something that will last for years because it is solid and long-lasting. Homeowners in harsh climates benefit most from fiber cement siding because it can withstand stormy weather.
What is the most common type of siding?
Vinyl siding is something that almost everyone has heard of. As a result, it is a safe choice for homeowners because they are already familiar with the product.
Vinyl siding is the most often used type because of its low cost, adaptability, and ease of maintenance.
What is the most durable type of siding?
As a result of its blend of natural wood and engineered wood strand technology, engineered wood siding is the most lasting type of siding. The protective fibers are created by pressing heated wax and resin into the roughness of the wood.
This alternative represents the most recent development in modern exterior siding for houses.
What is the least expensive type of siding?
Aside from being the most popular type of home siding, vinyl siding is also the least expensive.
What is the most waterproof type of siding?
Vinyl siding is practically the most waterproof type since it is constructed of polyvinyl chloride. This siding on the home quickly sheds rain and won’t absorb it.
Does vinyl siding reduce the value of a home?
Because vinyl siding gives a lovely aesthetic, durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. Using it on your home does not decrease its value. Instead, it helps raise it.
