Selecting new siding for your home is a significant decision. After all, it can significantly impact your property’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and overall value. With such extreme importance, it can be intimidating to start the selection process. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to make the decision easier. One of which involves focusing on individual elements at a time. By evaluating factors such as material, style, and pricing, you can feel confident you’ve chosen the best type of siding for your home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Siding
Every homeowner has unique needs, and the best type of siding for one person may not be ideal for another. You can begin the process of narrowing your options down by keeping the following factors in mind:
Climate
The weather in your region will significantly impact your choice of siding. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, it’s important to choose a siding material that can withstand these conditions. Fiber cement siding and engineered wood siding are both durable and weather-resistant options.
Durability
When choosing the right type of siding for your home, you must consider the material’s anticipated lifespan. After all, you want your siding to last reliably for several decades, and the material chosen will ultimately determine its durability.
Exterior siding materials can last anywhere from 50 years to a whole lifetime. Fiber cement siding, engineered wood siding, metal siding, and brick veneer are known for their longevity, whereas natural wood shingles may require regular maintenance to last. Vinyl siding is another great option, as it is known for its thickness, resistance against wind and moisture, and energy efficiency. As an added benefit, it’s incredibly easy to keep your siding clean.
Aesthetic Appeal
Your home’s exterior siding contributes significantly to its overall appearance. Choose a style and color that complements your home’s architecture and enhances its curb appeal. For example, if you have a colonial-style house, you may want to consider white vinyl or fiber cement options. Alternatively, if your home is more traditional or rustic, you may be pleased with a manufactured stone or brick veneer.
Maintenance Requirements
Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining your siding. Some homeowners prefer low-maintenance options, while others are willing to put in the extra effort for the look they want. A popular, low-maintenance option is vinyl siding, while natural wood siding is loved for its appearance but requires more upkeep.
Energy Efficiency
If energy efficiency is a priority, insulated vinyl siding is a smart choice. It helps reduce heat loss, lowers energy bills, and improves indoor comfort. While fiber cement and other materials offer decent efficiency ratings, vinyl remains the top pick for the best insulation capabilities.
Cost
Your budget will naturally influence your decision. Materials like brick siding and natural stone tend to be more expensive per square foot, while vinyl siding is one of the most affordable options. Of course, you must also keep in mind that some siding materials offer long-term savings through better durability and lower maintenance costs. So, you must keep in mind both the initial installation cost and long-term maintenance expenses.
Homes in the Neighborhood
If you care about uniformity in your neighborhood, you can choose siding according to the homes on your block. This may include choosing a color that fits in with the color scheme of the neighborhood. Or it may involve selecting a style — such as board and batten or bevel siding — that matches your neighbors’. While you don’t want siding that looks exactly like your neighbor’s, you don’t want to be the oddball in the bunch, either. A professional siding contractor can help you determine the best type of siding for your neighborhood if you choose to go this route.
House Size
The size of your house may seem like an irrelevant point of consideration when choosing siding, but in the context of color, it could make a big difference. For example, a smaller-sized home would stand out more and look inviting with darker hues, whereas a large house in a darker tone may appear gloomy. As you determine which type of siding would be best for your home, don’t forget to consider the color of the material and how it will affect perceptions of your home’s size.
Different Types of Siding Options
Now that you know which factors to consider when evaluating different types of siding, let’s look at some of the most popular materials available today:
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for homeowners due to its affordability, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. It is available in a variety of colors and textures and can even mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or cedar siding. It’s weather-resistant and energy-efficient, especially when you choose insulated vinyl siding, and many homeowners appreciate that vinyl siding is resistant to pests, mold, and mildew. Of course, you must also keep in mind that this siding may not be as durable as some other options and can be prone to cracking or warping in extreme temperatures.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding, made from a combination of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, is prized for its durability and fire resistance. This material can mimic the look of natural wood siding but requires very little maintenance. By installing fiber cement siding, you can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. While fiber cement siding offers numerous benefits, it is generally more expensive than vinyl and requires professional installation.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding offers the natural look of real wood without the high maintenance. It’s made from wood fibers and resins, making it more durable and weather-resistant than solid wood, and is lighter than fiber cement but just as durable. It’s also available in many styles, so you can trust you’ll get a design that beautifies your home.
Brick Siding
Brick siding has a classic, timeless look and is one of the most durable siding materials available. While brick veneer is more commonly used today, it still provides excellent insulation, weather resistance, and fire resistance. Brick siding requires minimal maintenance and can last for decades when properly cared for. The main drawbacks of this type of home siding are its high initial cost and the need for professional installation.
Manufactured Stone Siding
If you love the look of natural stone but not the price, manufactured stone veneer is an excellent alternative. This lightweight material is made from a mixture of cement and aggregates, and it’s molded to look like real stone. Your home will surely stand out for its beauty and durability with this type of siding.
Why You Should Avoid Stucco Siding
While stucco siding can provide a distinctive look, there are several reasons why homeowners might want to avoid this option. Stucco is prone to cracking, especially in areas with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. It’s also susceptible to moisture penetration, which can lead to mold growth and structural damage if not addressed promptly. You must note that repairing damaged stucco can be costly and often results in visible patches that compromise the overall aesthetic. For these reasons, you will be better off choosing a more durable and low-maintenance siding alternative. If you already have this type of siding, call the team at MHX Designs for a stucco remediation and replacement.
Choose the Right Siding With Help From MHX Designs
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing the right type of siding for your home? Call on the experts at MHX Designs for assistance! We will help you make an informed decision that will enhance your home’s appearance, protection, and value for years to come.
When helping clients with their home improvement projects, we use a cutting-edge tool called Hover that transforms smartphone photos into fully customizable 3D models of a home’s exterior. This will allow you to visualize design changes, such as siding types and colors, in real-time before committing to a project. With precise measurements and design options, Hover provides accurate estimates and makes it easier for you to confidently choose the best siding and other design elements for your remodeling project.
Interested in the digital design experience? Connect with our team today to get started on transforming your home’s exterior!
