Here at Paramount Siding and Windows in Denver, our team can help you figure out how to choose the right siding for your home. We know how easy it is to get overwhelmed by the huge variety of options available. As technology develops, new materials are introduced to the market and customers have to decide what will work best on their house. We have analyzed the pros and cons of some of the most popular types of siding to help you make an informed decision.
From tried and tested traditional materials to advanced synthetic compounds, every home siding option offers some unique benefits. There should be at least one material that satisfies your requirements. Before choosing your siding, write down a checklist of your priorities. These can include the budget range, desired efficiency rating, color, design preferences, durability, ease of maintenance, and the level of physical protection from the elements required. This will help you stay focused and make an unbiased comparison between the different options.
Vinyl
The most popular choice amongst homeowners across the United States, vinyl siding offers long-lasting protection with very little maintenance. Vinyl is a synthetic product derived from PVC resin making it extremely waterproof. The other significant advantage to vinyl siding is the tremendous scope for designs, finishes, and colors. Vinyl can be molded to look like traditional brick siding, wooden shakes, or rustic stone. With its affordable cost, your imagination is the limit when it comes to vinyl siding and creating the look you want for your home.
Some customers may be concerned about the ability of vinyl siding to protect their home from the elements such as intense wind, harsh sunlight, snow, and heavy rain. Certainly, in harsher climates, it is important to consider the insulation and energy efficiency rating of your siding. Fortunately, vinyl siding is now available with added insulation that creates a stronger barrier between your home’s interior and the elements. That puts it on par with sturdier materials such as brick and stone regarding physical protection.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement board siding continues to grow in popularity. It is available in panels or traditional shiplap boards, making it a great option for homeowners who want to create the appearance of wood lap siding without dealing with the problems of real wood. Fiber cement is a composite mixture made from sand, cement, and cellulose. Unlike wood, it will not suffer from termite problems, mold, or be a potential fire hazard. Homeowners can benefit from lowered insurance premiums on their home when using fiber cement siding instead of the riskier wood siding.
This composite siding can vary in cost but is generally more expensive than vinyl siding. It also offers less possibility for design modifications, accents or added trims. Homeowners trying to conform to a look found in a historical neighborhood could have difficulty doing this with fiber cement siding.
Brick
Brick has been used in home construction for over 5000 years. In addition to creating a strong, stable siding for many types of buildings, brick also looks fantastic and does not suffer from fading or aging. With brick siding, you do not have to worry about termites, dents, rust, repainting or damage from rotting. Brick siding can last for centuries and provides excellent sound insulation. Traditional brick cladding can considerably add to the resale value of your home and significantly improve its external appearance.
Brick siding is the most expensive option for home siding. Genuine clay bricks are costly, and the installation requires extensive professional labor. Compared to other siding options, brick siding will usually outlive its competitors, and the investment will pay itself back over time. There is virtually no upkeep required for brick siding, so the one-time payment is all that is needed to create a durable and beautiful outer finish on your home.
Wood
Currently, wood siding is rarely installed on new homes. In the past, it was frequently used due to its easy availability, affordability, and insulation properties. Due to the many inherent problems with wood siding and the heavy maintenance required, it has fallen out of favor with homeowners and developers. Some high-end custom builders continue to incorporate wood siding into historic homes. Thermally treated wood is more resistant to damage from moisture, allowing homeowners a substantial protective barrier and the classic appearance of wood lap siding, but this technology comes with a hefty price tag.
Wood siding does not tend to last long and often suffers from water damage faster than other siding materials. Exposure and moisture can cause the wooden boards to warp and twist out of shape, creating weaknesses in the outer barrier of your home. This can allow moisture to enter your home, increasing the likelihood of mold, water damage, and rot. Termites are also a significant threat to wood siding in some areas of the country.
Plaster/Stucco
Plaster or stucco siding is a versatile option particularly popular in Western states. The mixture of Portland cement, sand, water and lime is the traditional material used to create siding on Spanish style homes. One unique advantage of stucco is that it can be applied to flat or curved surfaces. This makes it a great option for homes with irregular structure, odd angles, and rounded walls. Applied in three coats, stucco or plaster should be suitable for all climates.
Stucco is an affordable option but is not as durable as other siding materials. It is more prone to damage from impact or weathering than vinyl siding, for example. Additionally, stucco or plaster does not rate highly in energy efficiency, so it is better suited to mild climates. If you want to use stucco siding on a building in a cold climate, it is worth considering the option of synthetic stucco and additional insulation to create a substantial barrier.
If you are still unsure about how to choose the right siding for your home, Paramount Siding and Windows can help. Our team of experts specializes in residential siding installation. We have been helping the homeowners of Colorado Springs and El Paso County with home siding, windows and doors since 2008. With our extensive experience working in the harsh climate of Colorado, we understand which siding options are going to serve the needs of our local customers.