Know Your Siding: A Guide to the 6 Major Types

If you are thinking of replacing your siding, you may be overwhelmed by the many choices available. With so many different materials and colors, you are sure to find many options that you love.

While visual appeal is certainly important, your siding is your first line of defense against pests and the elements, and must be durable. A siding project is a sizable investment, so you want to make sure you are getting the aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency you need, all within your budget.
To help you make the best decision for your home, we have compiled a list of the 6 most common siding options and their pros and cons:

Vinyl

Vinyl is the most commonly used type of siding in the U.S. due to its durability and numerous shape, size, and color options.
Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Relatively inexpensive
• Can be installed over many other materials
• Easy to clean with a power washer and hose
• Many texture and color options

Cons:

• Not waterproof (only water resistant)
• Vulnerable to weather damage
• Panels must be overlapped, resulting in visible seams
• Cracks and fades with years of sun exposure

Wood

Wood siding offers a natural and timeless look that is fully customizable. There are a variety of species options to choose from, and it can be stained or painted to suit any style.
Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Can be stained or painted any color
• Energy efficient
• Easy to cut and shape, good news for a do-it-yourself project!

Cons:

• Requires more maintenance
• Will need to be re-stained or painted every 2-5 years
• Prone to pests and water damage
• Not fire resistant, making it least ideal for dry climates

Fiber Cement

A mixture of wood, sand, and cement, fiber siding is another popular siding option in American homes. It is made to look like natural wood, without some of the disadvantages.
Pros:

• Looks like natural wood, but not as susceptible to insect damage
• Highly resistant to fire
• Not prone to rot or decay
• Offers a variety finish and texture options

Cons:

• Heavy
• More costly than vinyl
• Color does not go completely through, so scratches and nicks will be visible and require touch-ups
• Needs to be re-painted every 12-15 years

Brick

Brick siding seems to last forever, making it a very appealing choice for a homeowner. There are 100-year-old houses made of brick that are still very much intact!
Pros:

• Lasts a lifetime
• Does not need to be washed often
• Highly fire-resistant
• Not prone to termites and other damaging insects
• Never needs to be repainted or finished

Cons:
More expensive option
Color choices are limited and final
Over time, mortar joints may need to be replaced

Metal

Metal siding offers a unique, modern appeal to your home. It comes in a few different varieties, with aluminum and steel being the most popular.
Pros:

• Does not mold or rot
• Color does not fade
• Highly fire resistant (great for dry climates or those that experience frequent lightning storms)
• Insects cannot penetrate, so they cannot cause damage

Cons:

• Aluminum is prone to dents from hail and rocks
• Steel siding is heavier and more expensive
• Any scratches can rust if not re-sealed and painted quickly

Synthetic Stone

Generally used as an accent, synthetic stone siding (or stone veneer) is made in molds to mimic all different types of stone. There are a variety of styles available, including split-face, dry stacked, and round river rock.
Pros:

• Looks like real stone, at a fraction of the cost
• Resistant to insects and fire
• Light and easy to install

Cons:
Not as expensive as real stone, but still one of the more costly options
Mass-produced, so you are likely to find identical pieces

Professional Siding Contractor in Maryland & Virginia
Your home is your biggest investment. Don’t spend your hard-earned money on shoddy work you will just have to replace!

At Arch Exteriors, we work hard to provide you with the finest quality products available on the market. All of our CertainTeed siding products are backed by a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind. Get started on your project today!