Types of Siding

Siding Manufacturers Offer a Dazzling Array of Choices

When it comes to siding there is a huge variety of materials, colors, and textures that will match almost any architectural style. Siding plays a crucial role in the appearance of your home. It helps establish architectural harmony by tying together all your homes external elements. Choosing proper siding will establish the character of your house.

Besides the roof, siding has the toughest job of fending off damaging weather elements such as torrential rains, gusting winds, and harsh sun light. Brick and wood lap siding are traditional stalwarts. Steel, fiber-cement, vinyl, synthetic stucco, wood composites, and stone or brick veneers also protect your home. You can mix materials, such as veneer stone with wood shingles, or brick and fiber-cement. There are many types of siding that are made for retrofitting older homes and can be installed over the existing siding with little or no tear-off required.

The Basics

Some of the things you’ll need to consider when selecting your siding are cost, life expectancy, and maintenance requirements. Also, always compare warranties and guarantees when choosing a siding.

Eventually, most siding material will need to be replaced due to the effects of weather and age. This is especially true of siding materials popular during the 1960’s and 1970’s, such as hardboard and aluminum – which have an effective life span of about 20 to 30 years. Other types of materials, such as brick and wood clapboard, are known for their longevity, however they require constant maintenance. The most current vinyl and fiber-cement sidings promise to be long lasting, however their effectiveness over periods of 50 years or more remains to be seen.

Appearances are Deceiving

Lower cost synthetic materials, such as fiber-cement siding or brick and stone veneer siding, successfully mimic the look and feel of more expensive natural materials such as stone or wood, even hand split cedar shakes. Most people can’t tell the difference; even with a trained eye it’s somewhat difficult to establish whether a material is synthetic or natural.

Some Terms Worth Knowing

Thickness or gauge – is a measure that is useful for comparing siding materials. Steel siding is about .019 inch thick. Vinyl is between .038 and .055 inch thick. Thicker siding costs more but performs better than thinner siding.

Wind load rating – refers to the sustained wind speed, measured in miles per hour, which the siding is able to withstand without being torn from the side of the house. Hurricane-force winds start at 65 MPH, but most synthetic sidings have wind load ratings in excess of 100 MPH.

It Doesn’t Have to be Overwhelming

Trying to decide which material would best suit your homes architectural style can be an overwhelming experience. We have compiled data on various siding materials including the pro’s and con’s and life expectancy of each material. We hope you find our articles useful in alleviating some of the confusion along the way.

Hardwood Siding, a Material of the Past?

Using hardwood siding on homes is almost a thing of the past as contractors have shifted to use new engineered-wood materials. Find out why and get free estimates for new siding on your home.… Read more »

Vinyl Siding, the Popular Choice for Siding on Your Home - Get Free Vinyl Siding Estimates

Choosing vinyl siding for your home has become the popular choice for homeowners because of it's durability, versatility, and ease of use.… Read more »

Solid Board Siding can Last the Life of Your Home, Get Free Estimates Today from our Certified Contractors

Solid board siding made of redwoods and cedar come treated or untreated and can last from 30 years to the life of your home. Inquiry within for Free solid board siding.… Read more »

Termite and Water Resistant, Durable and It Looks Like Wood - Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding composed of cement, sand and cellulose fiber is the best choice for siding on your home. It's durable and water-resistant, yet looks just like wood. Get free estimates from our siding contractors.… Read more »

Attractive Exterior Plywood Siding, Is it the Right Choice for Your Home?

Plywood siding is attractive but has some disadvantages. Contact our contractors with questions and get free estimates.… Read more »

Achieve a Rustic, Stately Appeal with Shingle and Shake Siding

Shingle or shake siding brings detail, depth, and also adds a warm and charming appearance. Get free estimates from our siding contractors.… Read more »

Ideal for Wet Climates, Aluminum Siding for Your Home

An alternative to wood siding, Aluminum siding is fairly easy to maintain and lasts a long time.… Read more »

Durable and Attractive, Brick and Stone Veneer Siding

Add curb appeal and stability to your home using brick and stone veneer siding. It's a durable solution in foul weather climates. Get free estimates from our siding contractors today.… Read more »

Cypress Siding, Environmentally Friendly and Safe for Residential Homes

Cypress siding complements any architectural style from rustic to traditional and will dramatically add to the value of your home. Get free estimates for installing cypress siding in your home.… Read more »

The Original Home Siding, Clapboard Siding

The original siding for your home, clapboard siding, born from colonial times. Is clapboard siding still used on modern homes?… Read more »

Old Style, Victorian Charm with Gingerbread Siding and Trim

Commonly used in older Victorian homes, Gingerbread siding and trim is intriquette ornate details for your home. It's a very delicate art and can make a big impression on your home. For free estimates on restoring or installing gingerbread siding, conta… Read more »

Brownstone, a Form of Limestone, Used to be a Popular Choice of Siding

An older type of siding, Brownstone is known for it's chocolate color. It's not used too commonly now a days, but is to some degree. Get free estimates for brownstone siding on your home.… Read more »

The Advantages to Using Stucco Siding on Your Home

A very common type of siding, stucco is very versatile with countless variations of color and content.… Read more »

Aesthetically Pleasing, Cedar Siding for Your Home

The up-keep on cedar siding is something to consider if choosing this type of siding. If looks are worth more then maintenance and you would like cedar siding installed on your home, you can get free estimates from our siding contractors.… Read more »