Siding

One of the most common choices in home siding is vinyl, made from a PVC plastic. It’s no wonder why it is such a popular choice when thinking about these benefits:

1. Affordability – The product itself is usually much more affordable than other options, such as wood or brick. It is also low-maintenance and energy efficient, which saves more money in the long run.
2. Durable and Long-Lasting – It is one of the most durable types of siding available, second only to stone or brick. One of the best benefits of vinyl siding is that it is moisture resistant, so it will not rot or split. Vinyl is made to hold up against high temperatures, high winds, hail and other extreme weather. It doesn’t rust, warp or corrode and it deters against pests, such as termites.
3. Low Maintenance – Another great benefit of vinyl siding is it needs little maintenance. It’s a good idea to give it a gentle cleaning once a year with a water hose, brush and cleaning solution. But there is no need to scrape, paint or apply a stain year after year as with other siding types.
4. Energy Efficient – Using insulated vinyl siding will keep your home warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer. Therefore, it can save you money on energy costs all year round and help your home go green. Insulated vinyl could also be used as an allowable energy tax credit.
5. Improves Curb Appeal – Vinyl siding is a quick way to give your home a new look. It does not chip, flake or peel, which helps the exterior of your home to look well-maintained. This new look can also help increase the resale value of your home, and even sell your home quicker if that is the goal.
6. Color Choices – There are many colors and textures of vinyl products to choose from. Some even look like other materials, such as wood, brick or stone. For a complete look, choose vinyl trim for doors and windows to coordinate with your siding color.
7. Quick and Easy Installation – Vinyl is lightweight and comes with pre-drilled holes for installing directly on the studs, whichallows for a quick and easy installation.

Cedar shingles, or “shakes,” are a classic American home siding material that blends beautifully with wooded landscapes and waterfronts. Made of natural cedar, the shingles are usually stained brown, gray or other earthen colors. Shakes offer the natural look of real wood but usually require less maintenance than wood clapboard.

Although we now have access to many synthetic wood products, solid woods (cedar, pine, spruce, redwood) remain top house siding choices for fine homes. With periodic staining or painting, wood siding can outlast vinyl and other pretenders. Many wood-frame houses built centuries ago still look beautiful today.

Fiber cement siding can have the appearance of wood, stucco, or masonry. This durable, natural-looking material is a good, lower-cost alternative to wood. Fiber cement house siding is strong, fireproof and termite-proof, and may have a warranty up to 50 years.

Aluminum siding is seen by many as an out-of-date option, but some builders still offer it as an alternative to vinyl. Both materials are easy to maintain and fairly durable. Aluminum can dent and fade, but it won’t crack the way vinyl will. Also, aluminum is fireproof and not usually considered harmful to your health or the environment.