What Siding Material is Best For Your Home?

Posted on December 10, 2020

When it comes to your home’s exterior siding there is more to consider than curb appeal and design. While the aesthetic properties of siding materials are an important factor to consider, you should also take into account the material’s durability, lifespan, and cost. These factors will together provide a better snapshot of how well the particular siding material will serve you and your home’s needs. Choosing the wrong siding for your home could result in having to replace it before you predicted while choosing the perfect siding can result in exterior siding that lasts a lifetime.

In today’s siding market several viable materials are offered. Wood siding, which has been used for decades, is still a popular choice among homeowners. However, other choices such as vinyl and cement fiberboard siding have recently emerged as worthy candidates for any home. Below these three materials are compared and contrasted in terms of durability, aesthetics, lifespan, and cost!

1. Wood Siding

By far, wood siding is the most historic siding choice on this list. Home’s in the United States have been equipped with wood siding for decades, and in some parts of the country, this trend is still heavily practiced. Wood siding is a great option because of its natural aesthetic and extreme strength. Homeowners who perform regular maintenance on their wood siding are sure to have a long-lasting and visually appealing home exterior. In the event of one or two boards becoming faulty, a homeowner can find replacement boards readily available and install those themselves.

The disadvantages to wood siding are a product of the siding’s maintenance. When wood siding is not readily treated and maintained it can fall victim to rot and other processes that cause deterioration. Wood siding is also the most expensive siding material found on this list.

2. Vinyl Siding

When looking for the best house siding material, you should certainly pay attention to vinyl siding. While these materials have been around for several years, in recent years they have experienced extensive improvements. Today, vinyl siding is one of the most popular siding choices because of its low cost, water resistance, and wood mimicking appearance. When compared to wood siding, vinyl siding is also attractive simply because it does not require extensive maintenance or care.

If you decide to purchase vinyl siding for your home you will find that vinyl siding provides less insulation than wood and other materials. In colder climates, this difference can be significant. If you use vinyl, make sure insulated panels are used before putting on the siding.

3. Cement Fiber Board

A material that recently infiltrated the market, cement fiberboard can offer your home’s exterior several benefits. This material, which is constructed from a mix of sand and wood fibers, is highly durable even in the harshest weather, eco-friendly, and immune to rot and insect damage. All together, cement fiberboard offers homeowners an alternative to wood and vinyl siding that is extremely durable and requires no maintenance.

However, cement fiber boards will cost these same homeowners more than vinyl siding and close to the price of wood siding. This siding material also requires special tools to be installed and is not as widely available as the other two on this list.

Choose Wisely!

At the end of the day, the choice of what material to install on your home’s exterior is your choice. Each of the three materials listed above are the perfect choice in a variety of scenarios. However, only you will really know what your house needs, and what you would like to get out of your home’s exterior. Are you looking for a natural look that is visually appealing and highly durable? Then go with wood siding. Are you looking for a cost-effective siding material that will require no maintenance? Then you should opt for vinyl siding.