Articles | Choosing Exterior Siding

Exterior siding is one of the key decisions a home owner makes in determining the look and style of the house. Exterior siding does more than just make a house look nice though, it also is what protects the architectural structure of a home from harsh weather, sun and more.

Siding should be inspected yearly by homeowners for signs of wear and tear. Rotting siding can lead to damage that is very costly to replace. In situations where siding is beginning to deteriorate, or a person is building a new home, they will need to select and purchase siding.

Vinyl is one of the least expensive exterior siding options. Vinyl is made from PVC and is popular because of its cost and the fact that it easy relatively easy to install. Also, vinyl is relatively durable and does not rot the way that other sidings do. Drawbacks of vinyl are that it can crack and fade from the sun. With time, vinyl will become less and less attractive. To solve this dilemma, some professionals offer a vinyl coating that can be applied to siding to help it retain a more attractive state.

The alternative to vinyl is aluminum. Also relatively inexpensive, aluminum is durable, doesn't crack and is also easy to install. One of the greatest advantages of aluminum is that it is fireproof. The disadvantages of aluminum is that it can dent, fade and isn't the most attractive siding option.

Higher end exterior siding options include cedar shingles, stucco siding and stone veneer. Each style is appropriate for different parts of the country. Cedar shingles offer beautiful estate like style but can be rather expensive. Similarly, stone veneer is expensive as well, but is often boasted as one of the most durable exterior siding options. Stucco siding became popular in the 1950s and consists if a cement, water, sand and lime mixture. Today stucco is also mixed with synthetic materials to make it more durable.

Another option would be wood siding or engineered wood siding. Traditional wood siding is rarely used these days and has been replaced with engineered and manmade products that resemble any type of wood imaginable including cedar, pine, redwood, fir, cypress and more. These products can also be painted and are popularly used by homeowners around the country. Wood exterior siding has been known to last for over a century if well maintained.

When a homeowner discusses the best exterior siding option with a professional, they must consider details including cost, maintenance, durability as well as the style. Some exterior siding will cost more up front, but can save homeowners money in the long run because of its insulation qualities and the fact that it requires little maintenance and repair. Exterior siding is a great way to transform the look of home.