Wondering about the best type of siding for a house? What siding you choose to use on your home depends upon a lot of factors. These factors include:
- Water Resistance
- Ease of Installation
- Aesthetics
- Durability
Ultimately, you make the choice. Of course, you can have expert help in deciding what types of home exterior siding would be best for you. We, the staff at 21st Century Painting & Roofing, perform siding services. We’d be happy to help you out.
Let’s get down to it. We’re going to present some of the best types of siding and their pros and cons. That way you can make an educated decision about the best home siding to place on your property.
Stucco – A Popular Type of Siding for Houses
Reasonably priced, stucco has a variety of applications and a bunch of recipes for creating it. Traditional stucco is made from a cement-type of mixture that is then added to lime or sand. It can be shaped and textured and can achieve a wide variety of architectural styles. For application purposes, a wooden wall is covered with galvanized metal screening and tar paper. It is then covered with stucco. Stucco can also be used on brick or stone surfaces.
Stucco can look impressive, but it can cause moisture problems and look flat from a distance. It is durable and relatively inexpensive. Without proper barriers, moisture can penetrate and move up the stucco finish. This can cause premature peeling. You can fix it, but the problems will just reappear if you don’t take care of the underlying problem.
Stone – Durable but Expensive
Among the most durable siding materials, stone is also among the most expensive. Granite, limestone and slate are a few of the types of stone that are impervious to the weather. Stone siding comes from Mother Nature so it’s a green material. It comes with everlasting advantages. It is not only expensive but difficult to install. You require a professional for this. This will increase the cost, but note that stone will last and remain attractive decades later. So you get good, long-term value for your money.
Vinyl – Affordable and Low Maintenance
Vinyl siding is made from PVC. It is among the most commonly used siding in new, single-family homes (at least according to the 2010 census). Early on, vinyl was seen as a cheap alternative to other forms of siding. Early vinyl sidings were known to get warped in extreme temperatures and faded easily with exposure to the elements. Advancements in technology and manufacturing vinyl siding is now much better. Current vinyl siding has increased strength and weather resistance. It also comes in a wider variety of factory colors.
Brick – Classic and Enduring
Brick siding is durable and low maintenance. Its appearance makes it popular with homeowners. Comprised of fired clay, brick siding comes in different colors, textures and sizes. It’s generally not a structural part of the house but rather a veneer that is constructed on the outside of a wood frame structure. The brick is held together by mortar, which is a mixture of lime, cement and sand, and water. Water can penetrate brick siding so make sure that you put up a water membrane between the wood and brick layers. This will protect the home. When comparing vinyl vs brick house options, brick is at the higher end of cost, but it can last the life of the building with just an occasional washing. You can’t beat that for maintenance.
Many homeowners debate whether is a brick home better than siding. While brick offers excellent durability and potential resale value benefits (brick vs siding home value typically favors brick), it does come with a higher upfront cost than most siding options.
Wood – Traditional and Versatile
Installed over a solid surface, such as plywood, wood siding must have a moisture barrier between the two. It will also require a finishing coat be it paint or stain. Caulking takes place on the outside. Wood siding requires ongoing maintenance including painting and caulking to prevent weather damage. There are two main types of wood siding, Bevel and Shakes and Shingles.
Bevel siding is made by re-sawing a board at an angle to create two pieces that are thicker on one edge than the other. Pine, spruce, cypress and Douglas fir are favorites due to their longevity and price. Cedar and redwood avoid rot but are more expensive. Installed horizontally, the upper piece overlaps the lower.
Shakes and shingles often go together. Shakes are thicker than shingles. They are less uniform in appearance but last longer. Wood shingles are sawn for a smooth and consistent look and can be cut into an array of shapes to create visual interest. Both come from a variety of woods. The most common are Cedar and Redwood. Shakes and shingles come with a fire retardant treatment.
Choosing the Best Siding for Your House
As you can see, each of the types of house siding pros and cons mentioned in this article – stucco, stone, vinyl, brick and wood have their advantages and disadvantages. Some homeowners even opt for houses with brick and siding combinations to get the best of both worlds. When determining what type of siding is best for your specific situation, consider your budget, local climate, and desired maintenance level.
Selecting the best type of siding for a house will be ultimately up to you. If you’re ready to go with the siding or you still need help deciding which is best siding for house projects in your area, we’re reachable at (512) 219-0342. Call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Are the Pros and Cons of Different Types of House Siding?
A1: Each siding type offers unique benefits and drawbacks. Vinyl is cost-effective and low-maintenance, while fiber cement provides durability and fire resistance. Wood offers classic aesthetics but requires more upkeep, and brick delivers timeless appeal with excellent long-term value and minimal maintenance.
Q2: Is a Brick Home Better Than a Home with Siding?
A2: Brick homes typically have higher resale value and better durability compared to traditional siding. They offer superior insulation, require less maintenance, and provide excellent protection against weather and pests. However, they are more expensive to install initially and have less design flexibility.
Q3: How Does Siding Impact Home Value: Brick vs. Vinyl Comparison?
A3: Brick generally increases home value more significantly than vinyl siding. Brick homes can command a 6-10% higher resale price, offering better curb appeal and perceived quality. Vinyl is more affordable upfront but may not provide the same long-term value appreciation.
Q4: What Type of Siding Is Best for Different Climates?
A4: Climate significantly influences siding choice. Fiber cement performs well in humid and fire-prone regions, vinyl works best in moderate climates, and wood siding suits temperate areas with lower moisture. Brick excels in regions with extreme temperature variations and high wind conditions.
Q5: Can I Mix Brick and Siding on My Home’s Exterior?
A5: Combining brick and siding can create a visually appealing, dynamic exterior. This approach allows homeowners to balance aesthetic preferences, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility. Strategically mixing materials can enhance architectural interest while potentially improving overall home value and curb appeal.