Choosing The Right Siding for Your Home
Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, choosing the siding for your home is a big decision. Not only is it a huge expense, but it’s the first thing people notice when looking at your home. With several different options on the market, it can be difficult to make heads and tails of all the products available. Keep reading to check out our guide to today’s popular siding choices and discover which is best for your home.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most diverse options on the market today. It’s also one of the most affordable options. It’s relatively easy to install and it’s very pleasing to the eye. It’s also paintable, so if you change your mind about the color after a few years, you can easily update it. It also cleans easily with warm, soapy water and light scrubbing.
However, there are some downfalls to vinyl. Traditionally, regular vinyl does not have good thermal blocking capabilities. It may not be the most energy-efficient option available. However, there are vinyl products that do include additional insulation. Vinyl is also thin, flimsy, and known to crack. Additionally, it shows signs of damage from things like hail or rocks being thrown in the air.
Natural Wood Siding
Often imitated, never duplicated — it’s nearly impossible to match the beauty that real wood shingles offer. Installing wood shingle siding can be a costly endeavor, but the curb appeal is hard to beat. One benefit of natural wood siding is it is easy to paint or stain, giving you the opportunity to upgrade your curb appeal with a few brushstrokes.
Cedar shake shingles are another wood option that has unmatched beauty. It lives up to its reputation as a stately, timeless material for truly distinct homes. Traditionally, cedar shake shingles have given homes amazing resale value. Natural oils from cedar help it withstand weathering from rain and other moisture. Alternatively, allowing the cedar to weather naturally brings out a beautiful silver-grey color.
The disadvantages of natural wood options include, first of all, the expense. If you are looking to save money, natural wood options probably won’t be on your final list. Additionally, extra maintenance is required to keep it in top shape. You should probably budget in repainting or restaining your wood siding every 5-7 years. Wood options are prone to invasion from insects, so it’s important to regularly inspect for holes and other signs of chewing. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect and check for trapped water or moisture, which can lead to rot and mold.
Metal Siding
Metal siding and roofing have risen in popularity for residential homes. Manufacturing upgrades over the last several years have led to improved products, like more realistic texturing and improved joints. Metal is a great option for homeowners looking for a sustainable option because even if it needs to be replaced down the road, the product is completely recyclable. Metal siding is resistant to bugs, mold, and even fire.
Cons to using metal siding include its expensive up-front costs. While generally considered quite durable, it can be susceptible to rust and dents from hail or other falling objects. (Insulation behind the metal product can help prevent dents). It may not be the most energy-efficient option as it transmits thermal energy.
Brick
The most timeless option available today is brick. Brick homes stand the test of time both structurally and aesthetically. Brick is made from some of the most durable and abundant materials on earth — clay and shale. Brick is incredibly eco-friendly and could be reused as garden pavers, fire pit structures, and more. Brick is also resistant to rodent damage, weather, and fire. Several colors and options of brick are available on the market and adding in mortar color can truly personalize any home.
While the brick itself is extremely durable, the mortar used between the bricks can be susceptible to wear from the elements. Brick can be relatively expensive to install once labor costs are factored in, but once the benefit of longevity is taken into account, the positive could outweigh the negative.
Ridgeline Construction is Here to Help With Your Siding Projects
If you’re looking to install siding, Ridgeline Construction is your one-stop shop. Our team is ready to introduce you to your options and discuss which option matches your budget, design, and needs. At Ridgeline Construction, we can repair and replace any type of siding and fix the soffits and trim as well. Whether you are in Huntsville, Tampa, Mobile, or Pensacola, give us a call today or contact us online to discuss your project!
