Which Siding Material Should I Choose?

Siding adds to the curb appeal of your home, reflecting your personal tastes. When choosing siding, consider its ability to resist water intrusion, lifespan, look, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. Here are some of the most popular materials that you can choose from for your home’s siding:

• Vinyl. A versatile and popular material, vinyl siding is a low-cost homeowner favorite. Available in a variety of colors and styles designed to mimic more expensive materials such as wood, brick, and stone, vinyl is popular among the Do-It-Yourself crowd. A low-maintenance product that is resistant to moisture and ultraviolet rays, vinyl is fairly easy to install. Vinyl siding can be cleaned using water from a garden hose.

• Brick. Although it is more difficult to install than vinyl, brick doesn’t tear, rot, or need to be painted. In addition, brick won’t burn and insulates sound and heat well. It’s immune to termites and protects the home from wind-borne debris such as branches, rain, or hail. Bricks breathe, allowing excess moisture to escape from attics and basements. An eco-friendly material made from clay, an abundant natural resource, bricks have been used since Colonial times to build everything from grand palaces to humble abodes.

• Fiber Cement Board. A mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose by-products from the lumber industry, boards made from fiber cement are gaining popularity as a siding material. Non-combustible and resistant to rot, they can be painted or stained for just the right look.

• Wood. A classic material used since the dawn of time, wood can unfortunately burn and rot – especially in moist climates. However, wood is still a popular choice because it can be stained and painted to suit almost any style, and it is also fairly easy to install using standard household tools.

• Stucco. Popular in drier, more desert-like climates, stucco insulates well and sheds excess moisture quickly. Made using cement mixed with sand or lime troweled onto insulation board, it can be used to cover flat or curved surfaces inside or outside the home.

• Metal. Materials such as steel, copper, and aluminum tend to be more expensive than the rest. That investment pays off, however, in the long-run with longer lifetimes and easier upkeep. Plus, metal can be formed to fit over curved or bent parts of your home’s exterior.

For more help with deciding which siding option is right for you, contact a trusted local remodeling or construction specialist.

At AROCON Roofing and Construction, we have years of experience installing and repairing siding for homeowners in Maryland. In addition, we also specialize in other home improvement services, including roofing, windows, doors, gutters, and more!