Appearances are everything when it comes to the outside of your home. Exterior siding is a huge part of what makes your home’s curb appeal and property value soar. Whether you’re planning a complete remodel or working on a new construction, having the right exterior siding for your home can make a world of difference. If you want to know what your siding options are, read this in-depth guide to exterior siding options for your home.
When To Replace Exterior Siding
Before we explore exterior siding options, you might want to know when you should have it replaced. Aside from a remodel or new construction, you should also replace your home siding if there is visible damage or wear and tear. Most siding lasts for 10-15 years, so it’s worth considering whether your current siding is past its prime.
7 Stellar Exterior Siding Options For Your Home
Now that you understand when you should consider changing your exterior siding, take the time to explore the benefits and drawbacks of these options for your home’s exterior.
1. Stucco
Stucco is one of the most classic options for exterior siding. While typically associated with the Spanish colonial style, this material can work with all kinds of styles. When installed correctly and with the utmost care, stucco can be durable against moisture and wind and even be pest-resistant. It also isn’t as likely as other siding options to need repainting. However, if stucco is poorly installed, it can easily absorb moisture and crack. It’s also worth noting that installing stucco can sometimes be expensive, so be sure that installing stucco siding is realistic for your budget.
2. Stone and Stone Veneer
Another classic option for siding is natural stone or stone veneer. Both choices can boost home value, make for timeless choices, and are available in countless varieties. Natural stone is particularly sustainable and low maintenance, though installing it is a complex process and requires professional assistance. Stone veneer siding, on the other hand, is easier to install and lightweight but requires more maintenance and is expensive to replace.
3. Cement Fiber
If you want a resilient and durable siding choice that presents a natural wood-like appearance, cement fiber is a worthy contender. This material comes with a 25-year warranty and lasts 25-50 years. In addition to its durability, it is also fireproof and pest-resistant. If you are a DIY enthusiast, however, cement fiber is not the right option as it is complex and difficult to install, and improper installation can lead to future problems like moisture sensitivity. Finally, painting is a must-have for this material so make sure you’re okay with that inclusion.
4. Wood Siding Options
Wood siding options are incredibly diverse. The three most common ways they are available are clapboard, board-and-batten, split-log, and engineered wood. Clapboard, split-log, and board-and-batten wood siding are notable for their classic aesthetics, with the split-log option evoking a rustic appeal.
These options also allow you to give your home a natural look. Board-and-batten and clapboard can also be low maintenance if they receive the right care. Clapboard can also be stained and painted and has insulating properties. On the flip side, however, clapboard siding can be susceptible to moisture and/or insect damage, and the color can fade. Board-and-batten and split-log siding are notably expensive and entail a complex installation process.
If you want something that resembles wood without maintenance, engineered wood siding is an ideal choice. It is treated to repel insects, moisture, and fungal growths, is easy and inexpensive to install, and is durable. However, it is not a sustainable option if you consider yourself eco-friendly. It can be difficult to paint and fade over time, so be prepared to work to keep up its appearance.
5. Brick and Brick Veneer
Brick is one of the most reliable and timeless materials for exterior siding; you can consider either natural or brick veneer to complete the outside of your home. You can choose from a variety of textures, sizes, and colors, especially if you’re leaning toward earth tones. It’s also notably durable and low maintenance. That said, you want to ensure you have room in your budget for this siding, as it can be expensive and requires an additional membrane so water doesn’t penetrate.
6. Stainless Steel
Are you more keen on giving your home a modern look? Stainless steel is the perfect option for a modern home. It is also highly durable as it is pest-resistant and doesn’t easily warp from temperature changes. Of course, this material is difficult to install and expensive, and without proper care, it can be dented or scratched.
7. Vinyl
Suited for a variety of styles, vinyl is another low-cost and low-maintenance exterior siding choice that has been popular since the 1960s. In addition to being affordable and easy to care for, vinyl can also be made to imitate other materials as it is versatile and can work with all kinds of colors. They also usually come with lifetime warranties, making repairs just as affordable as the installation. However, professional installation is highly recommended because a poor installation can lead to a variety of issues down the line, including damage and visible aging.
Install The Best Exterior Siding With DreamHome!
Now that you have had a chance to get familiar with seven notable exterior siding options for your home, you might be wondering which team in the Bay Area you can trust to install it. Luckily, our team of experts at DreamHome Remodeling & Builders is here to provide an efficient and flawless installation, so contact us today.
