When it comes to your home’s exterior, the type of siding you select is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Not only because siding is a vital part of the wall assembly of a house, but also because it is the first thing that people see from the curb – making it key to your home’s aesthetic appeal. Another important factor to consider is that adding new siding can take up a significant portion of a remodeling budget. Although the cost of your siding project will vary based on a number of variables. You will also want to consider the long-term maintenance requirements at stake, in addition to the value it can add or take away from your home.

The durability, aesthetics and price of your siding is all dependent upon the type of material you use. From vinyl and wood to aluminum and stone, we’ve broken-down how each material stands up against these key factors.

 

DURABILITY & MAINTENANCE

In general, most consumer’s are interested in buying a product that can last. This rings even more true when the product is directly involved with the overall make up of their home.

Replacing siding is not something any homeowner wants to do every couple of years, and why should they? Depending on where you live, you may require a highly durable siding material in order to withstand strong winds and snowy winters, as well as the blazing sun during the humid summer.

It’s also a good idea to learn about material maintenance schedules before choosing your siding, as taking the proper care can maximize its longevity.

Material Break-Down for Durability & Maintenance:
  • Vinyl: One of the most durable materials. Weather and insect resistant across all seasons and invulnerable to warping, rotting, swelling and expanding. Not fire resistant. Panels may crack in cold weather if subject to impact. Low maintenance, color is baked into the material.
  • Wood: Can be damaged by sun exposure. Moisture makes this material vulnerable to rotting, warping and expanding. It is also susceptible to insects, rodents and fire. Not a good match for extreme weather conditions. High maintenance. (Cedar siding is more durable and resistant)
  • Fiber Cement: Extremely durable, commonly warrantied for 50+ years. Resists expanding and contracting with humidity and temperature changes. It’s strong bond also resists chipping, peeling or cracking. Termite-resistant, water-resistant and noncombustible. Low maintenance.
  • Aluminum: Not a very durable option for the Midwest. This material is susceptible to denting from hail or even an overthrown football. Waterproof, with great insulation from outside elements. When pre-painted, prone to chalking in certain areas and revealing sore spots. Low Maintenance.
  • Brick & Brick Veener: Offers the greatest sustainable value over competitor materials. Can take on extreme weathers well; however, may crack with age – does not have the longevity of solid brick. Low-Moderate maintenance.
  • Stone: Nearly impervious to the weather. Low-Moderate Maintenance.
 

AESTHETICS

Siding can significantly boost the aesthetic appeal of a home. If you want to enhance your home’s curb appeal, look for a siding material, texture and color that works with the overall style of your home and compliments the rest of your exterior. Material Break-Down for Aesthetics:
  • Vinyl: Variety of colors and styles available. Includes both horizontal and vertical panels. Standard panel ends must be overlapped, creating noticeable seams. Not as elegant as Fiber Cement.
  • Wood: Naturally beautiful, classic look and feel. Comes in many species and grades.The more expensive grades will have less blemishes. Styles include both horizontal, vertical with various groove patterns. Can be primed, painted or stained. This is one of the oldest types of siding and can be found on historical homes.
  • Fiber Cement: Very classy look, comes in a variety of finishes. Can be molded to mimic wood clapboard, shingles, stucco and masonry. It allows for deeper grooves and a more authentic wood-grain effect that Vinyl. Highly customizable with trim and millwork pieces available to provide a comprehensive exterior design.
  • Aluminum: Comes in both horizontal and vertical strips, panels and shingles. You can get a factory-applied paint finish in a wide variety of colors.
  • Brick & Brick Veneer: Available in various textures and sizes. Works well for English, Tudor and Colonial type exteriors. If not already constructed on your home, labor may be very expensive.
  • Stone: Extremely attractive, and suits certain homes very well, especially as an accent. If not already constructed on your home, labor may be very expensive.
 

PRICE

You probably have a budget in mind for your siding project, which you want to stick to. Whether it’s rather large or more on the moderate side, make sure you look at siding options that best fit within that budget you set out. Project estimates vary depending on your choice in contractors, materials and size of your house. Material Break-Down for Pricing:
  • Vinyl: Low to moderate.
  • Wood: Moderate to very high.
  • Fiber Cement: Moderate to high.
  • Aluminum: Moderate. 
  • Brick & Brick Veener: High to Very High; difficult to install if the home was not constructed for brick siding, so labor costs can be high.
  • Stone: Very High to Extremely Expensive; Like that of brick, on top of the material cost, stone can be difficult to install on certain homes, which can raise labor costs.
 

KEY TAKE-AWAYS

Vinyl: Durable, low maintenance, various styles and colors, good for lower budgets.  Wood: Durability depends on the grade, high maintenance, aesthetically pleasing, high price tag. Fiber Cement: Moderately priced, high durability, low maintenance, provides a customizable and quality look. Aluminum: Durable but dents, low maintenance, paint can chip leaving sore spots, price is moderate. Brick & Brick Veener: Durable, low to moderate maintenance, costly.  Stone: Very expensive, beautiful and works well as an accent.

 

With all the available siding options out there, making the ultimate choice can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Quality exterior home remodeling companies will walk you through each product and help determine which option can meet your cost, aesthetics and durability needs best. The Erdmann team is dedicated to providing all the resources we can to help guide our homeowners when making these tough decisions.