You have decided that it is time to replace your siding. Now, you need to determine what type of siding is the best option for your home. You need to understand factors such as cost, maintenance, longevity, and aesthetics to make the right decision. Sifting through the different types of siding takes some time. We have streamlined this process for you.
We are breaking down the five most popular types of house siding and giving you the information you need to make an informed decision. If you are on the fence about whether you need to invest in new siding, look for the 7 Signs Telling You Your Siding Needs to Be Replaced.
Here are the five most popular types of house siding broken down for you so that you know what you are getting when you make your selection.
Vinyl siding comes in a range of styles, textures, and colors. These Classic Vinyl Siding Colors Deliver Curb Appeal for Years according to Bobvila.com. It is offered in both vertical and horizontal panels and wood shake or shingle styles. The cost is low to moderate averaging around $1 to $8 per square foot. The big advantage to choosing vinyl is that it is a low maintenance material and can last as long as 50 years.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Insulated siding is another type of vinyl siding. It has an insulating layer made from expanded polystyrene foam or EPS. The EPS gives the siding a closer fit to your home, which holds air in better, making your home more energy efficient. Insulated vinyl siding costs $4 to $12 per square foot, or $8 per square foot on average, to install (rather than $1 to $8 per square foot for standard vinyl siding). Despite the higher initial cost, however, insulated vinyl siding can provide significant savings over its lifetime, including lower energy bills and protection from impact damage.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is available in a wide variety of styles, finishes and textures but does require an exterior finish such as stain or paint. Bobvila.com provides more information with Types of Wood Siding: Your Guide to 5 Popular Home Cladding Options. The cost is moderate to high, averaging anywhere from $3 to $14 per square foot installed. A good wood siding should last for many years but it has to be properly maintained. This includes power washing, staining or painting, and sealing when there is fading or moisture starts to cause mold or mildew.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is also available in a wide range of styles including panels, vertical strips and even shingles. Residential metal siding offers five primary choices of materials: G-90 Galvanized steel, Galvalume coated steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. The type of metal selected will have the most impact on cost. You can find aluminum siding for about $3 to $6 per square foot and uncoated steel sells for about $4 to $8 per square foot. Steel and aluminum are both low maintenance materials but may be prone to denting.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is the only type of siding that combines the performance of masonry with the look of painted wood clapboards, shingles, or even stone or brick. It requires minimal upkeep; it is rot, fire, and termite proof, and unaffected by wind or cold. It is even accepted for use in some historic districts. You can have fiber cement siding installed for about $10 per square foot. This material is low maintenance and can last as long as 50 years.
The team at Dynasty Restoration can expertly install the right siding for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate!
