If you compare the appearance of a house with a human face, you could say that the windows are like the eyes but the siding is like the skin. Just like beautiful skin makes someone look fresh and healthy, so the siding of a house makes a big impression on the viewer.
Choosing the best siding material isn’t just about looks or cosmetics. There are other very important factors to consider. For example, the weather pattern in your area, the importance of energy efficiency, and the associated ongoing maintenance.
In this article, we’ll talk you through some options that’ll help you narrow down your search for the best siding for your home. By the time you finish this article, you’ll have a good idea of what will look good and perform as needed for your home.
Principled Based Approach
When choosing house siding it’s helpful to think about the cost, the insulation properties of the material, the maintenance requirements, and the aesthetic look.
Where some materials are heat-efficient, they may not be so attractive. Some materials are very attractive, but they’re also demanding when it comes to maintenance. Compromise is always necessary, so you have to decide what are the priorities in your choice.
Another important factor to consider is who will do the work? Are you planning to do this yourself and save money? Or, does your budget include installation?
Your decision may depend on the purpose of the work. If this is to improve the curbside look of your house so that it will attract a buyer, then hiring a professional with the right skills and experience is a worthwhile investment. Using a proper professional will also ensure you get a solid guarantee for the work.
Man-Made Materials
You may not have the flexibility to choose any home exterior material that you like. This may already be governed in some way by the design of the home, the location, and the existing appearance of your neighborhood. The following materials are very popular, and as you read about them, you’ll see why.
As a general principle, these types of materials are very cost-effective; you can see some examples at Factory Direct Siding. They’re among the cheapest materials while offering some of the best insulation properties. Thanks to modern manufacturing, they can be made to look and mimic the effect of natural materials
Vinyl
For example, Vinyl is tough, durable, and will last years. It’s easy to install and needs very little maintenance. It’s interesting to note that the color is part of the material itself.
That means scratches and surface damage will not show up easily. It’s no surprise that vinyl siding material is the most popular in the country. If your budget is tight and you wish to do the work yourself, then this could be a great option for you.
Engineered Wood
This type of material could be described as a sort of hybrid material. The basic root material is wood but not solid planks. Wood flakes are compressed together and glued using a resin.
The final product gives the look and feel of wood, which is very attractive, but it doesn’t come with the same high price tag. There are different types that you can choose from but overall they all offer a sort of rustic and rough look. Depending on the application, this material can work really well.
Fiber Cement
Another man-made material that is also very popular. It has many advantages over natural materials. For example, it does not burn like wood.
In fact, this material is so resistant to burning that it’s the material of choice in areas where there is a high risk of fire. It seems that some insurance companies will also offer a discount if you use this material because it’s so safe.
Apart from that, it’s also resistant to breaking down due to moisture and rot. That makes it an excellent choice near coastal areas where saltwater and moisture can penetrate the house siding and cause havoc.
Brick
The use of brick is thousands of years old. Bricks have stood the test of time and look fabulous when used on homes. Modern uses of bricks as a siding material often employ a brick veneer attached to another material behind.
This gives the beauty of brick but the efficiency and protective value of other materials. Bricks can be vulnerable to moisture, so the use of other materials in the infrastructure of the building helps to maintain the standard and comforts of modern living.
Natural Materials
One of the most obvious natural materials is wood. It looks amazing, feels really good, and it’s environmentally friendly when it comes from a sustainable source. For wood lovers, there is no other choice.
Still, it’s worth noting that wood is likely the most labor-intensive when it comes to maintenance. It is also expensive. The quality of wood can vary significantly, so you will need to think about the source and how that fits with your budget.
Stone is another natural option that looks amazing on the right building. Like the brick veneer mentioned earlier, a popular option with stone is to add it as an external veneer with other materials underneath. This approach is practical and more cost-effective.
Stone is visually attractive and has a big effect on the overall look of a house. It creates a sense of solidarity and permanence. Still, keep in mind that this may be one of the most expensive materials you can use.
Best Siding Material for You
In this article, you’ve read about choosing the best siding material for your home. You can approach this decision in a pragmatic way and be driven by what is practical or you can choose based on the material you like the most. At the end of the day, you’re the one that will live with it.
Some man-made material and natural materials offer compromise when they’re engineered as a veneer. These options offer value and beauty. You can read other great articles on our site that match your interests.
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