Siding Basics

A number of residential siding materials are available to homeowners looking to improve the appearance and performance of their home. But, because of the endless number of siding options in today’s market, pulling the trigger can be extremely difficult. Comparing several siding options is the best method of determining which materials are worth a second glance. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best siding for your home.

Moderate Cost Siding Material Comparison

Wood siding is one of the oldest and most attractive siding materials on the market. Though it’s easy to work with and beautiful to look at, wood requires regular and expensive upkeep.

Fiber-cement siding (also known as "Hardie board") is a great balance of affordability and performance. Fiber-cement is a popular choice because of its ability to weather extreme conditions and hold paint for extended periods of time.

Stucco is another moderately priced material that ages well. Unfortunately, because of the availability of other siding materials, some neighborhoods see stucco as outdated. Before adding stucco siding to your home (or purchasing a stucco home), ensure the addition won’t negatively impact the value of your house.

Low Cost Siding Material Comparison

Aluminum sidingis an extremely affordable option. But many homeowners replace their aluminum siding because it requires more upkeep than vinyl (and looks about the same). If you plan on replacing your aluminum siding with a different material, it’s important to note that certain locations will recycle your old aluminum siding.

Vinyl siding has been popular for decades. Cheaper vinyl siding becomes brittle in cold weather and fades in direct sunlight. If you’re looking for a no-maintenance alternative, spend a little extra to get a higher quality vinyl. But, compared to other siding options, vinyl (regardless of price) is by far one of the most resilient siding alternatives.

High-End Siding Material Comparison

Brick is one of the most well-regarded home siding products on the market. It looks great, holds up almost indefinitely and gives your home a solid, classic feel. Unfortunately, brick siding is pretty pricey. If you love the brick aesthetic, but don't want to ante up the money, look into partial brick siding or brick veneer. These are great alternatives to brick siding without the hefty price tag.

Stone is the end-all-be-all when it comes to performance and durability. Though some shy away from the bold statement associated with stone siding, a material that lasts hundreds of years without any major defects is worth considering. Like brick, some homeowners find that opting for a veneer, or using a different siding material on a portion of their home, makes stone siding more affordable.

High-End Siding Material Comparison

With more people adopting environmental sustainability as a core tenant of their home’s functionality, it’s no surprise that siding materials are following suit. Today, homeowners have access to recycled aluminum, vinyl, steel, brick and locally sourced stone. (Some green builders have gone even further — creating a mixture of sand, clay and straw called “earth plaster.”) While some eco-friendly options are less conventional, they’re still available as a viable option. If you’re looking for a siding that’s beneficial for the environment (or a siding that comes with a story), the options mentioned above are worth a second glance.