Exterior Siding and Your Home: What Type of House Siding Is Right for You?

House siding is an expensive investment, so make sure you're happy with the results by taking the time to learn which type of exterior siding is best for your specific needs. Here we discuss three of the most popular types of siding in depth.

Whether you're building a new home or it's finally time to replace your existing house's old siding, making up your mind about what material to choose can take some time. That's alright: There are tons of great products out there for siding installation, but it's important that you consider each type of siding to evaluate how it fits with your specific needs. What's right for your neighbor's home might not be right for yours, so do your research! To get you started, here's a discussion of the pros and cons of the three most popular types of house siding.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is the most traditional type of siding and can be found on homes across New England. In fact, in some historic districts, due to regulations, wood siding may be the only type of material you can use for your replacement siding. If you do have a choice, make sure to really weigh the pros and cons of wood siding or shingles. This type of home siding is beautiful, offering a level of detail and customization that other materials simply can't match. However, it is a high-maintenance choice. Options like natural cedar shingles can stand up to years of use and weather without much maintenance beyond the occasional power washing (use low pressure to avoid damaging the wood!), but typical clapboards need to be painted to avoid wood rot. And when it comes to painting your siding every couple years, the hassle of maintaining your wood siding can really feel arduous. First you have to scrape off any loose paint, sand down the siding, and then meticulously apply the new color... For many homeowners, this labor-intensive process means wood siding is definitely out. On the other hand, if you think the high-maintenance nature of wooden siding is worth it for the material's handsome appearance, this may be the right option for you.

Vinyl

Most modern houses utilize vinyl siding for its affordability and low-maintenance performance. Unlike wood siding, vinyl siding will never have to be painted, and it has a cost-effective price tag that appeals to budget-minded property owners. However, some people complain that vinyl looks "flat" or unnatural, so you'll have to decide if the high-end wood-grain vinyl clapboards or shakes are better suited to your home. Today's vinyl house siding is even available in insulated versions, so you can revitalize the appearance of your building and improve its energy efficiency all at once.

Cement Fiber Siding

An innovative approach to exterior siding, cement fiber siding is a relatively new addition to your range of house siding options. The material is actually made from compressed cement and cellulose fiber, creating a clapboard or shake that has the sturdiness of concrete and the beauty of wood. In fact, when painted, cement fiber siding is virtually indistinguishable from natural wood. Cement fiber siding is extremely long-lasting, and unlike wood, it isn't susceptible to rotting, cracking, or splitting. House paint even lasts longer on this type of exterior siding, helping make it virtually no-maintenance. This low-maintenance aspect appeals greatly to many homeowners, but remember, cement fiber tends to be much more expensive than vinyl siding, and because of its unique construction, it does require professional installation. If you're looking for house siding on a budget, cement fiber probably isn't for you. But for other property owners, you'll definitely want to look into its extensive life span and long-term attractiveness.

The most common name for cement fiber siding is the brand-name HardiePlank. In fact, many homeowners don't realize that there are other brands of cement fiber! However, today most major siding manufacturers do offer a cement fiber siding option, and there are various profiles and colors available, so you'll have practically unlimited choices when it comes to your new home siding installation.

Of course, there are other types of less common house siding available as well, including steel and aluminum siding. If you're interested in learning more about these kinds of siding or have questions about the materials discussed above, your local siding contractor should be able to provide you with additional information. Taking the time to learn about the different types of exterior siding available can help make certain that your new home siding is well-suited to your needs, helping it last longer and look better.

Maria Allen is a home improvement specialist and an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, working to help local businesses with effective online advertising.