Siding materials are the protective and decorative cladding used to cover the exterior of a building. Getting the best siding material for your home can enhance its performance, add value to your home and create a curb appeal. Some siding materials have come and gone. Also, the common siding materials, such as hardboard composite and fiberglass, are now replaced with fiber-cement and vinyl, which is the new standard. However, before planning a siding project, you need to know the siding material that best suits your home.
Choosing the Best Siding Materials for Your Home
There are 3 commonly rated best siding materials every homeowner would love to install in this modern time. These materials have their specific features, pricing, and maintenance guide.
- Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is gradually becoming popular for several homes in the States. It is a maintenance-free material made from Portland cement and other natural cellulose wood fibers. It is resource efficient since it is fabricated from recyclable materials. Fiber cement siding looks exactly like the natural wood grain and is installed like standard wood siding. However, the installation is sometimes time-consuming compared to vinyl siding. But then, the work is not hard as any framing carpenter who is experienced in working with wood siding can install fiber cement siding without stress. This option is moderately expensive, but it is durable.
Wood Siding
When brick and stone were no options for siding materials, wood siding was the primary option for classic siding materials. Shingles, panels or boards, and wood planks are the common types of wood siding. Its beauty can be seen mostly in historic buildings, just that the main withdrawal on wood siding is the cost and high maintenance requirement. The wood clapboard is horizontal and integrated with lapping joints to shield water. Board siding or wood plank is vertical and can be seen in board and batten, tongue-and-groove, channel-groove, or board-on-board styles. It can also be seen in plywood versions with various face treatments and groove styles to look like a traditional board-and-batten make.
In addition, the pricing range of wood siding range from moderate to very expensive. There are several processes involved with the installation of wood siding. Only a siding professional can perfectly make this process much easier.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the best options if you are searching for low-cost siding material. More than 1/3 of homeowners in the U.S are sided with various kinds of vinyl siding. Vinyl can be in vertical and horizontal panels, with different styles, textures, and colors. Vinyl is often used as a retrofit siding, applied over old wood siding. This is done with a layer of panels applied beneath the planks. It helps to add insulation to the walls. It is advised to properly install the vinyl siding to avoid buckles and warps. Vinyl siding is integrated with interlocking edges. A zip tool is used to join and set apart the siding strips. Of all the common siding materials available, vinyl is the least expensive.
Conclusion
Any building can be sided with any of these 3 siding options. However, other siding materials available in the market are also valid and accepted in the home improvement industry. You can consult your siding installer to select the best materials for your home. Working with an expert will make your work easier and more perfect.