Choosing siding materials for a home is a big decision, and is often a difficult one for many homeowners. When it comes to choosing siding for your home, the options can feel overwhelming. It means you have to consider the best combination of colour, style, durability, cost, value and warranty. Each type of siding offers unique advantages and considerations to keep in mind. With so many house siding styles and materials available—from wood siding and fiber cement siding to vinyl siding and metal siding—how do you decide which one is right for you? Don’t worry! We’re here to help navigate your siding options and find the perfect fit for your home’s exterior..
Why Siding Matters
Your house siding isn’t just about looks – though curb appeal is important! While there is the obvious aesthetic value of updating your home with new siding, siding is not just about enhancing appearance; it serves as a protective barrier against the elements, safeguarding your home’s structural integrity. The right siding material can protect your home, reduce maintenance costs and increase property value. Your siding choice should match your home’s architectural style, be properly installed, and require minimal upkeep while withstanding the test of time.
Just Starting to Research Siding?
If you’re just starting to research siding, you’re probably wondering what are the different types of siding available? You’re also probably curious about the best type of siding for a house. Look no further! This is exactly what we will clarify. With various options and materials available, understanding the characteristics of each is essential for making the best choice for your home.
Exploring Your Siding Options
Wood Siding: A Classic Beauty with Versatile Options
Wood siding is a timeless house siding choice that adds warmth, character, and natural beauty to a home. There are many styles to choose from, including traditional lap siding, rustic board and batten, and charming wood shingles, all create visual interest. Pine and cedar siding are popular for their natural aesthetics, with western red cedar standing out for its resistance to rot and insects. Solid wood shingles provide a classic, textured look that can be stained or painted to extend their lifespan. Composite engineered siding, such as KWP Engineered Composite Siding, is crafted from a composite material made up of wood fibers and resin, combining the beauty of real wood with enhanced durability. This engineered wood composite siding option resists rot, insects, and moisture damage while offering the aesthetic appeal of natural wood siding.
Why Choose Wood Siding?
- Natural Beauty: Wood siding enhances curb appeal with its rich, traditional aesthetic, making it a favorite among homeowners.
- Variety of Styles: Available in lap siding, board batten, and wood shingles, offering diverse design possibilities.
- Customizable: Can be stained or painted in any color to match your home’s exterior and personal style.
- Durability: Cedar and engineered wood siding are naturally resistant to rot, moisture, and insect damage when properly maintained.
- Sustainability: Wood is a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable siding option.
- Classic Appeal: Wood siding complements various architectural styles, from traditional to modern homes.
- Longevity: With proper maintenance, wood siding can last for decades, making it a long-term investment in your home’s value.
Check out the KWP website for more info about composite wood siding: http://www.kwpproducts.com/about-us/
Fiber Cement Siding: Strength, Style, and Durability
A fantastic choice for homeowners looking for a balance of durability and aesthetics. Fiber cement was the principal siding material used in 19% of single-family homes built in 2015. Made from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fiber, fiber cement siding is known for its resistance to fire, rot, and extreme weather conditions. Unlike natural wood, fiber cement siding requires very little maintenance and resists rot, pests, and moisture damage.
There are several house siding fiber cement products to consider. James Hardie Board Siding is one of the most recognized brands, known for its exceptional durability and variety of styles, including lap siding, board and batten, and shingle-style panels. Lap siding offers a clean and classic look that suits many architectural designs, while board and batten fiber cement siding provides a textured, vertical design ideal for farmhouse-style homes. For those who love the charm of wood shingles but want the durability of fiber cement, shingle fiber cement siding is a fantastic choice, offering the aesthetic appeal of wood without the maintenance concerns.
Why Choose Fiber Cement Siding?
- Highly Durable: Resistant to extreme weather conditions, fire, and rot, making it a long-lasting option.
- Minimal Maintenance: Unlike wood siding, it doesn’t require frequent staining or painting.
- Versatile Design Options: Available in styles such as lap, board and batten, and shingle siding.
- Fire Resistant: Made from non-combustible materials, providing added safety for your home.
- Pest Resistant: Unlike wood siding, fiber cement does not attract termites or other wood-damaging insects.
- Moisture Resistant: Resists water damage, making it ideal for humid or rainy climates.
- Customizable Appearance: Can be painted in various colors to complement any home design.
Check out the James Hardie’s website for more info: https://www.jameshardie.com/ and some more in-depth warranty information here: https://www.jameshardie.com/Product-Support/Warranty-Information
Vinyl Siding: Affordable and Versatile
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular house siding options due to its affordability, durability, and low maintenance. It’s made from plastic siding materials and comes in a wide variety of colours and textures, some of which mimic natural wood. Traditional vinyl siding is a common and budget-friendly choice, offering a clean look that complements most homes, with no need for a paint job ever again. For those seeking a more unique aesthetic, vertical vinyl siding provides a modern look, while shake and shingle vinyl siding mimics the charm of real wood without the maintenance. Clapboard-style vinyl siding remains a classic option, offering the appeal of traditional wood siding at a lower cost.
Why Choose Vinyl Siding?
- Affordable: One of the most cost-effective siding options available.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little upkeep, with no need for painting or staining.
- Durable: Resistant to rot, pests, and moisture damage, ensuring long-term performance.
- Variety of Styles: Available in traditional, vertical, shake, shingle, and clapboard-style designs.
- Customizable: Comes in a wide range of colors and textures to match any home’s exterior.
- Easy to Install: Lightweight material makes it simple and quick to install.
Other Siding Options: Metal, Brick, and Stone
If you’re looking for alternative siding options beyond wood, fiber cement, and vinyl, there are a few other materials to consider:
- Metal Siding: Aluminum siding and steel siding are both durable, fire-resistant, and require little upkeep. Aluminum siding is lightweight and easy to install, while steel offers added strength and resistance to the elements.
- Brick Siding: A timeless and durable choice, brick veneers and fired clay bricks offer excellent longevity with very little maintenance required. Brick siding provides a sophisticated and classic appearance that many homeowners love.
- Natural Stone & Brick Veneers: These materials add a luxurious and high-end feel to your home’s exterior. While stone is incredibly durable, it does come with a higher initial cost and requires professional installation.
Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home
When selecting the siding for your home, consider:
- Installation cost: Some materials, like solid wood or natural stone, have a higher initial cost but offer long-term durability.
- Maintenance needs: If you prefer low maintenance, fiber cement, vinyl, or metal siding might be best.
- Climate durability: Fiber cement and engineered wood siding hold up well in extreme weather.
- Architectural Design: Traditional homes often look great with lap siding, while modern homes shine with fiber cement panels or metal siding.
Get Expert Installation
No matter which siding material you choose, proper siding installation is essential for long-term performance. A moisture barrier, exterior trim, and other elements must be installed correctly to ensure durability. Trust a professional siding company for installation to get the job done right.
Ready for a Home Makeover?
As you can see, there are a lot of exterior siding options available for commercial and residential construction. Whether you’re interested in fiber cement, wood siding, engineered wood, vinyl siding, or another option, choosing the right siding material for your home is an exciting step in improving curb appeal and resale value.
Contact us today to claim your free siding quote and take advantage of our consultation experts and siding solutions. We guarantee to protect your home against everything Winnipeg weather throws at it!