TYPES OF SIDING

Aluminum
The world became interested in using aluminum as a siding material in the late 1950s. After hundreds of years of wood clapboards, which required sanding and painting to keep them in good condition, aluminum was touted as a durable, easily maintainted alternative. Unlike vinyl, aluminum does not crack. It works well to cover thin clapboard and is fireproof. It poses no health risks to the occupants and is considered fairly environmentally friendly. It’s inexpensive, but it does have some disadvantages to consider before taking the plunge into aluminum siding. A ladder set against it will dent it, making home maintenance such as washing windows something of a problem.

Brick
Brick homes have stood the test of time - many are still standing after hundreds of years of weathering the elements and whatever comes along. Brick, which is fired clay, comes in more colors than just brick red, giving it an added quality not often thought of. The colors range within the earth tone palette. Worrying about repairs is unlikely for a good 25 years or so, and that makes every homeowner smile. The expense of a brick exterior may seem daunting, but should be somewhat alleviated by the knowledge that your house is here to stay. If the price is just too much, you might consider brick veneer. There’s always a pay off, however; in this case, less money means less enduring.

Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles look great in natural settings, and if the natural look is important to you, then cedar shakes may be the answer. The shakes or shingles are usually stained in earth tones, browns, or grays. This is a really great look with less upkeep than clapboard that needs painting periodically.

Engineered or Composite Wood
Made with wood products and other materials to look like wood, these engineered materials are far less expensive than using wood for siding. Engineered or composite wood comes in long panels that are easily installed and will give a neat, seamless look to your home.

Seamless Steel
Anything made of steel is going to be durable, and seamless steel siding is no exception. It can be manufactured to resemble wood textures. Unlike vinyl, it does not shrink or bulge when the temperature rises and falls. There’s no splicing done during installation and you’ll not have to worry about peeling paint. It can be cut to the exact measurements of your home, giving it a very finished look.

Stone
Stone is the most enduring of all the various materials that can be used for siding. Besides the eye appeal stone gives to homes, rain, snow, ice, and heat have little effect on it. Just as stone is high in durability, it’s also high in price. You can opt for less expensive cultured stone from Corning, which is pre-cast stone veneer and facing.

Stucco
Stucco is nothing more than cement combined with water and other ingredients like sand or lime. This method of creating a shell for home has been around since the Renaissance because of its strength and durability. The rock hard surface created by stucco is solid and keeps moisture out. There are synthetic stuccos available. Although they look authentic, the synthetic stucco offers less durability. Only you can decide if price or durability is most important to you.

Vinyl
Vinyl siding is a plastic made from PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. The advantages of never having to worry about rot and flaking paint makes this exterior covering attractive to many consumers. However, with a lower price tag comes problems. Vinyl siding has a tendency to crack, split, and look faded and dingy after a few years. Manufacturers have made improvements on these problems, but they still exist. The environmentally conscious may not want to choose vinyl due to the problems it creates when it is removed - PVCs release toxins when burned, making vinyl not environmentally friendly.

Wood Clapboard
Wood siding has been used for hundreds of years, and seeing a 300-year-old clapboard house is testimony to the durability of wood when properly maintained. Cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, Cyprus, or Douglas fir are the woods used most often. Pine holds finishes extremely well, giving it added value.

How can I find out more information?

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