Siding adds an all-important aesthetic look to your home’s exterior. But, while many homeowners consider siding as only a decorative choice, the fact is that it has a more vital role, as it covers the building’s framework and interior, sealing and protecting it from different elements such as insects, wind, and weather.
When there are cracked or loose shingles or panels, insects and moisture can easily find a way inside, eventually causing very expensive structural damage.
So, to make sure that your home’s siding performs its job right, which is both to look good and to protect your building, you need to choose the right material for the task. Following are some of the most popular siding choices of 2016 from a leading Mount Laurel, NJ siding company:
Vinyl Siding
Since it was introduced, vinyl has generally been the most popular siding option and the material still continues to be the most popular siding in 2016 as reported by our Mount Laurel, NJ siding company source. Versatility, low cost, and minimal maintenance requirements are the key factors that make this material popular among contractors and homeowners alike.
The material doesn’t distort and also cannot be penetrated by water and insects. There are vinyl siding models that are designed to look like wood, which many homeowners like. The material is also available in a wide range of styles and colors, so you can choose one that best suits your house’s architectural style.
Wood Siding
More of a traditional option, wood siding is widely used in cottages and bungalows to obtain a rich, authentic look. This siding can be durable when maintained properly. However, wood tends to be quite expensive and so may not be within the budget of some homeowners. If you happen to like the finish and look of wood siding, keep in mind that you need to perform proper maintenance procedures, like painting and caulking, to prevent damages.
Wood siding is available in different styles such as shingles, shakes, and clapboards, and the cost depends on the style you choose.
Fiber Cement Siding
A mixture of sand, cellulose and cement, fiber cement siding material delivers almost the same look as that of wood. This siding is known to be insect and fire-proof (termite resistant and non-flammable), and requires less maintenance than wood, making it another popular choice for modern construction.
The material is available in different textures and colors, with the most durable ones treated with a reinforcing factory coating. When you use fiber cement siding for your home, you will get a contemporary finish, which fits well with many of today’s architectural styles.
Stucco Siding
The next material on our list of the most popular siding choices in 2016, as shared by our Mount Laurel, NJ siding company, is stucco siding. Stucco siding is available in its natural form and also has a synthetic alternative. This siding material is a great match for homes with large stone and brick surfaces, and goes well with both traditional and modern architecture.
The material itself is extremely rigid and therefore has to be installed carefully to prevent cracks. When you have this siding installed and maintained properly, you can expect it to last virtually forever.
Brick Siding
Brick is considered the ideal material for siding by many contractors and homeowners because of its durability and lower maintenance needs. This siding material is available in different colors, textures, and sizes and you can also create a wide variety of patterns by placing them in different ways. However, since brick veneers can allow water penetration, installing a membrane between the building and the siding will provide better results. Though brick is considered to be a traditional material when it comes to construction, it can still be used in modern homes to obtain any particular desired look. Also, brick siding can last for decades if installed and maintained properly.
Metal Siding
Though not a commonly used option, metal siding will perfectly suit your home if it is in contemporary style. Available in different types of metals, including copper and steel, this siding is highly durable and requires very little maintenance. The cost of this siding depends on the type of metal you choose.
Stone Siding
Similar to brick siding, stone siding also requires generally lower maintenance and is highly durable. Previously, naturally unearthed stones were used for this purpose; however, over the years, manufacturers started offering stone veneers with the aim of reducing cost. Stone siding is available in wide array of sizes, colors, and textures, and so can easily adapt to nearly any style of architecture.
This material doesn’t usually need staining or painting and lasts a very long time.
In addition to the above mentioned popular siding choices for 2016, as provided by a leading Mount Laurel, NJ siding company, you also have the options to choose siding in many different colors