Of the many decisions involved in building your house, one of the most important is choosing the type of siding it will have.
As we always say, the siding of your house is the first line of defense against the elements, and maybe even more critically, it is also the first thing that others see when looking at your house, which means it is very important for the overall aesthetics of your home.
When it comes to choosing siding, you have a vast array of options to choose from, including vinyl, different types of wood, fiber cement, stucco, steel, aluminum, stone veneer, and others. The availability of so many different options can make it feel overwhelming to make a final decision. That siding’s going to be on your home for a long, long time, and you want to make the best choice possible.
So, how do you know which material is best for your house’s siding? Here is all the key information you need to know about the different siding materials, provided by a leading Gloucester, NJ siding company who offers all of these varieties and can speak from direct experience with each.
Vinyl Siding
Ever since its introduction in the 1990s, vinyl has been the most preferred siding material across the world, mainly due to the material’s versatility, affordability, and low maintenance needs. You also get to choose from hundreds of colors and finishes, including shakes, fish scales, beads, vertical panels, horizontal panels, and many other options. The material is also easy to install, which is why it is preferred by contractors. For homeowners, the huge benefit is that it is affordable, it lasts for many years, and requires very little maintenance; generally nothing more than a simple wash occasionally.
Today, vinyl siding is available in many unique colors and profiles, and most types also come with UV protection, making it even more durable. If you are looking for something more energy efficient, you can also choose insulated vinyl siding. Most vinyl siding material often comes with a lifetime warranty.
Brick Siding
Loved for its rich and substantial look, brick is a popular choice for building exteriors. The fact that this material doesn’t need to be painted, can’t be dented, will not rot, and also that it is impervious to termites and other destructive pests makes it a popular choice among homeowners and contractors alike.
Brick is also known to excel in being resistant to natural elements such as moisture, and wind. It also protects your building from any debris that gets blown towards your house. And if you want to go the environment-friendly way, you can always choose fired clay brick as this material is made from numerous natural resources. Overall, brick is a highly durable material for siding that can last for years to come, it works great in reducing sound, it doesn’t fade in color, and also requires very low maintenance. It is, however, an expensive product in both material and installation labor.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is the another interesting siding material offered by our Gloucester, NJ siding company.
This material has been into existence since the 1990s and is basically a blend of cellulose, sand and cement. You will be able to find fiber cement siding in the form of panels as well as the usual shiplap boards. If you want a wood-like effect for your siding without having to deal with the hassle of properly maintaining the material, fiber cement may be your ideal choice. This material is known to be noncombustible, water and termite-resistant, and is generally more durable than wood siding. Fiber cement siding panels or boards are available in different textures to replicate the look of wood, and this siding material is typically less expensive than wood, although more costly than the equivalent amount of vinyl siding.
Stone Siding
As almost everyone knows, stone is one of the most durable building materials. It is available in different types, including slate, limestone and granite. Stone siding not only adds a rich and beautiful look to the exterior of your house, but is also resistant to different weather conditions.
Stone is also a very green siding option. The initial costs associated with using stone as the material for siding is usually significantly higher than other materials. In addition, it is also extremely difficult to install stone siding to an existing building and requires an experienced professional for any installation job, which of course increases the associated costs. However, the investment you make in stone siding will be beneficial over time, as the material will look the same for many years, and requires very little maintenance along the way.
Stucco Siding
Stucco is a material that has been used for siding hundreds of years. This material is suitable for a wide range of applications, can be made using different combinations materials, and is also relatively affordable compared to brick and stone but is several time more the vinyl siding. It is extremely easy to shape this material and it can also be given different textures to suit individual preferences, and so is likely to be a good choice for your house regardless of its architectural style.
With so many options to choose from, remember that the material you choose should match your lifestyle. With help from a reliable Gloucester, NJ siding company, you will be able to make the right decision.