Are you thinking about replacing your home’s siding? You must be wondering, “What are the best house siding options for my house?”
Siding plays a critical role in improving your home's curb appeal. That’s why it is an essential investment for all homeowners.
We understand how challenging it is to figure out the best option when spoilt for choice. Below, we tell you all the different siding options available. We also share a few siding ideas you can try in 2021.
Home siding options in 2021
Siding varies in cost, material, style, and color. The methods of installation also differ. Here are the most popular options this year.
Wood Siding
Wood has a classic elegant appearance that has made it a popular siding option for many years. The most common species include redwood, pine, cedar, and fir.
This type of siding is one of the most versatile options available. You can install it as planks, shingles, plywood, boards, or panels.
Wood siding can last between 20 and 40 years. Don’t forget; it requires regular maintenance throughout this period to remain in good shape. For instance, it needs repainting at least once in four years.
Pros of Wood Siding
- Attractive
- Variety of styles and colors
- Highly customizable
Cons of Wood Siding
- Requires regular maintenance
- Highly combustible
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding mimics natural wood. It is made from actual wood, sawdust, wood scraps, and other wood-like materials.
Unlike the conventional option, engineered wood does not need much maintenance. It also costs less and is easier to install. However, engineered wood is prone to moisture leaks in the absence of a good seal. It is also susceptible to water damage.
Pros of Engineered Wood Siding
- Resembles actual wood
- Cheaper
- Easy to install
Cons of Engineered Wood Siding
- Susceptible to water damage
- May leak if not properly sealed
Metal Siding
Metal is a popular option for roofs. But homeowners are also using it for siding. Its durability is one of its highest selling points. With proper maintenance, it can last for 40 -70 years.
Other notable qualities include a class A fire-resistant rating and availability in a variety of styles and colors. Maintenance is also minimal. Annual cleaning to remove dirt and debris will suffice.
While metal is highly durable, it is still susceptible to dents and scratches. Moreover, it does not offer insulation.
Pros of Metal Siding
- Lasts for long
- Highly durable
- Variety of styles and colors
- Fireproof
Cons of Metal Siding
- Expensive
- Can dent or scratch
- No insulation
Vinyl Siding
Are you looking for cheap siding options? Consider vinyl siding. This plastic siding is a popular option in the US owing to its affordability.
You could pay as little as $6,150 to install vinyl in a typical 2,000 square feet home. Maintaining it is also cheap since there is not much to do. You only need to wash off the dirt.
What we love about vinyl siding is the endless color and texture options available. Therefore, it’s easy to choose something that complements the style of your home.
However, vinyl is susceptible to warping and buckling when you don’t install it properly. It can also break under impact. The good thing is that replacing it is easy since you don’t need to remove entire sections.
Pros of Vinyl Siding
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Variety of styles and colors
- High fire resistance
Cons of Vinyl Siding
- Can break under impact
- Susceptible to water leakage if not sealed
- Can warp and buckle when not installed properly
- It will only last between 15 and 30 years
Brick Siding
Brick is one of the most long-lasting options on the market, with a lifespan of 100 years.
People also love brick for its fire, mold, and rot resistance. Its insulation qualities also make it a popular energy-efficient option.
There is no denying that brick is beautiful. However, you don’t have much choice in style and color. That may not be an issue if you are going for a classic look, though.
One disadvantage with brick is the high price tag. Although repairs are rare, they will also cost more since it is hard to replace a brick.
Pros of Brick Siding
- Long lifespan
- Durable
- Beautiful
- Fire resistant
Cons of Brick Siding
- Expensive
- Difficult to repair
- Limited colors and styles
Stucco Siding
Yes. People still install stucco siding. The material is a blend of sand, cement, lime, and water. It has survived for many years due to its durability and low maintenance.
Stucco has transformed over time. It always used to be in just white back in the day. Today, it comes in a variety of colors and textures.
One major drawback with this option is the labor costs. Your wall requires several layers of the material, making the process labor-intensive. Stucco is also prone to cracking despite its high durability.
Pros of Stucco Siding
- High durability
- Fire resistant
- Minimal maintenance
- Variety of colors and textures
Cons of Stucco Siding
- Prone to cracking
- Installation is labor-intensive
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding seeks to mimic natural wood grain. It is composed of cement silica and cellulose fibers.
Installing fiber cement is like installing wood siding. Here, you also have a variety of styles. You can install the siding as planks or shingles.
Fiber cement is durable, fire-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. Also, it comes in varying colors and textures. Our only concerns are its heavyweight, high price tag, and costly installation.
Pros of Fiber Cement Siding
- Highly durable
- Variety of styles, colors, and textures
- Mimics natural wood grain
- Fire resistant
Cons of Fiber Cement Siding
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Difficult to install
Stone Veneer Siding
If you love the look of stone siding but cannot afford to install one, you should consider stone veneer siding. It looks like natural stone, laid-back, but costs half as much and is not as heavy.
Stone veneer is a blend of Portland cement, iron oxides, and colorings. It is lightweight and, therefore, easy to install.
Although stone veneer may look like natural stone, the two are fundamentally different. Do not expect it to last as long.
Pros of Stone Veneer Siding
- Ideal for roofs with little snow weight
- Allows you to get protection in specific places without covering the whole roof
- Large or small sizes
- Three methods of application
Cons of Stone Veneer Siding
- Can’t withstand heavy snows
- It might look awkward with some roofs
Siding Trends You Should Consider in 2021
Here are three popular siding trends that you should consider in 2021.
Using Color to Create Contrast
Color plays a critical role in enhancing your siding’s curb appeal. We have seen a trend in 2021 where homeowners are using different colors to create contrast-for instance, combining natural-colored siding with dark window frames or accents.
Another way to bring out contrast is by painting one side of the house a different color from its symmetrical other. There are many color combinations to try, such as light gray and dark gray or brown and green.
Colorful Siding
The traditional siding colors have not gone anywhere. Homeowners are still using the grays, browns, and whites. However, color choices have become bolder in recent years. People are now going with blue, red, and green tones.
Siding Combinations
Another trend we have noticed in 2021 is mixing and matching different types of siding. That creates a personalized effect. For instance, a home could have a combination of stone veneer, stucco, and vinyl siding.
Factor to Consider When Choosing Siding
Siding can be a significant investment. Here is what you need to consider when choosing the best one for your home.
Durability
Durable siding options will not need regular repairs and maintenance. That is why it is critical to install siding that can withstand the vagaries of weather.
Consider the weather patterns in your area before making this critical decision. For example, vinyl may not be the best option for icy regions.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency plays a critical role in determining the type of siding you should install. That is more so if you live in a region experiencing extreme temperature levels. Think about it; is metal siding the best option for extremely hot or cold areas?
Curb Appeal/Style
Functionality aside, your siding should also look attractive. Remember, this is the first thing most people will see when they pull up into your driveway. Brick and wood will create a laid-back and classic look. If you want to go modern, a combination of brick and stucco will get the job done.
House Siding Options and Cost
Siding a house can be cheap or expensive depending on your material of choice. Your budget is an important factor to consider here.
Options like vinyl and veneer stone are affordable for many homeowners. However, you may need to dig deeper into your pocket for materials such as brick and fiber cement.
Conclusion
Replacing your house siding is a worthwhile investment with multiple benefits. Your choice will impact the curb appeal, resale value, and energy costs in your home. The ball is in your court now that you have learned the different options available in 2021.
Only don’t forget to hire the right contractor to handle the installation to avoid costly mistakes.