The short answer is that it is up to you—the best siding is subjective.
When it comes to looking for the best siding for your house, what you think is the best type of siding is likely different than what another person may think—you have different wants, needs, and style preferences than everyone else.
To help you determine what kind of siding is the best for your home, we will touch on a variety of siding options, including fiber cement, aluminum, and natural wood siding. You can consider the many factors to decide what is the best siding for your home.
Fiber cement siding is a siding material that is primarily made from silica sand, wood pulp, and water. Many homeowners are choosing fiber cement as their new house siding. We will discuss the pros and cons of fiber siding below.
- Durability. This durable siding is scratch, dent, fire and rot-resistant so you do not have to worry about rain, heat, insects or high winds damaging the exterior of your home.
- Stylish. There are many different paint colours, textures, and styles available so you can make your home fit your preferences.
- Cost. Fiber cement as a top choice for a non-combustible material typically costs less than solid brick. It also tends to cost less than wood siding products, which achieving the same look.
- Silica Dust - crystalline silica dust, which can cause silicosis when inhaled, is released when cut. This means extra caution is required when cutting and installing this product.
- Special Installation Instructions - fiber cement siding is a sensitive product and requires adherence to installation guidelines. If ignored, incorrect installations cause damage to your siding and home, leaks, and also void manufacturer warranties. Therefore, hiring qualified installers is crucial.
- Minimal maintenance. Vinyl siding requires very little maintenance because it only requires washing every now and then.
- Low cost. If you are on a budget, vinyl siding is one of the most affordable options out there.
- Easy to install. Vinyl siding is relatively easy to install because panels lock into each other efficiently.
- Not environmentally-friendly. Vinyl manufacturing has negative effects on the environment because it produces greenhouse gases like nitrogen oxide and is also petroleum based.
- Unappealing. Vinyl is not the most attractive siding option compared to other materials like aluminum and fiber cement and can lack curb appeal if you’re trying to stand out.
- Weak material - at low temperatures, vinyl siding can easily crack if it receives an impact.
There are two kinds of wood siding: engineered and real wood siding. Engineered wood is wood that has been manufactured by using composite wood materials like wood pulp. Engineered wood is more affordable than real wood, and it is much stronger too.
- Flexible. There are many wood siding options like cedar siding.
- Beautiful. Natural wood grain is stunning.
- Versatile. It can be installed vertically or horizontally.
- Durable. Engineered wood siding is a strong material that can last upwards of 50 years if it is maintained properly.
- Eco-friendly. It is a natural renewable material that can decompose after use.
- Termites. These wood-eating insects are attracted to wood and could eat through it.
- Expensive. Just like wood shingles and other natural products, siding can be expensive.
- High maintenance. Wood must be cleaned once a year to help maintain its quality and keep the manufacturer warranties active. Depending on the type of wood, it may require additional maintenance such as staining or applying coats of varnish to extend its life. If not, these products can deteriorate rather quickly if a combination of negative conditions come together, such as low light and moisture.
- Low maintenance. Stone is a low-maintenance siding material that does not need almost any upkeep.
- Curb appeal. Stone has a timeless appearance and it can come in many styles.
- Durability. Stone is an incredibly durable material that can withstand sun, rain, and wind.
- Cost. Natural stone has a higher cost per square foot than most siding options. Stone veneer is a more affordable option, but it can still be costly.
- Installation. This siding can be difficult to install. That is why new siding should only be installed by professionals. Expect labor costs in addition to purchasing your materials.
There are various types of aluminum siding suitable for different classes of projects. You can find options from thin low grade suitable for large suitable walls to high grade thick alloy premium commercial options.
To help you decide whether this is the right choice for you, we will explain the pros and cons of aluminum siding below.
- Eco-friendly. Metal does not require an extensive manufacturing process and can be repurposed later.
- Rot, rust and fireproof. Metal will not rot, rust or catch on fire, so your home will always be protected.
- Installation. Installation is very similar to vinyl siding which is relatively simple to install.
- Variety - there are many styles and grades to choose from, which can help you accomplish your project goal with versatility.
- Cost. Metal and aluminum prices have been increasing gradually and can be rather costly, even the thin low grade options.
- Thin Aluminum exhibits poor aesthetics and is prone to oil canning which tends to look papery and cheap.
- Architectural grade aluminum siding provides a prestige look and none of the aesthetic short comings of the thin grades, but are among the most expensive cladding materials on the market.
