Vinyl siding is a popular siding used in the United States. People love it because it’s cheap, durable, and comes in different colors and styles to fit your home’s aesthetic. But guess what? There are some other Alternatives to Vinyl Siding out there that could be even better for your home. No doubt, these options are a bit expensive, but they’re worth it because they last a long time and make your home look awesome. So, let’s check out six other siding materials you can use for your house.
5 important Factors to Consider When Choosing Home Siding
Finding the Right Siding for Your Home: Before you start shopping for siding, consider your specific needs. Here are six main things to think about, as suggested by the DIY Network:
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Water Resistance:
If you want your siding to last longer, choose one that is resistant to water.
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Installation:
Planning to do it yourself? Make sure you know how to install, have the proper tools, and proper safety precautions to avoid harmful dust during installation.
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Energy Efficiency:
Think about the insulation you’ll need beneath the siding and check the siding’s energy-saving rating (R-value).
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Aesthetics:
Select siding that is appealing and you’ll love to look at every day as you come and go from your home.
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Durability:
Does the siding withstand temperature changes in your climate? How does it hold up against everyday wear and tear? Is it resistant to wind and termite damage?
6 Vinyl Siding Alternatives to Consider
1. Wood Siding:
Wood siding is a perfect fit for your house. It can cost you around $2.25 to $15 for every square foot when you include the installation, and the better quality wood will cost you more. If proper maintenance is done, wood siding can last between 20 to 40 years. You’ll need to give it a fresh coat of seal or paint every few years, fix any holes or cracks that show up, and replace damaged parts before they affect the rest. Also, wood siding can rot and get chewed up by bugs, and it’s not fireproof. So, if you live in an area where wildfires can happen, wood siding might not be the best choice for you.
2. Fiber Cement:
Fiber cement siding is a mixture of cement, sand, wood bits, and sometimes fiberglass. These are mostly made from recycled stuff, which is good for the environment. Appearance-wise, it looks like wood but costs less, around $4.50 to $11.25 for every square foot, including installation.
The best thing about this is it doesn’t have the problems wood siding does. It doesn’t rot, does no attack bugs, and it can handle the sun and fire without getting damaged. You also don’t have to paint or fix it as often, which saves you money.
3. Brick siding:
Brick siding gives your home the perfect look, as well as it is durable. People like it because it’s strong and doesn’t catch fire easily. It also doesn’t get ruined by bugs or rot, and you don’t have to do much to keep it looking good; there is also no need to paint it. But one thing to keep in mind is that it is a bit expensive if you are going to purchase it for the first time, like $11 to $27 for every square foot, including installation. But once the installation is done, you probably won’t have to spend more money on it. If you like the look of brick but don’t want to pay a lot, you can go for something called “brick veneer.” It’s made from thin bricks or other materials, and it costs way less than real brick.
4. Stone siding:
Stone siding can make your home look appealing and is long-lasting if the installation is done in a proper way. It gives your house a natural look and can handle different weather conditions without getting ruined. One of the best things about it is that it’s environmentally friendly because there’s a lot of stone on Earth, so it’s easy to get without causing harm, unlike plastic or cement.
This type of siding is more expensive than others, as it will cost you around $21.50 to $38.75 per square foot, including installation. You’ll also need a professional for installation purposes because there are some rules to install stone siding. This type of siding is not too heavy. If you don’t get professional help, you might break those rules if your stone isn’t the right thickness. If you want something that looks like stone but don’t want to spend that much money, you can choose something called “stone veneer.” Its weight is less, so you don’t need a professional’s help; you can do it yourself. The good news for you is that it is cheaper than other types of siding. But it might not look as natural as real stone as it is made in factories.
5. Stucco Siding:
If you live in dry places like in the Southwest, stucco is the best fit! It lasts long and is made from materials like sand, cement, and lime. But if you live in places where the area is wet, stucco isn’t the best option. One good thing about stucco is that it’s super good at keeping your home cozy in warm places. It doesn’t get damaged by bugs or rot, and it’s not too expensive, costing around $5.50 to $7.50 per square foot, including installation. Because it lasts so long, stucco doesn’t need much maintenance. If it gets a small crack, you can easily fix it using some caulk. But if the crack is big, water might sneak in and make things worse. The best thing is that you can deal with these cracks easily.
6. Metal siding:
You can choose metal siding as it looks modern as well as maintains the ambiance of your home. It doesn’t get ruined by rot because it doesn’t soak up water, and bugs can’t chew it. Metal siding, especially steel, is reliable and can handle extreme weather conditions, even wildfires. Plus the point is that it reflects the sun, it’s good for saving energy. The important thing to keep in mind before making a decision is that metal siding can get dented easily, like from hail, tree branches, or even a soccer ball. When that happens, you can’t just fix the dent—you have to replace the whole piece, which can be a bit difficult. While aluminum siding is a budget-friendly choice, costing between $3.00 to $7.25 per square foot, including installation, high-quality metal like steel can be too expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any specific maintenance requirements for each siding material? Maintenance varies by material. Wood siding may need regular painting or sealing, while fiber cement and metal siding require less maintenance. It’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure your siding’s longevity.
Are there any eco-friendly options among alternative siding materials?
Yes, fiber cement, stone veneer, and some metal sidings can be more eco-friendly because they use sustainable materials or can be recycled. Be sure to check for environmentally friendly certifications when selecting siding.
What are the energy-efficient properties of metal siding?
Metal siding, particularly when properly insulated, can reflect sunlight and help regulate indoor temperatures, making it an energy-efficient choice. It can contribute to lower heating and cooling costs in your home.
Conclusion:
In the world of home exteriors, choosing the right siding material is the most important decision. While vinyl siding has been a popular choice for its affordability and variety, it’s important to explore alternatives that can better suit your specific needs and preferences. Our journey through these siding options, from fiber cement to brick, stone, stucco, and metal, has revealed a wide range of possibilities that can enhance your home’s durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.
At Active Exterior, we understand the importance of making the right decisions when it comes to your home’s exterior. Our team is here to help you explore these alternative siding options, guiding you through the selection process and ensuring a professional installation that adds value and beauty to your home.
