What are different types of siding?
Until the end of the 1950s, houses were brick or wood, aka as frame houses. Those frame houses and even the brick houses had some wood, required painting every so often. Then, a company out of Columbus Ohio introduced a product that would aka homeownership easier: Vinyl Siding. The intention of siding replacement was to eliminate the need for homeowners to repaint their entire house, or parts of the house if it were brick.
Before long, frame houses made of wood were getting vinyl siding replacement along with another new addition, aluminum doors and windows. Today, they build most homes with brick or some type of stone, but there are still siding replacement options offered.
There are several types of siding replacement on the market today. The choices available extensive and each type of material offers a vast range of aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency, and the price ranges are wide too.
Here, we offer you the different siding replacement options along with pros and cons of them. This information can help you determine the best choice for you and your home.
Vinyl – the most popular of all siding replacement materials.
The Pros
- Durable and typically offers a 30 to 40-year warranty
- A lot of color options
- Several textural options
- Easy cleaning
- Water-Resistant
- Inexpensive in the realm of siding replacement costs
The Cons
- Not waterproof
- Bends easily in extreme cold or heat
- Cannot be repainted
- Dents easily
Fiber Cement – the second most popular siding replacement option.
The Pros
- Feels and looks like wood
- Resistant to insect damage
- Low maintenance
- Class 1A fire rating
- Doesn’t decay or rot
- Several finishes and textures
The Cons
- More expensive than vinyl
- Require repainting every 12 to 15 years
- Chips require paint touch-up
Brick – a popular siding replacement option because of the longevity.
The Pros
- The longevity is over 100 years
- Little to no maintenance
- Fire resistant
- No repainting required
- Weathers well
- Termite proof
The Cons
- Expensive siding replacement option
- Once painted, the original brick coloring is gone
- The mortar can deteriorate
Metal – some options of this siding replacement are popular, like the aluminum and steel options.
The Pros
- Doesn’t mold or rot
- Little to no maintenance
- Doesn’t fade
- Eco-friendly
- Fire resistant
The Cons
- Can rust if not installed properly
- Dents easily
- Heavy, making installation expensive
- Scratches and rusts easily
Wood – popular siding replacement option because of the natural and timeless appearance.
The Pros
Lightweight makes installation easier and quicker
Eco-friendly
Can be painted or stained in custom colors
Energy-efficient at high R-Value
The Cons
Requires consistent maintenance with painting
Damages easily from insects or water
Expensive to have repainted or re-stained
It is not fire-resistant
What is the most popular house siding?
Fiber cement siding replacement has become the most popular over the recent years. It offers a variety of looks from masonry or stucco to wood and is less expensive. The low-maintenance, fire resistance, and termite resistance are other bonuses for homeowners and insurance companies.
How long does siding usually last?
Siding replacement is a layer of protection for your home. The climate, the elements, and the weather are hitting every day, all day. This can all affect the lifespan of any siding replacement, but some last longer than others.
Vinyl Siding – 20 years to 40 years
Aluminum Siding – 30 years to 50 years
Wood Siding – 15 years to 40 years
Brick Siding – 50 years or longer
Fiber Cement Siding – 25 years to 40 years
What siding lasts longest?
As we’ve mentioned already, vinyl siding replacement is the most popular choice for several reasons. It is less expensive, comes in a variety of colors, and requires little to no maintenance. Another favorable fact with vinyl siding replacement is the longevity it offers when installed correctly and taken care of as needed. It has lasted 60 years and sometimes 100 year
