What do fall leaves and hayfever pollen have in common? Grime on your siding, that’s what! If you’ve recently installed new siding or if your current one is in good shape, then all you need is just some power washing and a few touch-ups. But if your siding is starting to fade, crack, and get dull and trap all the fall grime in its grooves, you should trade in the old for the new. But what kind of siding should you get? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Let’s examine the most common materials that homeowners select. The Pros: The Pros: The pros: Pros: Pros:
Vinyl
- Inexpensive- low material and labor costs.
- Can be installed over existing materials as a retrofit siding.
- Is a quick installation because it’s easy to handle and light.
- Comes in a variety of colors and textures.
- Can resemble wood shingles, log, & stone.
- Can develop mold and dirt on the surface.
- Vulnerable to damage from high winds and extreme weather.
- Aren’t fireproof and can melt when it comes to contact with high heat
Wood
- Easy to work with and install
- Popular choice because of its natural properties
- Eco-friendly from a renewable source
- Variety of looks:
- Board
- Batten
- Shakes
- Clapboards
- Shingles
- there are
- Different wood species to choose from.
- When properly maintained, quality wood siding can last for decades.
- Relatively expensive
- Requires constant maintenance
- Susceptible to pests like termites and woodpeckers
- Susceptible to water damage and mold
Fiber Cement (aka Hardieboard)
- Low maintenance
- High Durability
- Can mimic countless looks like:
- stucco
- stone
- wood
- Easy to paint
- Comes in different finishes
- Resistant to fire
- Resistant to pests like termites
- Can last for at least 30 years
- Heavy
- Difficult to work with and install
- Labor costs more because it requires special methods and techniques
Engineered Wood
- Strong yet inexpensive material
- Comes in a variety of styles and textures
- Can come painted or ready-to-paint
- More durable than traditional wood because its a combination of wood fibers and resins
- Can have moisture issues
- Not truly tested on the market long-term
- Aren’t 100% wood so aren’t as highly valued
Brick
- Incredibly durable
- long-lasting
- Doesn’t need much maintenance
- Fire-resistant
- Resistant to mold and rot
Cons:
- Expensive
- Masonry requires its own special skill set, which can drive up installation costs
- Limited design options