An Overview of Home Siding Materials

Posted: Sep 10, 2012
Author: G&S Contracting, Inc.

Home siding can have positive effects on the value of your home. There are few ways to give more refreshment and vibrancy to a house than to replace the siding. Let's look at some options.

There are many materials out of which home siding has been constructed in the past, but today, a few have taken hold as the more popular, and some have even ceased to be options. Asbestos home siding is no longer used due to health hazards for example. Currently, the most common materials used are wood, vinyl, aluminum, and cement fiber.

Wooden siding lends a more classic approach, and was indeed the more popular choice in the past. However, it requires a lot more maintenance than other materials (such as regular painting and inspections), and mainly for that reason has it been largely phased out.

Aluminum siding demands much less maintenance than wooden. It is also usually easier to install, and often comes painted and in an array of designs, textures, and shapes. The pricing is mid-range, but some aluminum siding has been known to dent easily. Also it requires regular painting and some other maintenance. There is also the option to buy aluminum siding coated with vinyl or plastic, which can largely extend the lifespan of the siding.

Vinyl is very similar to aluminum, except that it is a slightly more recent development and can be a little less pricey. It requires next to no maintenance or painting, and comes in a variety of colors. It is also fairly easy to repair if it becomes cracked or broken, which can happen if struck during cold weather. This is done by simply removing the damaged panel and putting a new one in its place.

Cement fiber is a still newer development, made of recycled materials and strongly resembling wood. It is all but maintenance free, does not rot, and usually comes with a long warranty. However, it also comes with a heavier price tag.