Curb appeal, durability, or the latest building trends.
These are all things you might consider if you’re looking into getting new siding on your house. But not all siding is created equal. Whether it’s vinyl, wood, or newer SmartSide, you’re faced with a lot of options for what you want to wrap your house with. And we have some pros and cons for each.
Brick
Pros: Brick offers substantial aesthetic appeal paired with great durability. It requires minimal maintenance and will last a very long time. Brick is also resistant to fire and won’t mold or rot over time.
Cons: There is a lot involved in putting brick on your house. Masonry veneer is non-structural so builders/masons must tie it to the building structure to prevent movement under weather and natural ground shifting. Brick is also generally more expensive than other siding options. And color options are usually limited for brick.
Synthetic Stone
Pros: Synthetic stone is made from a mixture of sand and cement and can mimic virtually and type of stone siding. Synthetic stone is rarely used to cover an entire home but is great for accent walls and columns. It has the look and feel of real stone but is a fraction of the cost. Consider pairing synthetic stone with other siding options for great curb appeal.
Cons: Although cheaper than real brick or stone, synthetic stone is still expensive. And because concrete is involved in its composition, it’s less durable than real stone.
Vinyl
Pros: Vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive and versatile. It’s easy to handle which results in a quick install and cheaper labor costs. Modern vinyl is available in a variety of textures and colors and can even mimic real wood and stone.
Cons: Although vinyl is mostly maintenance free, it does require some work to keep clean as mold and grime can build up. Vinyl also is susceptible to weather damage like hail and ice. Vinyl also requires overlapping during install which results in visual seams.
Wood
Pros: Wood offers the most natural and visually appealing look to many homeowners. It’s easy to cut and install which helps reduce labor costs. And there are a variety of wood species and looks available.
Cons: The cost of wood is usually high. Wood siding also requires more maintenance than most types of siding as it’s susceptible to termites and rotting.
Fiber Cement
Pros: Fiber cement is a mixture of clay, cement, and sand and has a reputation for being low maintenance with high stability. It can be made to look like shingles, masonry, and even wood clapboard siding. It’s easy to paint and available in a variety of finishes. It’s termite and fire resistant and often comes with a good warranty.
Cons: Fiber cement siding is very heavy which often drives up the cost of installation. Some homeowners say that it needs to be refinished after 10-15 years.
Engineered Wood Siding
Pros: Engineered wood siding (Also known as SmartSide) is made from exterior-grade resins and wood fibers making it strong enough to stand up to extreme weather conditions. It’s available in a wide variety of textures and styles such as rough-sawn clapboard, beaded lap, and wood shingles. It usually comes primed or prefinished from the factory.
Cons: Earlier versions have had moisture issues, though new product is backed by good warranties. As a newer product on the market, there isn’t a lot of proof as to just how reliable it is.
As we talked about at the beginning, you have a lot of choices when it comes to improving the exterior of your house. At Nelson-Young Lumber, we can help guide you through that process with the many siding looks and styles you’re looking for.
For more information, visit our website at: https://www.nylumber.com/siding
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