Which Siding Type Is The Best?

Everyone has different preferences, expectations and goals. With so many options out in the market, it can be hard to make an educated purchase without doing product research first. We have outlined pros and cons of 3 popular siding types below to help you make a decision based on your preferences, expectations and long-term goals.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most cost effective siding options in the market. It is a durable option that does not rot, and it withstands mildew and mold. It is low maintenance and comes in a variety of styles and colors.

Vinyl siding can be viewed as a lesser quality material by potential home buyers when put on the market. It is a great cost effective option for homeowners. Updating your old vinyl siding to a newer vinyl siding style can definitely make a significant difference in the curb appeal. New vinyl siding can look stunning if you design your home strategically. It comes in lap, panel and shake form.

Another thing to keep in mind is that although it is low maintenance, careful washing is encouraged to avoid water becoming trapped beneath the siding, which can lead to structural rotting issues down the road. Avoid firing up grills near your vinyl siding because it cause the vinyl to soften, warp, and sag when exposed to heat.

Vinyl is a great choice for:

• Homeowners looking for the most cost effective option

• Homeowners wanting a low maintenance, durable option

Tip: Invest in quality insulation to improve energy efficiency.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is a manufactured siding that comes in a wood-like texture or smooth. It is made of wood composites (resins, wax, zinc borate, and overlay), which protects against termites and rot, making it a great resilient exterior material. Engineered wood siding is quickly growing in popularity as a siding choice due to its many benefits and competitive pricing to fiber-cement siding.

One of the biggest benefits of engineered wood siding is that it has a tougher shell that resists impacts better than other materials. Check out LP Smartside demonstration videos to see for yourself.

The cedar grain pattern and texture of engineered wood siding helps enhance the curb appeal of any home. It can be painted in many colors, and comes in all forms; panel, shake and lap. It has fewer seams in lap form which can result in a cleaner, elegant look whether you opt for the cedar or smooth texture.

It is recommended to maintain and examine engineered wood siding once a year for wear damages. It is important to properly maintain the siding to maximize siding life, and to catch any damages since swelling and warping can occur if moisture absorbs in a damaged area. It is not a fireproof material. The durability, resilience and value engineered wood siding brings to the table makes it an investment worth making.

Engineered wood is a great choice for:

• Homeowners looking for durability

• Homeowners wanting a low maintenance, durable option

• Homeowners who want to enhance the curb appeal of home and raise its value

• High impact areas

• 50 year limited material warranty

Fiber-Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is one of the most popular siding choices out in the market for its incomparable benefits. It is the only siding in the market that has been awarded a Class 1 (A) Rating. A very popular siding brand is by James Hardie, known for its superior durability, and beautiful timeless look. Regardless of the brand you choose, Fiber-cement siding comes with a lot of benefits.

Each siding brand in the market may have a slight varying material mix, but ultimately they are all made with cement, water, and cellulose fibers, which account for strength and durability. The material works great against rot, pests, weather, and even Fires!! Fiber cement siding is naturally flame retardant and lasts a lifetime. The best thing about it is that regardless of whether you paint it, has years of wear, its fire retardant properties stay intact for the lifetime of the siding. This benefit alone makes the investment worth it.

Another great fiber cement benefit is its ability to withstand harsh winter climates since it doesn't absorb moisture the way wood does. It is an excellent exterior material that offers protection to homes during harsh winter climates.

Fiber-cement is a great choice for:

• Homeowners who want to elevate the curb appeal of their homes

• Homeowners who want quality (appearance, durability, low maintenance, high ROI)

• Homeowners who live in any area, including fire prone areas, prone to dry wind, or bush fires, and harsh winter climates

• 35 year or 50 year limited material warranty

It ultimately all boils down to preference and your short-term / long-term goals for your home. For example, if you plan on living in your home for the next few decades, you might want to invest in a high quality, durable product that is low maintenance, so you don’t have to be making frequent repairs or replacements. It might be important to you to live in a home that looks amazing in-and-out.

If you plan on selling your home within the next few months, it might make more sense to go after the lowest cost solution. However, Homeowners that understand the value of quality exterior products understand that when they invest in a quality siding replacement, it helps raise the home’s market value, the curb appeal can help attract potential buyers, and they understand that they will be recouping most of their siding investment upon selling.

Still don't feel satisfied with an answer? Feel free to do more research or get in touch with us for guidance.