Are you ready for new siding for your home renovation project? Today’s siding materials span everything from plastic and wood to cement and aluminum. It’s nice to have all those choices, but it’s understandable that homeowners may get a little overwhelmed when trying to pick the best option. Knowing and understanding the popular siding options available on the market will help you select one that is right for your home.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made from pouring vinyl resin into board-shaped molds, similar to how PVC pipe is made. These boards can come in many different colors and can be textured to look very similar to wood. Vinyl is also one of the lightest and least expensive siding materials, making it ideal for an affordable, quick installation. However, vinyl installation is usually a professional job with its sometimes-tricky nailing requirements. Vinyl may also struggle in extreme temperatures, where some types have been known crack in freezing weather or melt in hot climates. High-quality products are essential when considering vinyl.
Wooden Siding
Wooden siding is relatively affordable in most locations and is very easy to install and paint or stain for a variety of different appearances. However, even high-quality, durable woods still have some notable weaknesses: They do poorly in wet weather and are more vulnerable to pest infestations and damage than other materials. The commonly advised wood is cedar, which has some of the best resistance to bugs and outdoor wear and tear.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is an interesting mix of wood strands and a durable cement mixture that is molded into a board-like shape. The big advantage here is durability. Fiber cement can withstand all types of weather, bugs, fire and most other types of damage. It’s excellent for meeting building codes and providing a material that won’t wear out for the life of the house. However, fiber cement siding is also very heavy and must be properly installed by a professional.
Metal Siding
When it comes to houses, the aluminum siding is the primary metal option. Slim strips of aluminum can form a pleasing and durable layer of siding that is invulnerable to bugs and can easily weather temperature extremes. Plus, its lightweight nature makes it easy to install. Aluminum siding may not hold a layer of paint as long as other types of siding, and without the proper coatings, it may have problems with the white-residue corrosion that aluminum experiences.
Fiberglass Siding
Fiberglass is also made of plastic resin but is reinforced with glass fibers and matting. It’s similar to a high-quality version of vinyl siding, with less tendency to lose its shape. However, it is durable when it comes to pests and weather. It also tends to look more natural than other types of plastic siding. One downfall is that fiberglass siding is not yet a common form of siding and may not be available in desired style or colors.
Need help choosing your siding? We can help! Contact us
Need help deciding on what siding is right for your home? We can help. For more information and to schedule an estimate for installing siding, contact us, a reliable roofing company in Atlanta at Rosie’s Roofing and Restoration today!
