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Whether your home’s siding is damaged and in need of replacement or you’re looking to enhance your curb appeal, selecting the right house siding can be challenging. Today, we’re exploring eight types of siding to help you make an informed decision.

Key Insights: 

  • Vinyl and Fiber Cement Siding are among the most durable types of home siding available.
  • If you have a historic home, Engineered Hardwood Siding is an excellent way to preserve the look of your home, offering added benefits and durability.
  • Vinyl siding is available in several faux finishes that mimic the appearance of brick, stone, or wood.
  • Working with a professional to determine the best siding type for your home is a sure way to increase your home’s value and ensure a quality installation.

Our Siding Comparison Guide: 8 Different Types of House Siding

Graphic showing eight popular siding types: vinyl, insulated vinyl, engineered hardwood, fiber cement, composite, wood, metal, and aluminum, each illustrated with images for visual comparison. Target audience is homeowners or builders.

When shopping for siding, you’ll find a variety of types of home siding, ranging from natural stone to engineered wood to real wood in a range of colors and styles. To determine what is best for your home and lifestyle, consider whether you prefer low-maintenance siding, determine your budget for the price per square foot, and think about whether you have specific color preferences. While this list is far from exhaustive, here are eight of the most popular siding options on the market today.

Vinyl Siding

What is it?
Primarily made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), vinyl is available in a wide range of colors and styles that imitate wood or stone.

Pros
• Wide range of colors that won’t fade or chip
• Cost-effective pricing
• Durable
• It’s low-maintenance, you won’t need to paint or stain.

Cons
• It requires regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt and mildew.
• Extreme heat or cold can cause the vinyl siding to crack or warp.
• Reputation for looking “cheap” compared to wood or stone options
• There are environmental concerns regarding the production and recycling of PVC products.

Our Durability Rating
• 4.8 Stars
• Properly installed vinyl siding can last between 20-40 years with proper maintenance.

Insulated Vinyl Siding

What is it?
This premium version of vinyl siding comes insulated, which can help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Available in the same wide range of colors and textures, it also has added UV protection and tends to be more durable than standard vinyl.

Pros
• Requires very little maintenance
• Improves your home’s energy efficiency and can reduce utility bills
• Available in a wide range of colors and styles.

Cons
• More expensive to install than regular vinyl siding
• More expensive per square foot of siding
• It may not be appropriate for historic homes

Our Durability Rating
• 5 Stars
• Insulated vinyl siding is slightly more durable than standard vinyl and is expected to last for decades with proper maintenance.

Engineered Hardwood Siding

What is it?
Engineered hardwood is made from compressed wood fibers and resin, designed to mimic the look of traditional hardwood siding. It offers improved durability and resistance to weather damage compared to its solid wood counterparts, and is available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Also can come with warranties up to 50 years.

Pros
• Engineered wood has a longer lifespan than regular wood and is more resistant to warping, cracking, and rot than traditional wood siding.
• An excellent option for areas with extreme weather conditions.
• Low-maintenance once installed

Cons
• While durable, it may be more susceptible to moisture or insect damage when compared to vinyl or steel alternatives.
• More expensive than traditional wood siding.

Our Durability Rating
• 5.0 stars
• This low-maintenance, durable wood option is a great choice for homes in extreme weather climates.

Fiber Cement Siding

What is it?
Made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, Fiber Cement Siding offers one of the longest lifespans of any siding product at up to 50 years.

Pros
• Low maintenance
• Offers a wide range of styles and finishes
• Can handle extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and hail.
• Fire-resistant and insect-resistant properties add to the durability.

Cons
• Periodic cleaning is still needed.
• Installation can be more difficult and expensive than with other materials.

Our Durability Rating
• 5 stars
• Fiber Cement Siding is a durable option that can last for up to 50 years with proper care.

Composite Siding

What is it?
Made from a combination of recycled wood fibers and plastic, composite siding mimics the look of wood with some of the durability features of vinyl siding.

Pros
• Mid-price range per square foot.
• A wide variety of colors and styles are available.
• Can tolerate extreme weather.
• Resistant to insects and pests.
• Does not rot or decay over time.

Cons
• Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Fading can occur over time, especially when exposed to prolonged natural light.

Our Durability Rating
• 4.0 Stars
• Overall, there are both the benefits of lower-maintenance siding and the advantages of wood.

Wood Siding

What is it?
A classic, timeless siding option for your home, wood siding is highly sought after for its natural beauty.

Pros
• Properly sealed wood is durable and protected from the elements.
• Natural wood is a beautiful aesthetic and adds value to a home.

Cons
• Depending on what type of wood you choose, the price can vary significantly.
• Wood siding requires regular maintenance, such as sealing and painting to prevent rot, decay, and pests.
• Not recommended for areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall.
• Can crack, warp, and split with extreme weather.

Our Durability Rating
• 4.0 stars
• While beautiful, wood siding requires careful maintenance to protect it from damage, and depending on the types of wood you select, could be less durable than other siding types.

Metal Siding

What is it?
Among the most long-lasting types of home siding, metal is a durable and modern option that is a great choice for homes that experience high winds, heavy rain, and hail.

Pros
• Available in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes.
• Fire and insect-resistant.
• Durable in extreme weather climates.

Cons
• It can dent or scratch, which is challenging to repair.
• Not suitable for homes with a traditional or historic aesthetic.
• Periodic cleaning is needed to prevent rust or corrosion.

Our Durability Rating
• 4.5 stars
• A great, durable option for modern-style homes.

Aluminum Siding

What is it?
A cost-effective and durable siding material that can withstand many different environments.

Pros
• Cost-effective
• Durable in all environments
• Available in various styles and finishes, and can also be painted or coated.

Cons
• Aluminum can scratch and dent easily.
• Not appropriate for historic or traditional architecture.
• Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.

Our Durability Rating
• 4.8 stars
• Aluminum is a durable and cost-effective option for homeowners seeking a modern look for their home’s exterior siding.

Factors To Consider When Selecting Your Siding

In addition to the maintenance costs you want to be responsible for and the look you want your home to have, you’ll also need to consider environmental, budgetary, and efficiency needs when exploring the different types of home siding.

Your Home’s Weather 

Both your daily weather patterns and the risk of major weather events play a factor in determining the types of home siding that are best for your home. For example, if your home is in a moderate climate but receives full sun daily and isn’t shaded, you may need a siding like Hardie board that isn’t prone to warping or UV damage. If your home is in an area prone to extreme weather events, such as wildfires, hurricanes, or tornadoes, you’ll need to consider durable siding in case those events occur near your home.

Your Home’s Size

New siding is priced by the square foot. If your home is larger, smaller, or medium-sized, you’ll want to know how much you have to spend and what that means for your siding options.

If you have a large home, you’ll also want to think about maintenance needs for your siding. Can you access the second story to properly clean it? Or will you need to hire someone? These are all factors that impact the cost over the life of your home.

Your Energy Needs

Homeowners who pay high heating or cooling bills in extreme temperatures will understand the benefits of insulated products in preventing air leaks in their homes. If you find yourself battling intense heat in the summer or chilling winter cold snaps, choose a siding that will help your energy efficiency, not fight against it.

HOA Restrictions

If you live in an HOA-governed neighborhood, you’ll likely need approval before you update your siding to a new look or color. There are many popular options that come in a variety of styles and colors, so you’re sure to find something everyone can agree on.

If you own a historic home, not all types of home siding will be suitable, and you may need to select a product that closely matches your original siding. Avoid using metal and vinyl siding, and consult a professional about engineered wood options that match the types of wood siding your home originally had.

Decision chart guiding users to choose the right siding for their home based on climate, architectural style, maintenance, durability, and budget preferences. Options include vinyl, fiber cement, composite, metal, and wood sidings.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Illustrated guide listing tips for hiring the right contractor, including experience, community trust, certification, clear pricing, and insurance. Features a graphic of a person in a hard hat using a tablet.

Full-Insurance Coverage and Quality Guarantee 

DIY installation or handyman installations can bring more trouble than they’re worth. With a professional installation, you’re benefiting from full-coverage insurance protecting your property and their employees against damages or injury, along with decades of professional experience that helps them complete the job quickly and professionally.

Reputable installation professionals will also include a quality guarantee in case anything goes wrong with your siding.

Expert Counsel on Selecting The Right Siding for Your Home

Aerotech brings decades of experience, a commitment to quality workmanship, and the experience to recommend the best product for your needs. If you’re unsure which type of home siding will maintain the look of your home with the maintenance requirements you’re after, we can help you compare different types of siding to find the right one.

The Right Siding Professionals Will Save You Money in the Long Run 

Your home’s curb appeal is an important factor in determining its value. A professional installation will take even the most affordable siding to the next level, and prevent leaks, damage, and expensive repairs down the road from a DIY approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Siding

What Are the Best Types of Home Siding?

The “best” siding is one that checks all of the unique needs of your home. If you’re looking for fire-resistant qualities, fiber-cement siding might be the best option. If you want to maintain the look and feel of your historic home, wood shingles could be the way to go. Advances in technology and design have made it easier than ever to create a beautiful look and feel for your home with durable products. Engineered wood siding, stucco siding, stone veneer, and more offer texture and style with a durable and long-lasting exterior finish. Work with a professional to determine the optimal blend of style, cost, and durability tailored to your specific needs.

What Are The Most Cost-Effective Types of Home Siding?

This depends somewhat on how long you will be staying in your home. Some types of home siding are more expensive initially, but they last for up to 50 years. Others will cost less upfront but might need to be replaced much sooner. In general, vinyl siding is considered one of the most cost-effective options, as is aluminum siding. However, if your home’s environment is not suited for them, they won’t last long, and the cost of replacement will outweigh your initial savings.

What is the Best Siding to Increase My Home’s Value?

The most valuable type of home siding is one that is durable and well-suited for your region. It should look great and perform even better to wow potential home buyers. Long-lasting options will set buyers at ease, knowing they won’t need to replace it or have a high maintenance schedule to care for it. That said, some high-maintenance options are worth it to increase your home’s curb appeal. Natural wood siding is among the most valuable, and depending on the architectural style of your home, cedar shake siding or different types of wood can provide a classic look and increase your home’s value.

Can House Siding Materials Impact Energy Efficiency?

Yes! Your home’s insulation plays a major role in energy efficiency. An insulating siding can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you want to boost your home’s efficiency, look at insulated vinyl siding. You can also choose colors that reflect rather than absorb sunlight to help keep your home cooler. Black and other dark colors have increased heat transfer into your home. And if it’s not well insulated, that can impact the temperature inside. Vinyl siding is available in a wide range of colors and styles, and can even have the look of wood siding or faux stone.

We’re Your Local Siding Installation Experts

If it’s time to update your home’s siding, contact Aerotech to receive expert guidance on material selection, professional installation, and our quality guarantee. Without locations serving St. Louis, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington D.C., we’re the experts on your climate needs and can get out to provide a FREE quote ASAP, often within 24 hours.

We’re Here to Serve!

Aerotech brings over 34 years of gutter expertise to every job. We’re fully insured, so you will have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and efficiently every time.

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