Quick Guide to Siding

Photo courtesy Cornerstone Building Brands

Siding plays a big role in both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. Choosing the right style and material can enhance curb appeal, provide insulation, and protect your house from the elements. With so many options available, selecting the best fit for your home can be a challenging decision. We cover the advantages and disadvantages of common house siding options.

Material Pros & Cons

Choices in siding can be a balancing act of four major factors: cost, style, longevity, and maintenance. Here’s a rundown of what the most popular materials can offer.

Vinyl Siding—The most popular siding choice in the United States and Canada, vinyl siding is affordable, durable, and long lasting. It doesn't require painting and is easy to clean with just soap and water. The siding is resistant to rot, insect damage, and fading. Plus, it’s recyclable. Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride, aka PVC. (Polymer siding is very similar but made from a different plastic called polypropylene resin.)

Under extreme weather conditions, vinyl can crack or warp, and repairing the damaged panels can be challenging, likely requiring replacement.

Insulated siding is made of vinyl bonded to breathable expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, which boosts the insulating capacity of the exterior walls. Insulated siding also reduces noise and acts as a better shock absorber, absorbing impacts without denting.

In the past, vinyl siding has generally only been available in lighter colors because

vinyl siding with darker colors tends to have problems distorting and fading from heat and sunlight. However, vinyl siding is now available with reflective technology, which combines

color science with advanced heat-dispersing properties. Thanks to this innovation, options like SolarDefense vinyl siding from PlyGem is available in bolder, darker colors and backed

by a “No Fade, No Distortion Promise.”

EverPlank Luxury Vinyl Siding features a patented technology that allows for end-to-end installation, delivering a high-end plank look with no overlapping seams.

Wood Siding—There’s a good reason other types of siding materials are made to mimic the look of wood. Its natural beauty adds warmth and character to a home's exterior, and different wood species offer unique grain patterns and colors. Wood is environmentally friendly and can be painted or stained in virtually any color, allowing for endless design possibilities.

Wood does require regular maintenance, including staining or painting every few years and periodic inspections for rot or insect damage. Without proper sealing and maintenance, wood siding is susceptible to rot, mold, and mildew, especially in humid climates. Quality wood siding can be expensive upfront, and the ongoing maintenance costs should be

factored in. Species such as cedar, redwood, and cypress contain natural oils that make

them more resistant to rot and insect damage.

Whether or not to DIY or call a pro for siding installation depends on the scope of the project. Small projects and repairs are manageable for homeowners, but reputable contractors should be enlisted for any large project that requires ladders and multiple workers. The Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association offers free how-to videos, wood siding installation guides, and more at www.nelma.org.

A relatively new product option is thermally modified wood (TMW) siding, which is natural wood that has undergone a heat treatment process to improve its properties. The process changes the cell structure of the wood, reducing its equilibrium moisture content and making it more resistant to decay and insects. This is achieved without the use of chemicals, which means the end product is non-toxic and eco-friendly and significantly more durable than untreated wood, making it ideal for outdoor applications such as siding, decking, and

furniture. The heating process can bring out a richer color in the wood, which many find appealing. The thermal modification process makes the wood less appetizing to pests, and TMW is less prone to swelling, warping, and shrinking due to changes in moisture.

Composite Siding—This is a broad category of siding is that is often made of fibrous wood as a base that is bonded with additional materials, but there are also composite options that use other materials as the base, such as cement. Composite siding can be manufactured with the look of wood or stone products, and its performance depends largely upon its material makeup. Technically, engineered wood siding is a subset of composite siding.

Engineered Wood Siding—Engineered wood siding replicates the look and feel of

real wood, offering warmth and character but manufactured with enhanced durability and longevity compared to natural wood.

While engineered wood siding requires less maintenance than natural wood, it still needs periodic painting or staining to protect against moisture and UV damage. Engineered wood

can be more expensive than vinyl or aluminum but is generally more affordable than solid wood siding. While engineered wood siding is designed to resist moisture, improper

installation or maintenance can lead to water infiltration and damage over time.

Fiber Cement Siding—Durability and versatility make fiber-cement siding a popular option for many homeowners. Also known as “cement board" or “Hardieboard,” fiber cement siding combines the performance of masonry with the look of wood. It can also mimic the look of stucco or masonry at a lower cost, providing homeowners with various design options. It is resistant to rot, fire, insects, and harsh weather conditions, offering long-term protection. Fiber cement has an infinite number of color options because it is painted any color you want after installation. It requires minimal upkeep, typically only needing occasional cleaning with a hose and mild detergent.

Although fiber cement is less expensive than natural wood or stone, it's pricier than vinyl siding. Installation is more labor-intensive due to the weight and composition of the panels, requiring specialized tools and expertise. Fiber cement siding manufacturers include James Hardie, Nichiha, and Allura.

Aluminum Siding—This traditional siding option will not rust, rot, or succumb to insect damage, making it a long-lasting choice for exteriors. Unlike wood siding, aluminum does not require painting or staining, and it can be easily cleaned with soap and water. The

lightweight panels make it easy to handle and install compared to heavier materials like brick or stone, and aluminum siding comes in a wide range of colors and finishes.

While aluminum is durable, it can dent easily upon impact from hail, debris, or other objects, detracting from its appearance. Over time, aluminum siding may fade or chalk, especially when exposed to harsh sunlight, requiring occasional repainting or refinishing to maintain its color. Although not as expensive as some premium siding materials, aluminum siding

can still be relatively costly compared to options like vinyl.

Steel Siding—Steel siding is incredibly durable and resistant to dents, scratches, and weather damage, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to severe weather. Similar

to aluminum siding, steel requires minimal maintenance and can be cleaned with soap

and water. Steel siding provides added fire protection to your home, and some steel siding products are designed with insulating properties, helping to improve energy efficiency.

Thanks to its superior durability, steel siding can last up to 50 years or more. Steel siding is resistant to rust, but it can corrode over time, particularly in coastal areas or high-humidity regions. Steel siding also tends to cost more than aluminum or vinyl siding, both in terms of material and installation costs.

Brick Siding—Timeless appeal is what has made brick a staple of home construction for centuries. Brick requires minimal upkeep and resists rot, fire, and insect damage, offering excellent longevity. It provides natural insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.

Cost can be a factor with brick, as it is one of the most expensive siding options, both in terms of material and installation expenses. Proper installation of brick siding requires

specialized skills and equipment, adding to the overall project cost. Brick’s classic charm has limited design flexibility, so it won’t suit every architectural style. Alterations or additions can also be challenging and costly.

Siding Styles to Consider

Lap siding features the traditional look of long, flat, horizontal boards that overlap to shed water and prevent it from reaching the walls. Choose from narrow, regular, or wide panel widths, typically ranging from 3 to 7 inches. The overlapping design of lap siding makes it quick and easy to install, which can save time and money on the project.

Shake and shingle siding is crafted for its charm and character. Often reserved for smaller homes or as accents on larger ones, textured shake and shingle siding can resemble natural cedar with the low-maintenance characteristics of a vinyl product.

Harbor Mill Shake and Shingle polypropylene siding panels have built-in features that simplify installation. Drop guards, alignment guides, and continuous seam locks make it easy to position and fasten each siding panel, which is a huge advantage when you're 20 feet high on a ladder.

Vertical siding, also called board-and-batten siding, can lend a dramatic sense of height

to a home’s exterior, or be used as an accent to highlight various architectural features. Vertical siding can provide the look of painted wood without all the maintenance. Choose from a variety of materials, styles, colors, and finishes.

Faux stone/masonry cladding can provide the appearance of natural stone walls or brickwork at a lower price and with easier installation than the real thing. This cladding is often used to accent wood-look siding in accent walls and wainscot applications.

Faux stone/masonry cladding can provide the appearance of natural stone walls or brickwork at a lower price and with easier installation. Photo courtesy of TandoStone.

DIY or Pro?

Should you attempt your own DIY siding installation? That’s a loaded question… For example, a confident DIY'er could tackle a small vinyl siding repair job, but only a professional mason should attempt to install brick onto a wall.

Do you plan on building a workshop or storage shed and installing your own siding? Go for it! Planning to re-side your three-story house? Forget about it!

Replacing siding on a damaged wall at ground level is manageable, but larger jobs require multiple ladders, platforms, scaffolding and workers. The deceptively simple act of

fastening the siding panels shouldn't overshadow all the dangerous ladder work and logistical problems of measuring, cutting panels to shape, and moving large materials many feet off the ground. The various types of siding also install with different procedures, so installers will need to study the manufacturer’s instructions carefully regarding fastening techniques, cutting procedures, expansion gaps, etc.

Furthermore, when it comes to wall transitions, flashing methods, and finish details, there's a lot more to installation than simply nailing up a panel. Before installing the new siding, house-wrap and proper flashing details should be in place to shed water away from the building envelope.

When in doubt about selection or installation, consult a reputable professional who can help walk you through the entire process. Each siding option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your home will depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance capabilities. Weigh these factors to select the right siding which will enhance the beauty and functionality of your home for years to come.

SIDE NOTES

Versatex Xceed Lap Siding

Versatex Xceed Lap Siding is an advanced cellular PVC cladding that comes in 16-ft. lengths to minimize butt joints. The panels are produced to guarantee 16-in. on-center spacing at butt joints. A unique, self-leveling feature, the VZ Drop-Lock, maintains a level line course to course. The cellular PVC features a significant reduction in thermal movement, and

a heat-resistant acrylic capstock minimizes fade while ensuring color hold. Xceed comes with a realistic woodgrain surface texture in traditional white or a selection of fade-resistant colors, and it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Foundry Specialty Siding

Today’s wood-look siding can feature a great deal of texture and detail as seen with Foundry Specialty Siding, a PVC product from Westlake Royal Building Products. The color portfolio offers the warm look of cedar with five standard hues and four weathered hues, which reflect the latest trends toward grays and darker tones.

Vinyl Siding Installation

For a detailed look at what is involved with installing vinyl siding, check out our article on Vinyl Siding Installation.