Which Siding Material Should You Get?

The siding is an unsung hero of the home’s exterior. It protects the residents from the elements just as much as the roof and it also helps route rainwater away from the home like the gutter.

The siding also adds aesthetic value to a home. It is one of the most noticeable part of the home from the curb. It helps buyers decide whether to even set foot inside or not.

Because of all these reasons, it’s critical that you choose the right material for your siding. We understand this because we offer siding installation to Annapolis, MD homes.

Read on to find out how you can decide between siding materials.

Choosing Siding Materials

Not all siding materials are created equally. Depending on where you are and what kind of climate your location has, other options may be more applicable for you. There’s also the factor of budget. Some materials are significantly more expensive than others.

Here are the most common siding materials:

Vinyl

Starting off with the most popular material today, vinyl enjoys a 32% share of the siding market. It gained its well-deserved popularity because it’s affordable, durable, versatile, and low maintenance. It can also come in several colors and finishes, giving homeowners more leeway in terms of design.

At G.H. Clark, our vinyl siding can also come with soffit eaves and overhangs, which combines both beauty and function.

Wood

Wood siding offers homes a more classic and warm charm, but only when it’s properly maintained. It comes in different styles including shakes, shingles, clapboards, and board and batten. It can also be an eco-friendly option if its sustainably sourced.

Fewer homeowners now choose wood because it can be expensive and a hassle to constantly maintain. It’s also susceptible to rot and decay. In some locations, the flammable property of wood is also a major drawback.

aluminum siding

Metal

Contemporary and modern-style buildings are usually where you can find metal siding. They commonly use aluminum, zinc, or copper for these. It is resistant to fires, rot, mold, and insects. It is also relatively low maintenance.

However, metal can be more expensive than the other options out there. It is also susceptible to rust, especially when not installed properly. Others simply don’t like the shed-like aesthetic and feel of the material.

Fiber Cement

This type of siding material is made from a blend of cement, cellulose, and sand. This combination makes this option a highly durable one. In fact, fiber cement siding is impervious to rot and pests. It is also highly resistant against fire. It is also designed to mimic the beauty of wood.

While it can be costly (around twice the price of vinyl), fiber cement more than makes up for it with its strength and durability. At G.H. Clark, we trust in fiber cement so much that we offer a lifetime warranty.

Stone or Brick

There is no denying that a stone or brick siding is both highly durable and requires little to no maintenance. It is one of the longest lasting materials that can be used as siding. It is resistant to extreme temperatures, fire, and moisture.

The only real downside to stone or brick is its cost. The outright cost of the materials is expensive. Installing it is labor-intensive and therefore expensive. Some homes that use this material require additional structural support, which can also be expensive.

Take Away

Siding is an important part of the home’s exterior for both longevity and design purposes. For this reason, it is essential that homeowners choose the best material for their needs.

If you want more advice regarding the strengths, weaknesses, and differences of siding materials, feel free to reach out to us at 410-414-7060. You can also visit our contact page for more information.

Roofing Contractor Prince Frederick, MD