Enhancing the exterior of your home with siding can give it an instant makeover and increase its resale value. Depending on the material chosen and project requirements, different siding options could result in different returns on investment rates.
Concrete siding is an increasingly popular choice among homeowners. Not only is it durable and weatherproof, but its versatile aesthetic complements virtually every decor scheme.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is an attractive choice for homeowners who value an exterior that’s fire-, rot- and insect-proof. Furthermore, its moisture resistance prevents any freeze-thaw cycles that would compromise other forms of siding materials.
James Hardie brand siding comes in long plank boards or as siding shingles, offering a selection of colors with their colors baked right into each plank or shingle.
Homeowners who opt for fiber cement siding will experience less maintenance costs compared to other forms of siding, such as wood and vinyl. While other materials require frequent touch ups due to daily sun exposure, fiber cement siding remains looking its best for decades without the need for repainting or staining – making it more durable than brick or natural stone and an excellent choice for cape cod cottage cladding or accentuating other types of panels such as clapboards or stucco panels.
Cedar
Cedar siding offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance that other options cannot match, making it the perfect natural option to accent any home’s aesthetics. Staining it allows you to preserve its rich hue for many years; otherwise it may fade to silvery gray over time without regular care and maintenance.
Cedar is an eco-friendly choice and provides superior sound and thermal insulation; however, its initial investment and ongoing maintenance requirements make it more costly than fiber cement options. Before choosing either option for your home, however, make sure your priorities align.
Shingles
Shingle siding is one of the most versatile and widely used forms of home exterior decoration, easily fitting any traditional or contemporary home design style. Made from hardwoods such as teak or garapa, softwoods such as pine or even vinyl materials.
Cedar shakes and shingles are classic options for home shingle siding; however, other materials such as fiber cement and vinyl may also be utilized. Shingle siding adds visual texture and rustic charm.
As an added benefit, they also protect your home from moisture and insects. However, regular maintenance must be performed on them such as painting and caulking, in addition to replacing any damaged pieces.
Panels
Siding can make an immediate and dramatic change to a home’s appearance, reflecting both your architectural style and that of its neighbors. Choose colors, styles, and materials carefully as this decision could shape neighborhood aesthetics as a result.
Wood siding options include clapboards, shakes and shingles. Cedar costs more than pine but is better at resisting rot and insects; while shingles provide uniform appearance with easy maintenance. Furthermore, fire retardant properties may be mandatory in high risk areas.
Engineered wood siding options are lightweight and relatively cost-effective options that are easy to work with. Products like MiraTEC exterior trim use the patented TEC process and offer moisture, rot, and termite resistance with a 50-year limited warranty. Rough-sawn plywood panels called Texture 1-11 can also be installed directly over wood framing without exterior sheathing – these come equipped with factory-applied primer in 16ft lengths to minimize butt joints.
Metal
Metal siding is an extremely resilient option that can be utilized in several different ways. Common applications include flat panels or board and batten. Ribs may also be added for added visual interest and to highlight the height of walls or buildings.
Metal siding offers many advantages when it comes to weatherproofing your home: its strength against rain, mold and pests is unparalleled, while it also has great energy-saving capabilities – reflecting sun rays away in summer and trapping heat inside during winter.
Steel and aluminum siding offer two primary options for metal siding: Aluminum is usually more cost-effective, while steel tends to hold onto its color longer. Both options offer an array of paint colors to complement your home’s architecture.
