Best Types of Siding for Your House

Choosing the right siding for your house is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. The type of siding you select impacts the look, durability, maintenance, and energy efficiency of your home’s exterior. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the most popular siding options to help you select the best type for your needs.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is currently the most popular siding choice in the U.S. due to its affordability, low maintenance, and variety of colors and styles.

Pros

Cost-effective – Vinyl is cheaper than wood, brick, and stone. It’s a budget-friendly option.
Low maintenance – Vinyl requires very little upkeep. It doesn’t need to be painted or stained. Just wash it occasionally with a hose.
Durability – Vinyl stands up well to rain, snow, heat, and cold. It won’t rot or warp like wood.
Energy efficiency – Insulated vinyl with a foam backing can help reduce heating and cooling costs.
Customizable – Vinyl comes in endless colors, textures, and styles to match any home’s look.

Cons

Fades over time – Vinyl can fade, chalk, and collect dirt if not cleaned occasionally.
Susceptible to damage – Vinyl can crack, peel, or dent if hit by objects. Repairing it is tricky.
Lacks authenticity – Some homeowners avoid vinyl because it lacks the charm and character of real wood siding.
Not eco-friendly – Vinyl is a petroleum-based plastic that’s not biodegradable. It can’t be recycled easily.
Can look cheap – Low-quality vinyl and improper installation can make siding look hollow and artificial. Invest in good materials and professional installation for the best look.

Overall, vinyl siding offers an affordable, low-maintenance option if installed properly. It comes in diverse styles to suit any home design.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding provides the appearance of wood, brick, or stone siding minus the high cost and maintenance needs. It’s a top choice for beautiful, durable low-maintenance siding.

Pros

Extremely durable – Fiber cement stands up to weather, rot, moisture, insects, impact, and time better than wood or vinyl.
Low maintenance – Fiber cement won’t rot, warp, or need frequent repainting like real wood. Just wash occasionally.
Fire resistant – Fiber cement is non-combustible and won’t feed a fire. This adds safety.
Customizable look – Fiber cement comes in various wood grain-like textures and can mimic shingle, shake, lap, and other authentic siding styles.
Eco-friendly – Fiber cement contains recycled materials like fly ash and causes less environmental impact than vinyl.

Cons

Higher upfront cost – Fiber cement costs more than vinyl or plain wood siding. The 30+ year lifespan offsets this.
Professional installation required – DIY is not possible. Hire experienced contractors to avoid cracks.
Can crack if improperly handled – Cracks mar the appearance and lead to moisture intrusion. Handle with care.
Heavy – Thicker than vinyl and wood, fiber cement is heavy. This can increase shipping and installation costs.
Concrete-like appearance – Some dislike the uniform look compared to natural wood grains. Staining can add color variation.

With proper installation, fiber cement endures for decades with minimal maintenance, providing a beautiful wood-like appearance. It’s an ideal choice for climates with heavy rain, wind, sun, moisture, and termites.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding offers the warmth and aesthetic of real wood with added durability and dimensional stability. It’s a top choice for a classic wood look with less upkeep.

Pros

Natural wood look – Engineered wood siding looks like traditional wood siding but resists warping, cracking, and rotting.
More stable – Precision engineering creates moisture-resistant wood that withstands swelling and shrinkage issues.
Low maintenance – Engineered wood needs occasional refinishing but avoids frequent painting or staining required by real wood.
Eco-friendly – Made from fast-growing, sustainable woods or recycled wood fibers with non-toxic glues/binders.
Fire resistant – Some types like fiber cement and HDO are non-combustible or have fire retardant.

Cons

Upfront cost – More expensive than vinyl but less than cedar wood siding. Offsets maintenance costs.
Still needs some maintenance – Will need refinishing every 5-10 years to maintain color and appearance.
Production flaws occasionally – Improper pressing can cause hollow spots or gaps. Inspect carefully before install.
Heavy – Heavier than vinyl. Harder to lift and install. May increase shipping and labor costs.
Sensitive to moisture – Although resistant, excessive moisture causes swelling and warping over time. Follow install guidelines.

When properly installed and maintained, engineered wood siding provides the aesthetic appeal of real wood with enhanced durability and less maintenance. It adds handsome curb appeal to any home style.

Brick Siding

Genuine brick siding lends timeless beauty, character, and value to homes with its natural texture and solid feel. Modern manufacturing makes brick more affordable and lightweight for siding.

Pros

Beautiful appearance – Genuine brick adds old-world charm, visual interest, and curb appeal that vinyl and cement lack.
Extreme durability – Fired clay brick withstands decades of weather, moisture, bugs, and daily wear without fading or warping.
Low maintenance – Brick won’t rot, dent, or need painting. Occasional power washing keeps it looking fresh.
Adds value – The striking look and feel of brick boosts resale value more than other sidings.
Natural material – Made from abundant clay and fired with heat, brick is an eco-friendly, non-toxic option.

Cons

Expensive – Brick costs significantly more upfront than other sidings like vinyl and engineered wood.
Professional installation required – Mortar work and structural supports make DIY impractical.
Prone to cracking – Brick can crack from improper installation, movement, weather, or falling debris. Repairs are costly.
Heavy – Traditional full brick is very heavy, often requiring added structural supports. Modern lightweight brick weighs less.
Porous – Brick can absorb moisture, leading to efflorescence (white powdery deposits), mold, and damaged mortar if improperly sealed.

The elegance and solid feel of brick siding can’t be matched. When installed correctly, a brick facade endures for generations with minimal maintenance. The long lifespan offsets the high initial investment.

Stone Siding

Stone siding brings timeless curb appeal and value to homes with its solid, natural look. Advancements now make it lighter, more affordable, and lower maintenance than ever.

Pros

Timeless natural beauty – The unique colors, textures, and shapes of stone add distinctive character and appeal to homes.
Extreme durability – Natural and manufactured stone withstands decades of exposure, wear, and weather without showing age.
Enhances home value – Natural stone siding boosts a home’s worth and makes it more desirable to buyers.
Very low maintenance – Stone won’t fade, rot or dent. Just clean occasionally with soap and water.
Energy efficient – The dense mass of stone provides excellent insulation to reduce energy costs.

Cons

Very heavy – Traditional full stone is extremely heavy, requiring a substantial underlying structure. Newer cultured and faux stones are lighter.
Expensive – Stone cladding costs significantly more than vinyl, wood, and other sidings. The durability offsets long-term costs.
Needs an experienced mason – Proper stone preparation and installation requires skill to prevent future cracking or collapse. DIY is not advised.
Can stain – Oily deposits from plants or car exhaust can create stains that are difficult (though not impossible) to remove.
May crack – Natural stone is more prone to cracking if the substrate or installation is improper.

The natural elegance and durability of stone siding make it a worthwhile investment. When properly installed, it endures for generations while enhancing visual appeal and home value. Lighter synthetic stones reduce cost and weight.

Stucco Siding

Stucco siding provides a versatile, attractive exterior finish for homes in any architectural style. Modern materials enhance its durability and ease application.

Pros

Design versatility – Smooth or textured stucco finishes complement Mediterranean, European, and modern home styles beautifully.
Durable – Cement-based stucco stands up well to weather, rot, and pests when properly mixed and applied over sturdy sheathing.
Fire resistant – Stucco is non-combustible and won’t feed a fire, adding safety.
Breathable – The porous nature allows water vapor transmission to prevent moisture damage to structures.
Energy efficient – The mass of stucco provides good insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Cons

Prone to cracking – Stucco can develop cracks from settling, drying too quickly, or underlying movement if the base isn’t prepped properly.
Requires ongoing maintenance – Stucco needs regular caulking and paint touch-ups to maintain its barriers against water and pests.
Difficult DIY application – Proper stucco application requires expertise for best results. Novices often get poor outcomes.
Not impact resistant – Stucco can dent, crack, or chip if hit forcefully by objects. Repairing chips and dents is difficult.
Can be expensive – Professional installation, special mix design, proper prep and drainage, warranties, and scaffolding add cost.

With proper installation and upkeep, stucco siding provides aesthetic appeal with good durability and breathability. Modern acrylic finishes make it easier to maintain while enhancing appearance.

Metal Siding

Metal siding provides distinctive visual interest, durability, and protection for homes in any style. New insulated metal sidings also boost energy efficiency.

Pros

Extremely durable – Metal stands up to dents, impact, moisture, rotting, termites, fire, and decades of wear. Aluminum and steel last for generations.
Low maintenance – Metal requires little upkeep beyond occasional washing. It won’t rot, warp, or need repainting.
Good value – The long lifespan of metal siding offsets its higher initial cost over time.
Design versatility – Metals like copper can accent modern or historic homes beautifully. Many metal color and profile options exist.
Fire and pest resistance – Metals are intrinsically non-combustible and impervious to termites/pests. This adds safety.

Cons

Higher upfront cost – Metal costs more initially than vinyl or wood. The 30+ year lifespan compensates for this.
Conducts heat – Uninsulated metals readily conduct heat and cold. New insulated metal sidings reduce this.
Dents – Softer metals like aluminum dent more easily from impacts than harder metals like steel.
Makes noise – Rain, hail, and other impacts can create louder noise on metal versus other siding options.
Look isn’t for everyone -Some dislike the uniform, urban, industrial look of metal versus woodgrains or masonry.

With so many durable, energy efficient metal siding options now available, it can provide long-lasting distinctive style to suit any home design need.

Composite Siding

Composite siding combines substrates like wood fiber and plastic to provide durable, attractive, low-maintenance exteriors for homes.

Pros

Wood-like appearance – Composite siding offers the look of wood grain without the maintenance needs.
Durable – Composites resist rotting, cracking, termites, and impact damage better than real wood.
Low-maintenance – Composite siding won’t warp or require frequent painting and staining like real wood.
Customizable – Many composites come in a diverse range of colors and convincing woodgrain looks.
Eco-friendly – Made largely from recycled wood fibers and plastics. Farmed wood and non-toxic binders make many composites sustainable.

Cons

Cost – Composite wood siding costs more than vinyl. But it requires less maintenance than real wood.
Prone to moisture damage – Composite swells, rots, grows mold, and attracts pests if excessively exposed to moisture. Follow all installation guidelines carefully.
Can fade over time – Some composite colors fade faster than quality paints on wood. periodic refinishing helps.
Not fireproof – Unlike fiber cement and metal, composites can combust, melt, or feed an exterior fire if ignited. Check fire ratings.
Contains plastics – While eco-friendly options exist, some dislike the plastic content of composites from an environmental viewpoint.

When installed properly, composite siding provides the beauty of wood with less maintenance. Choose sustainable, durable products installed by reputable professionals for best results.

Choosing the Best Exterior Siding

With so many great siding options available, choosing the right one for your home depends on:

Budget – Initial cost, lifespan value, and maintenance costs/labor
Appearance – Desired architectural style, colors, texture, dimensional profile
Performance – Durability, weather/pest/fire resistance, noise, insulation value
Maintenance – Needs for painting, staining, cleaning to uphold looks
Environment – Eco-friendliness, sustainability, disposal, toxicity
Application – Weight, special needs, new versus retrofit installs

Carefully balancing these factors will lead you to the ideal exterior siding for protecting and beautifying your unique home for decades to come. Consult a professional contractor early in your project to ensure your siding choice aligns with your budget, performance needs, and style preferences. Investing in quality materials and proper installation always pays off when it comes to the exterior skin of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Siding

What is the most cost-effective siding?

Vinyl siding is generally the most affordable siding option in terms of upfront cost. Fiber cement siding also provides excellent durability and low maintenance for the price.

What is the best siding for a rainy climate?

Fiber cement performs excellently in wet climates given its superior moisture resistance compared to wood and wood composites. Vinyl and metal siding also withstand heavy rain well. All require proper installation and flashing.

What is the most durable residential siding?

Brick, stone, and metal siding are the most durable options, lasting 50+ years when properly installed. Fiber cement also provides exceptional durability of 30+ years. Stucco and engineered wood rank high as well.

What is the lowest maintenance siding?

Vinyl and metal sidings require the least maintenance, just occasional washing. Fiber cement, brick, and stone also require minimal upkeep without paint or stain. Avoid wood sidings for low maintenance.

What type of siding increases home value the most?

Masonry sidings like brick, stone, and stucco add the most value by boosting curb appeal and a home’s perceived quality. Their natural elegance and solid feel is desirable to buyers.

What is the best siding for warm climates?

Light colored siding in breathable materials will reflect heat best. Stucco, fiber cement, vinyl, and metal sidings in light colors are great choices. Proper attic ventilation makes a big difference too.

Conclusion

Selecting exterior siding is an important decision that impacts your home’s appearance, performance, and value for years. Today’s siding options offer outstanding durability, low maintenance, energy efficiency, visual appeal, and customization potential if properly installed by reputable professionals. Taking your budget, style, climate, and needs into account will lead you to the ideal siding solution for your home and family. Invest wisely, and your siding will protect your home beautifully for decades to come.