Different Types of Siding For Your Home
1. Vinyl
Positives: Vinyl is probably the most inexpensive siding out there. It is durable and can be installed over existing cladding. Its quick to install, comes in almost any color, and can copy wood siding with a slightly higher material cost.
Negatives: The biggest negative of vinyl siding is that most houses in North America have it. If you want to differentiate your home from others, vinyl is not the choice for you. It can however, be subject to build up of dirt and debris on the exterior face of this material. Therefore, regular washing is required with this product.
2. Stucco
Positives: In cold climates, Stucco is probably my personal favourite in regards to energy efficiency. Stucco is applied in three coats, with a layer of insulation (2-4 inches) that increases the R-value of your home. The exterior sheathing is sealed, which also protects against air leakage and infiltration. It is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and can last a lifetime.
Negatives: Because stucco requires three coats, it is quite expensive. It needs to be installed in a warm environment, so hoarding costs may need to be factored into the budget.
3. Wood
Positives: The biggest positive with using wood siding is that it comes in all shapes and sizes. There are boards, shakes, shingles, panels and many more types! It comes in different grades, grains, textures, and is aesthetically pleasing. Because of these characteristics of this type of siding, the design ideas with wood is endless.
Negatives: Many types of wood siding can cost a pretty penny. The quality of the grains and the type on wood factor into the varying costs. Wood siding can be subject to ant infestation, woodpecker damage, and requires increased maintenance.
4. Engineered Wood
Positives: Originating from wood siding, this material is one of the most durable types of exterior cladding. It comes in many styles, shapes, and textures. It is slightly cheaper than wood siding, but can be noticed by a trained eye that it looks synthetic.
Negatives: The greatest negative is that engineered wood cladding is a very new product. Therefore, it has not been proven as a long term type of siding and reliable over prolonged periods of time.
5. Natural Stone
Positives: Natural stone is very durable and one of the most aesthetically pleasing types of siding. It comes in many shapes and sizes, textures, and cuts.
Negatives: The greatest negative of stone siding is the cost of install and material. It probably the most expensive to install, and may require structural fortification. Therefore, due to these reasons, it is most commonly used as an accent around the exterior.
6. Synthetic Stone
Positives: Synthetic stone can virtually mimic any stone type. It is made from sand, cement, and various types of aggregates that are placed into molds of any size and shape. They are a fraction of the cost as natural stone and lightweight. Synthetic stone siding is most commonly used as accents on lower walls and chimneys.
Negatives: The only negative of synthetic stone is that because it is made in molds, it can be differentiated between natural quite easily. The cuts are close to perfect, which can give some types of this cladding an artificial look.
7. Brick
Positives: Brick, along with metal and stone, is probably the longest lasting type of siding. It is highly durable, requires little maintenance, and is resistant to fire and mould.
Negatives: Brick cladding is one of the most expensive types of exterior siding. It may require a reinforced structure to use do to its weight. The color options are very limited, and it takes a great deal of labor to install.
8. Metal Siding
Positives: Metal siding is extremely fire resistant and aesthetically pleasing. It is great for areas where there are tons of insects and troublesome pests. It comes in many shapes and sizes, is very strong, and ranges in thicknesses and densities (fitting most variations in exterior protrusions.)
Negatives: Metal siding, dependent on the composition of metals, can easily be dented and warped. It is subject to expansion and contraction, and is not the best for areas with large variations in climate.