If you’re thinking about remodeling the outside of your home soon, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what material to use on your exterior walls. While brick, stone, and vinyl siding are the conventional options, there are actually all sorts of different siding styles today’s homeowners can choose from. In this particular guide, you will discover five siding materials that are popular right now. You’re not alone if you didn’t even realize there were five different types of siding on the market; unless you work in home renovation, you’re unlikely to understand just how many choices are available these days!
Vinyl siding – Most commonly hung using the horizontal lap method, vinyl siding is what you see on most homes across the United States. Sometimes it is combined with brick or stone sections, but it is used quite frequently. Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable options available to homeowners, though it does bear noting that many manufacturers offer inexpensive basic lines and more costly designer or architectural series. Vinyl siding can be purchased in nearly any imaginable color and is typically rated to last between 20-25 years.
Wood siding – Just about the only siding option people could pick before the invention of vinyl boards, wood siding went out of vogue for quite a while but has recently been enjoying a resurgence. Today’s wood siding, however, is often left raw, which eliminates the need to paint it every year or two. Western Red Cedar is one of the most common woods used to manufacture siding boards, although more and more homeowners are using exotic woods, like ipe, to create dramatic exterior feature walls.
Metal siding – Typically made from aluminum or steel, metal siding was once thought of as a covering for pole barns and not much else. Homeowners, however, are beginning to see the benefits of using this type of siding for residential structures. Many manufacturers have started to make attractive metal siding that resembles vinyl once it is installed. Metal, however, can last longer than vinyl and tends to stand-up to extreme weather better. This is a definite perk for people who reside in the coastal Carolinas.
Wood shakes – Wood shakes are usually made from the same sorts of trees as wood siding, but they give a completely different look. Shakes are simply shingles that are used to cover the outside of a house. They offer a rustic appearance that is particularly ideal for rustic homes in the mountains of North Carolina. Many homeowners choose to leave their wood shakes raw, but they can be painted if desired.
Fiber cement siding – The newest option on the market, fiber cement siding is made from wood pulp, cement, and water. It is the most durable style featured in this guide and is surprisingly affordable, given the numerous benefits it offers. Fiber cement boards don’t cost much more than high-end vinyl siding, but can stand-up against high winds and resist fire. Fiber cement siding can be purchased in traditional horizontal lap boards or in large, flat panels to achieve a contemporary look.
If you are ready for the Hatch Homes team to start putting new siding on your house, give us a call so we can schedule your first appointment with our installers. We’re excited to begin your project and look forward to providing you a home you and your family can truly be proud of for many years!