One of the first — and usually, most intimidating — things you will have to contend with when choosing siding for your home is the wide range of choices, some of which include the following.
Types
Horizontal lap siding. One of the most popular types of siding in America, horizontal lap siding features an upper board that laps over the board below it. In thicker profiles, nails are driven into the upper portion of the board while in other profiles, they are hidden by the lower parts. This type of siding comes in various colors, and is suited to Colonial, Cape Cods, as well as boxy or symmetrical-styled homes.
Board and batten. Unlike horizontal lap siding, board and batten siding creates the illusion of “taller” houses. It is traditionally used for barns and farm buildings, but it is also ideal for traditional homes.
Shingles. Shingle siding is another good choice for your home if it has clean, structured lines. Shingles are slightly more expensive than other siding types, though.
Material Choices
Stucco. Stucco is available in natural and synthetic forms, with either fine or coarse textures. Natural stucco allows your home to “breathe”, but synthetic stucco does not – which is why it requires a vapor barrier or drainage plane.
Metal. Metal siding is available in corrugated or stainless steel and copper. While it is not a popular siding choice, it still suits different types of homes. This material is known for being long-lasting.
Brick. Flexible, brick can be stacked in a variety of patterns. It is also very durable, and requires almost no maintenance.
Composites. Vinyl and fiberglass are among the most widely-used composite siding materials. Like brick, composite siding does not require much in the way of maintenance and cleaning. Handling temperature extremes is another matter, however, and largely depends on the material. For instance, fiberglass usually has little to no contraction – but vinyl siding can warp or buckle if it is not installed properly.
How do you know which siding will work well for your home, though? Which factors should you consider? Find out in part two of our three-part blog post.
There are various siding types and materials on the market today, and each of them is suited to different conditions. Know what will work well for your home’s architectural style.
