When it comes to ensuring that your home is durable and visually appealing, siding plays a crucial role. There are numerous factors to consider before choosing siding, such as the type of material and the available colors.
That said, the process can be overwhelming, given the variety of siding options available. To help, we’ve outlined some of the best siding types, complete with their pros and cons. By the end of this guide, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect siding for your home.
1. Vinyl Siding
Pros: Affordable & wide variety of options
Cons: Less durable than other materials
Vinyl siding is popular due to its affordability and variety of colors. It’s a well-known option among homeowners and comes at an economical price point. However, it isn’t as durable as other siding materials, and is prone to damage from hail or flying objects.
2. Insulated Vinyl Siding
Pros: Better insulation and increased durability
Cons: Still less durable compared to other options
Insulated vinyl siding improves upon regular vinyl by incorporating insulation into the panels, offering better temperature control and energy savings. It’s more durable than standard vinyl and offers the same color variety.
3. LP SmartSide
Pros: Extremely durable & paintable
Cons: More expensive
LP SmartSide is an engineered hardwood known for its durability. It comes with a 50-year warranty and a lifetime finish guarantee. Plus, it can be repainted, allowing for more flexibility in updating your home’s appearance. It’s pricier but worth the investment for long-term value.
4. Hardie Board Siding
Pros: Durable & excellent quality control
Cons: More expensive than vinyl, shorter warranty
Hardie Board is a cement-based siding that offers exceptional strength and durability. It comes with a 30-year warranty and provides consistent, high-quality finishes. Like LP SmartSide, it allows for custom color options.
5. Everlast Composite Siding
Pros: Highly durable, long-term warranty
Cons: Limited color options, higher cost
Everlast Composite is made from crushed rock and resins, making it one of the strongest siding options available. The product is backed by a lifetime warranty as long as you own the home, although the color options are somewhat limited.
6. Natural Wood Siding
Pros: Customizable with paint or stain, eco-friendly
Cons: Expensive, requires maintenance
Natural wood siding provides a unique, authentic appearance that’s difficult to replicate. While it’s costly, its ability to be painted or stained makes it a favorite among homeowners who prefer flexibility. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent damage from moisture or pests.
7. Wood Composite Siding
Pros: Real wood look at a lower cost
Cons: Susceptible to mold and mildew if moisture builds up
Wood composite siding mimics the appearance of real wood but at a lower cost and with less maintenance. It’s crucial to ensure proper moisture management, as trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew.
8. Metal Siding
Pros: Low maintenance, fire-resistant, and eco-friendly
Cons: Prone to rust and dents in coastal or wet climates
Metal siding is increasingly popular for residential homes due to its longevity and sustainability. Although it has a higher upfront cost, metal siding offers significant long-term benefits, such as resistance to pests and fires. However, rust and dents can be an issue depending on the metal type and location.
9. Fiber Cement Siding
Pros: Durable, long-lasting, versatile in design
Cons: Expensive, high-maintenance, low insulation
Fiber cement siding is a durable material that offers a versatile design. It can mimic the appearance of wood, vinyl, or stone and comes with warranties of up to 50 years. However, it is more expensive and requires more upkeep than vinyl.
10. Brick
Pros: Beautiful, low maintenance, fire-resistant
Cons: Fewer design options, more expensive
Brick is a classic choice known for its durability and low maintenance. While it’s a beautiful and long-lasting option, the cost of brick siding can be higher, and the mortar between bricks may require re-mortaring over time.
11. Stone Veneer Siding
Pros: Lightweight, more affordable than natural stone
Cons: Less environmentally friendly, potential for moisture issues
Stone veneer siding replicates the look of natural stone at a lower cost and weight. It’s easier to install and replace, but the material isn’t as eco-friendly and may allow moisture to infiltrate if not properly sealed.
Contact The Siding Pros At Veltos Home Improvement
Whether you’re choosing siding for a new home or updating an existing one, reach out to First American for expert advice. We offer free estimates for siding, roofing, windows, and gutters. Contact us at for more information!
For more reading, check out our post on the best gutter guards for homeowners.
