Before choosing a siding material for your home’s exterior, there are several things to consider before making that final decision. Knowing the pros and cons of each type of siding material is a good place to start. You will also want to consider budget, insulating properties, and maintenance requirements – cedar siding might be good for your curb appeal but not for your home maintenance schedule.
Pros and cons of popular siding materials.
While siding materials have their positive attributes, they also have their downsides. Here are some pros and cons of the most popular siding materials available.:
Vinyl siding: The most budget-friendly of all siding materials, vinyl siding is durable, available in a variety of styles and colours, and is very low-maintenance. Downsides include it’s prone to sun damage; has no fire-resistance; and can be problematic to repair.
Wood siding: Wood siding has a natural appeal and a timeless aesthetic. It is a versatile siding material because it suits most architectural styles. While natural wood can be high-maintenance, homeowners have the option of selecting alternatives such as composite wood siding or fiber cement siding.
Aluminum siding: Durable, low-maintenance, fire-resistant, and energy-efficient, aluminum siding is cost-effective and long-lasting. Cons of metal siding are, prone to denting; costs vary depending on the type and gauge of metal; and can rust as it ages.
The house’s architectural style.
The siding material for your home’s exterior should complement the house’s architectural style. Select siding that will work well with the style of your home. For example, choose a warm, red brick for a Victorian home or galvanized steel siding to enhance a modern home’s angular lines.
How much you want to spend.
The total cost of your home exterior project will depend on the siding material you choose. Other factors that influence the grand total are the size of your home; location; the condition of exterior walls once the old siding has been removed; any special requirements such as having to remove asbestos; and labour. Make a budget based on how much you want to spend in each area – for example, you might choose to hire a contractor that charges more than another company because they have been in business longer.
The siding’s insulating properties.
Many homeowners are concerned about climate change and actively select exterior finishing elements that will have the least impact on the environment. With this in mind when purchasing a new siding material, choose one that offers the best insulating properties. To save on energy bills and keep your home comfortable any season of the year, look for aluminum siding or wood siding or fiber cement siding with a high R-value (siding material’s ability to resist heat from escaping or entering).
Must be weather resilient.
While it might seem to be the same thing, weather-resistant siding materials protect your home exterior from severe storms and unpredictable weather. While we experience mild temperatures (in comparison to other parts of Canada) in the lower mainland, we’re not exempt from dips to below freezing, heavy rainstorms, or a summer heat wave. A siding material that is weather resilient will be able to handle any fluctuations in temperature.
