Rising energy bills, leaking walls, and cracks and dents on your home’s exterior are all telltale signs that it’s time for siding replacement. While it can be easy to know when it’s time to replace your home’s siding, knowing what to replace it with can be a bit more challenging.

Today, there are numerous options available to consumers ranging from vinyl siding to fiber cement siding, and others. Besides the difference in materials, each option has its own look, strength, energy-efficiency ratings, and of course, price. 

While you can certainly work with a siding company like Pro Home 1 to determine the best option for you, it’s handy to have a solid grasp of each option before beginning the conversation. To help prepare you for your next replacement project, we have put together this guide to walk you through the different types of siding so that you can make the right choice.

Vinyl Siding

This is considered to be the most popular siding option and comes in a range of colors, finishes, and layouts designed to meet your needs. 

Advantages

  • Highly durable
  • 30-40 year warranty
  • Extensive color options
  • Multiple textures
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Highly economical—vinyl siding is the most affordable option on the market

Disadvantages

  • Not waterproof
  • May possibly bend and warp in adverse weather (both hot and cold)
  • Color can’t be changed or repainted
  • Easy to dent and mark with hail, debris, and other impacts

Fiber Cement Siding

Rapidly growing in popularity to the point that a case can be made for it being second only to vinyl, this option is a mixture of sand, cement, and wood. It mimics the appearance of natural wood, however, the benefits are far greater.

Advantages

  • Wood-like feel and appearance
  • Low maintenance requirements
  • Insect proof
  • Class 1A fire rating
  • Resistant to coastal conditions such as salty air
  • Rot and decay proof
  • Versatile finish and texture options

Disadvantages

  • Expensive compared to vinyl and other cheaper siding
  • Requires repainting every 12 years or so
  • Color may require touch-ups

  • Professional installation required

Brick Siding 

When it comes to something that lasts, there are very few contenders as well made as brick siding. Brick is known to last over 100 years and still be in great condition. With this option, you can choose brick or brick veneer, depending on your budget and preference.

Advantages

  • Lasts over 100 years with proper maintenance
  • Limited maintenance required
  • Fire resistant
  • No repainting necessary
  • Weathers well
  • Termite-proof
  • Highly durable

Disadvantages

  • Very expensive option
  • Painted brick is nearly impossible to restore to its natural look
  • Mortar joints may deteriorate, which requires replacement

Metal Siding

Metal encompasses a range of siding options, ranging from aluminum to steel siding. Metal siding is best known for its modern look and high durability. Keep in mind that aluminum is weaker than steel, but is also cheaper. If you live on the coast, consider aluminum for rust protection and steel if you reside where hail and other similar concerns are common.

Advantages

  • Mold and rot proof
  • Very low-maintenance
  • Metal doesn’t fade
  • Eco-friendly
  • Metal is fire-resistant
  • Insect-proof

Disadvantages

  • Metal can rust, especially if installed incorrectly
  • Can be dented easily (especially if aluminum)
  • Steel is more expensive than most options due to higher installation costs
  • Needs to be resealed and repainted if scratched to protect against rust damage

Wood Siding

Wood siding is extremely popular thanks to its natural and timeless look. Wood siding is available in many different types, ranging from cedar, redwood and many more. 

Advantages

  • Quick installation due to low weight
  • Highly eco-friendly
  • Can be stained or painted in nearly any color
  • Highly energy-efficient
  • Wood is beautiful and timeless
  • Can last a very long time with proper maintenance

Disadvantages

  • The color will fade, so touch-ups are mandatory
  • Susceptible to water damage
  • Susceptible to insect damage
  • Very high maintenanceLowest fire resistance of all options

Explore Your Siding Options with Pro Home 1

When it comes to siding, there is one universal truth. It’s all about quality. The siding you choose needs to be high quality, period. Just as importantly, it needs to be installed properly. For these reasons, your remodeling company should be well-trained and experienced in siding installations—with a track record of excellence among its customers and a reputation for high-quality work, trust, and dependability. Since 2006, our team at Pro Home 1 has been dedicated to our goal of providing honest discussion, objective recommendations, and transparent pricing on siding replacement and our other exterior remodeling services. On top of our personal commitment to seamless, perfect installations, we only work with the best products like  James Hardie siding, Mastic’s line of premium vinyl insulated siding, and other highly-rated siding manufacturers so you can rest assured that your investment is in excellent hands.

Ready to begin your next siding replacement with the experts at Pro Home 1? Then give us a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional siding installation services or fill out our online form to schedule your free, in-home quote.