How to Choose Among the Different Types of Home Siding Materials

The outside cladding that protects and beautifies a house or another property is called “home siding material.” New siding is one of the few home modifications or repairs that can increase your home’s functionality, curb appeal, and value. Over the years, a number of siding materials have come and gone, but a few mainstays have endured along with the occasional newcomer.

1. Wood Siding

Best for: Where a natural wood finish is required.

Wood siding is a traditional siding material that has long been the go-to choice when brick or stone are impractical. It comes in the shape of lap-siding planks, shakes, and shingles. It is still one of the most appealing options for home siding. Wood shingles, boards, and planks are typical forms of wood siding. One of the oldest types of house siding is wood clapboard lap siding, and many antique homes showcase its beauty. Wood siding’s primary flaws are its high price and comparatively high care requirements.

2. Metal Siding: Aluminum and Steel

Best for: Low-cost, long-lasting siding.

Metal was one of the first substitute siding materials developed, and it started to gain popularity in the 1950s as a result of the high maintenance requirements and decreasing supply of high-quality wood appropriate for siding. Even today, lap siding planks and various shingle/shake-style siding products are frequently made from steel and aluminum. The first material that met the criteria was aluminum siding, which over time developed into a highly low-maintenance and popular siding option for newer homes. Steel siding has become more popular in recent years as a result of the accessibility of cheap steel from elsewhere.

3. Vinyl Siding

Best for Low-cost siding with a wood-like appearance.

After aluminum and steel siding, vinyl siding came into being as the search for low-cost, low-maintenance siding continued.  Vinyl is available in many different paneling types, including as horizontal and vertical, as well as a wide variety of hues and textures.

4. Fiber Cement Siding

Best for: High-end aesthetic with little maintenance requirements.

Fiber cement, a mostly maintenance-free siding solution made from Portland cement and different natural cellulose wood fibres, is becoming more and more popular. It is resource-efficient because it is made from recyclable materials. Similar to wood siding, fibre cement siding is cut and installed.