The Types of House Siding

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Siding the exterior of your house adds value to your home while improving its appearance. But, how does a homeowner choose the right siding from all the available types? House siding is available in many different materials. However, vinyl, aluminum, and wood siding are the most popular types in the United States. Learn about the pros and cons of these siding types with these tips.

Exterior House Siding Types: House Siding Options

Are you a homeowner who is considering siding or residing in your house? Learn about the most popular types of siding available including the durability, life expectancy, and average cost of each siding type.

Types House Siding

Siding or residing in the exterior of a house adds value to and improves the physical appearance of the home. However, with all the available options for house siding, choosing the right type for your needs can seem like a difficult home improvement endeavor.

Learning about the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular types of house siding—vinyl, aluminum, and wood—with these tips about exterior house siding will help you pick the best type for your siding or residing needs.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is currently the most popular type of exterior house siding in the United States and Canada. The main material in vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride, which is usually abbreviated as PVC. The PVC in vinyl siding increases the strength, rigidity, and resistance of the material. Unlike other types of house siding, vinyl siding requires little to no upkeep and maintenance.

Vinyl siding never needs to be painted and requires only periodic cleaning for upkeep. In terms of durability, vinyl siding rates are very high because of its ability to withstand high wind speeds, both hot and cold temperatures, and moisture.

The average vinyl siding lasts anywhere between twenty-five and fifty years. Available in multiple thicknesses, there is vinyl siding appropriate for almost every climate. Depending on thickness and color, vinyl siding ranges in price from around $3 per square foot to $7 or more per square foot.

Installation costs extra, but most homeowners can install vinyl siding themselves. However, because vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive, paying for installation is definitely worth the extra cost.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding, which is older than vinyl siding, is another popular choice for exterior house siding. The main material in aluminum siding is aluminum which is coated with paint.

Like vinyl siding, aluminum siding is extremely durable. However, because paint fades and scratches, the aluminum siding must be painted periodically to maintain the quality and appearance of the exterior of the house.

Aluminum also dents easily, so extra care must be taken to prevent damage to the siding. Depending on environmental conditions, aluminum siding can sometimes corrode although corrosion is rare.

Therefore, other than an occasional coat of paint and thorough scrubbing, aluminum siding requires minimal maintenance. If cared for properly, aluminum siding will usually last between thirty-five and forty years. Because of the price of aluminum, aluminum siding tends to be slightly less expensive than vinyl at a minimum of $2.50 per square foot.

Labor and installation again increase cost, but, like vinyl siding, most homeowners can install aluminum siding on their own. But, again, the cheaper price of aluminum siding in comparison to vinyl siding is balanced by the higher maintenance needs of aluminum.

Wood Siding

Wood siding, which is older than both aluminum and vinyl siding, has been a popular type of exterior house siding in the United States throughout the history of the country. Although wood siding can be made from almost any type of wood, the five most popular tree types are pine, spruce, fir, cedar, and redwood.

Unlike vinyl and aluminum siding, wood siding requires considerable and frequent maintenance. Wood siding must be sealed, stained, or painted to prevent damage from natural elements including water, sun, wind, dirt, and insects.

With proper upkeep, however, wood siding can last up to one hundred years. (Improperly maintained wood siding will last only ten years or less.)

The price of wood siding varies according to the type with the cheapest woods like pine, spruce, and fir costing a minimum of $5.50 per square foot.

Although the price tag is more expensive, wood siding is still popular because of its more attractive appearance in comparison to aluminum and vinyl. Handy homeowners can install their own wood siding; however, professional installation is recommended for the best results.

Vinyl, aluminum, and wood siding are the most popular types of house siding in the United States. Learning about the pros and cons of these different siding types makes picking the best exterior house siding for your home easier.