Discover the best choice for your home's exterior with pros and cons, longevity, and installation requirements!
When it comes to the appearance and overall value of your home, the exterior is the first thing that people see. Choosing the right type of siding can make all the difference in giving your home that perfect look and increasing its value. With so many options available, it can be hard to determine the best home exterior for your personal house siding.
The best home’s exterior siding hinges on a few different factors, such as durability, lifespan, availability, and cost – all of which vary depending on your location. However, the most popular siding material world wide is vinyl siding.
Since it can feel overwhelming to find the perfect exterior for your home that enhances its curb appeal and increases its value, we here at Love Home Designs have done the hard part for you! All that’s left now is for you to read about all the different types of siding to improve your home and choose the one that fits your budget, personal style, and the needs of your particular housing market!
What do you say, should we get started?
What is the Longest Lasting Siding Material for Homes?
What might arguably be the most important factor when you’re planning on making such a big investment as remodeling the exterior of your home with new siding is the longevity of the material you decide on. The last thing you’ll want after spending the amount of money required to replace your siding is having to do it all over again in a few years’ time because it couldn’t stick it out!
This is where your locality comes into play. Some of you might prioritize the fire resistance provided by metal or engineered wood products, while others are more concerned about an effective moisture barrier or finding highly durable material.
Of course, labor costs will also vary depending on your location but I would recommend you work those numbers into your budget, as going it alone with house siding is going to be far more difficult than coming up with a way to cover those labor costs.
There are several durable siding materials available for homes, but some of the longest lasting ones include:
Fiber Cement Siding
This durable and low-maintenance siding is made of a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s resistant to harsh weather conditions, fire, and insects. It’s also available in a range of textures and colors, including wood-like textures. Fiber cement siding is an excellent investment, providing long-lasting protection and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home.
Stone Veneer Siding
Another top choice is stone veneer siding. This type of siding is made of lightweight materials that mimic the look of natural stone, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s low-maintenance and can be installed quickly and easily. Stone veneer siding adds a luxurious and unique look to any home and can significantly increase its value.
Engineered Wood Siding
This siding is made of wood fibers, resins, and wax, which makes it resistant to moisture, insects, and rot. Engineered wood siding can last for 30 to 50 years and is more affordable than natural wood siding.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Insulated vinyl siding is also a great option for homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their home. This type of siding is designed with an additional layer of insulation that reduces energy costs and noise transmission. Insulated vinyl siding is also durable, low-maintenance, and available in a wide range of colors and textures.
Brick Siding
Brick siding is durable, fire-resistant, and requires little maintenance. It can last for 100 years or more and provides a classic look to a home.
Overall, the longevity of a siding material depends on various factors, including the quality of the material, installation, and maintenance. It’s important to research and choose a siding material that fits your budget, style preferences, and maintenance requirements. Don’t forget that the climate and weather patterns of the area you live in will alter what is the best material for outside of your house!
What is the Most Durable Home Exterior?
The most durable home exterior depends on several factors, including the climate, budget, and personal preferences. However, some of the most durable home exterior options are as follows:
Brick
Brick is a very durable and long-lasting material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, fire, and insects. It requires little maintenance, and can last for over a century if installed and maintained properly.
Stone Siding
Similar to brick, stone is also a highly durable and long-lasting material that can last for many years. It is resistant to harsh weather conditions, fire, and insects. However, it is usually more expensive than other siding options and may require more maintenance.
Stucco siding
Stucco is a cement-based material that is highly durable and can last for many years. It is resistant to fire, insects, and weather conditions. Stucco requires minimal maintenance but may crack or chip over time.
Fiber Cement Siding
As mentioned earlier, fiber cement siding is made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, making it highly durable and resistant to moisture, fire, insects, and rot. It can last for over 50 years and requires minimal maintenance.
Metal Siding
Metal exteriors, such as steel or aluminum, are highly durable and long-lasting. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, fire, and insects. Metal siding panels are also very low maintenance and can last for many years.
You should take the time to consider all the factors before choosing material for your home exterior. Consult with professionals and research to choose the best option for your home. Find professional siding contractors in your area in a few steps at Angi.com!
What are some House Exterior Options?
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding, also known as composite siding, is made of fibers from wood, resins, and wax, which makes it highly resistant to moisture, insects, and rot. It’s more affordable than natural wood siding and composite siding can last for up to 50 years with minimal maintenance requirements.
Real Wood Siding
Real wood siding provides a natural and classic look to a home. It’s renewable, eco-friendly, and has excellent insulation properties. However, real wood siding requires regular maintenance to prevent moisture damage, insects, and rot.
Log Siding
Log siding is made from real logs that are milled to resemble traditional wooden planks. It provides a rustic, natural look to a home and is highly durable. It’s resistant to harsh weather conditions and can last for over 50 years with proper maintenance.
Shingle Siding
Shingle siding is made from natural or synthetic materials and provides a unique texture to a home’s exterior. The most common wood material would be cedar shingles, as they have been used for many years. It’s highly durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions, fire, and insects. Shingle siding can last for over 30 years and requires minimal maintenance.
Barn Siding
Barn siding is made of reclaimed or distressed wood planks that provide a rustic and weathered look to a home. It’s highly durable and can last for many years while giving the home a unique and country-esque appearance.
Horizontal Wood Siding
Horizontal wood siding is a traditional siding option that provides a classic look to a home. It’s highly durable and can last for many years but requires regular maintenance to prevent moisture damage, insects, and rot. There are two different styles to choose from: lap siding and clapboard siding.
Wood lap siding and wood clapboard siding are both popular types of wood siding, but they have some differences. Wood lap siding is a type of siding where the boards are installed horizontally and overlap each other, with the top board covering the bottom board. It has a smooth, flat surface and can come in a variety of widths.
Wood clapboard siding, on the other hand, is made up of long, thin boards that are installed horizontally with the top board overlapping the bottom board. It has a more textured surface and the boards are typically narrower than lap siding. Overall, the main difference between the two is their installation method and surface texture.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is a modern siding material but has become increasingly popular for exterior siding options when it comes to homes. It is a highly durable and long-lasting option that can withstand harsh weather conditions, fire, and insects. It can be made from various metals, including aluminum, steel, and copper. Metal siding panels are very low maintenance and can last for many years when installed properly.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is a lightweight and affordable option that is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. It’s easy to install and requires little maintenance. However, it can dent and scratch easily, and its color can fade over time.
Steel Siding
Steel siding is a highly durable and strong option that can last for many years. It’s resistant to harsh weather conditions, fire, and insects. It can be more expensive than other siding options but requires minimal maintenance.
Seamless Steel Siding
Seamless steel siding is made from a continuous roll of steel, which is cut to the length of the house. This means there are no seams or joints in the siding, making it highly durable and resistant to moisture damage. It can last for over 30 years with proper maintenance and can be more expensive than other types of steel siding due to its installation process.
Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer siding is made of lightweight materials that mimic the look of natural stone. It’s highly durable, low maintenance, and can be installed quickly and easily. It’s also less expensive than natural stone siding and can last for many years
Natural Stone Siding
Natural stone siding is made of real stone, which gives it a unique and luxurious look. It’s highly durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance. However, it can be expensive, heavy, and requires professional installation.
Stucco Siding
Stucco siding is made of a mixture of cement, sand, and water, which is applied to a surface in multiple layers. It provides a smooth, seamless finish and is highly durable and resistant to fire and insects. Stucco siding is not high maintenance by any means, while consecutively remaining a long lasting material choice.
Brick Siding
Brick siding is made of real bricks, which provide a classic and timeless look to a home. It’s highly durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance. Brick siding is also fire-resistant and energy-efficient. Unfortunately, it can sit on the pricier side of the spectrum and requires a professional or knowledgeable installation.
Brick Veneer Siding
Brick veneer siding is a type of siding that mimics the look of a traditional brick exterior, but with a thinner, lighter layer of brick veneer that is adhered to the home’s exterior. This type of siding is made from real bricks or manufactured stone, and it provides a classic and timeless appearance to any home. Brick veneer siding is durable and low-maintenance, and it’s resistant to fire, insects, and moisture.
It’s also energy-efficient, as it helps to keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Brick veneer siding is an excellent investment for homeowners looking for a long-lasting and attractive siding option that can significantly increase their home’s value.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is made of a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, which gives it a natural wood-like appearance. It’s highly durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions, fire, and insects. It requires minimal maintenance and can last for many years, but will need to be installed properly by a professional.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular types of siding due to its affordability, durability, and low maintenance. It’s made of PVC resin, which makes it resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. It’s also available in a wide range of colors and styles, including wood-like textures. Vinyl siding is easy to install, and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding that has been insulated is similar to traditional vinyl siding, but with an added layer of insulation that helps to reduce energy costs and increase the home’s energy efficiency. The insulation layer is usually made of polystyrene or polyurethane, and it’s installed between the siding and the exterior wall. Insulated vinyl siding can also help to reduce noise transmission from outside the home.
It requires professional installation, but when installed properly it can be an excellent investment for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.
What is the Best House Siding Material?
Now we come to our final conclusion: which option is the best? There is no definitive answer to which type of exterior adds the most value to a home, as it can vary depending on the specific location, housing market, and buyer preferences.
However, some popular options that have been shown to increase a home’s value include brick or stone veneer siding, fiber cement siding, and vinyl siding modified with insulation. These types of siding offer durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, which are all attractive features to potential buyers.
Ultimately, it’s important for homeowners to choose an exterior that fits their budget, personal style, and the needs of their particular housing market. Within reason, any exterior renovation like this is an investment in your house as well as the potential profit that can be made from it if you plan to sell eventually.
Feel free to check out our other articles to continue improving your home’s exterior!