The outside of your home reflects your style. If you are doing renovations to your home, you want to find the perfect siding to fit your needs and your budget. There are a lot of materials to choose from, each with pros and cons. Call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147 for help with siding installation or any other contracting needs.
Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home
When choosing siding, you want to consider:
- Durability
- Water and weather resistance
- Ease of installation
- Cost
- The look of your neighborhood
Here are five of the most popular siding materials in the United States:
Vinyl
Vinyl rose to popularity in the 1950s and replaced aluminum as the most common siding material. It can be easily manipulated to fit different architectural styles. It is made from PVC plastic, so it doesn’t rot. If you know what you’re doing, you can even install this material yourself.
Many homeowners love vinyl because it is low-maintenance and affordable. While some people may not like the plastic look of vinyl siding, others appreciate the material’s versatility. Unfortunately, vinyl can be damaged in extreme weather easier than many other materials.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is durable, non-flammable, and resistant to insects. With this material, you get the look of stucco or wood for a lower price. It is popular with homeowners because it looks natural and lasts a long time.
This material is relatively heavy, so it takes more work than vinyl to install. However, you can get fiber cement in several different textures, colors, and styles.
Wood
You can get many different types and styles of wood siding. Wood siding comes in shakes, shingles, or clapboard styles. Although wood requires frequent maintenance, you can expect it last longer than most other materials.
Wood siding is typically made from:
- Cedar
- Pine
- Cypress
- Douglas fir
- Spruce
People like the classic look and feel of wood. Even though it can be expensive, it is simple to install.
Brick
As you might guess, brick is a traditional choice for many homeowners. It is timeless, sturdy, and it stands up to extreme conditions. Brick requires very little maintenance since it is hard to break apart and it always looks natural.
Brick installation requires a bit of work, so it can be expensive. However, you may find it well worth the money since it should last as long as your house does. You can get a look similar to brick by using a brick veneer.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding sounds old-school, but there are reasons for its popularity. It is a great insulator, and it is easy to maintain. It may dent and fade over time, but it will not crack like vinyl.
In general, metal siding is:
- Weather-resistant
- Fire resistant
- Not susceptible to rot
- Not at risk for termite infestation
Aluminum tends to be the least expensive option for metal siding.
If you are looking for a contractor in Pennsylvania, call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147. We are experts in construction, and we can help you find the right material for your home.
