Manufactured siding is a relatively new building product. In times past, homes were finished either with wood clapboard, stucco, brick, or some other masonry. Then siding came along, but for years the choices were between vinyl and aluminum, and most of what was available on the market wasn’t very durable. Aluminum siding was prone to denting and paint chipping, and vinyl siding often cracked and faded.
Engineering and technology in siding products has made leaps and bounds in developing quality aluminum and vinyl siding products for homes, and they both are now viable and attractive options for sheathing your home in maintenance-free materials. The finishes are much more durable than they used to be, and with insulated backing they are much more energy-efficient. However, two other siding products are growing in popularity: seamless steel siding and fiber cement. And siding comes in a wider range of design profiles than ever before. Some replicate shakes, some imitate genuine wood board-and-batten, and most are designed to cut down on maintenance and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Exterior siding products recently garnered three of the top 10 spots in home remodeling projects realtors recommend as producing the most return on investment in terms of increased home value as well as buyer appeal. If you’re considering a siding replacement project for your home, how do you choose among the range of products available? Here’s a run-down on the basic materials:
Wood: It’s somewhat inexpensive compared to other materials, but it’s the least popular. Why? Real wood requires quite a bit of upkeep to maintain its appearance. And in harsh climates such as Minnesota’s winters, it doesn’t hold up as well as the alternatives. Wood is prone to damage from insects, rodents, and wood rot. But nothing else can match its natural beauty, so if that’s your top priority and you’re willing to take on the time and money required to maintain it, wood could be a good choice for you. But be sure to choose finish products which will protect it well.
Vinyl: This is the most popular home siding product, and with good reason. It’s relatively inexpensive, requires little in the way of maintenance, and comes in a wider range of colors than in the past. It’s also been engineered to be much more durable. Foam-backed vinyl provides additional insulation. If a low-maintenance, economical product is what you’re looking for, vinyl siding could be right for you.
Composite. This siding product is manufactured from a variety of materials, with fiber cement such as Hardieboard from The James Hardie Company being the most popular. Fiber cement siding is highly fire-resistant, and while it is more expensive to install than wood or vinyl, the long-term savings can offset that. Of all the siding products, fiber cement was the top rated in terms of increase in home value proportionate to cost. It’s more durable than vinyl, and because of its resistance to combustion, many homeowner insurance companies offer discounts for homes sided with fiber cement. It’s also a greener choice than vinyl and more eco-friendly than wood. If a durable, environmentally responsible siding product is important to you, fiber cement siding could be your best choice.
Ultimately, determining which siding product will best meet your needs is a conversation you should have with a reputable siding contractor. Some products withstand weather conditions better than others, some require less maintenance, some are more economical. If you’re unsure of which siding product is best for you, please call us for a free consultation.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
