Getting New Siding? Check Out These Great Options

In most cases, siding isn’t forever. It can rot, break, fall off, get ripped off by extreme weather, and more. However, homeowners aren’t under any obligation to get the same type of siding again just because it’s what their home had previously. There are many great types of siding homeowners can pick from that can drastically change a home’s look and also possibly give them added benefits. Here are some of the different types of siding homeowners can purchase for their homes and what makes them good options.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular types of siding because of its affordability. Vinyl costs the least of any of the major siding varieties, and it’s widely available no matter where in the country the home is located. This type of siding does have a tendency to collect mold, mildew, and grime over time, but it can easily be cleaned off with a pressure washer and regular care.

Vinyl can be a great choice for homeowners who are trying to stick to a budget or just want to save money. Vinyl siding is affordable, but that doesn’t make it a lesser option. Vinyl has come a long way since it was first used in homes, and homeowners can now purchase vinyl that is colored and molded to look like other types of siding, so homeowners don’t have to sacrifice looks for a more affordable option. It can also often be installed by the homeowner as a DIY project.

Wood Siding

For many people, wood siding is the type that comes to mind when someone says “siding.” Like vinyl, wood siding can be found just about anywhere, and it can be used in nearly any climate. Pricewise, wood siding is often seen as a mid-priced option. It’s more expensive than vinyl, but it’s generally much more affordable than brick siding, so this helps its popularity. 

Homeowners who want a traditional material for their siding can’t go wrong with wood. Wood siding is easy to find because it’s so common and so many people want it. Homeowners can call any siding specialist and it will be difficult to find one who isn’t familiar with cutting and installing wood siding. Wood siding does have a downside, though. It's fairly durable, but because it’s wood, it can rot. Insects can also make their home beneath the wood siding, and that can attract birds like woodpeckers to try to get them.  Of course, it isn’t guaranteed to happen, but it’s something homeowners need to consider before purchasing wood siding. 

Brick Siding

Another classic siding material is brick. Bricks come in a wide variety of different colors and color combinations to make a home look unique. Brick siding is fairly expensive to purchase, but it’s also extremely durable and can last decades or even a century or longer with very little issue.

Brick can be tricky, however. Unless the home is built with brick siding in mind, it will need to have special supports built in order to support the immense weight of all the brick on the home's foundation. If a homeowner is unaware of this going into brick siding installation, it can be a shocking expense.

Stucco Siding

For homeowners in the American southwest, stucco is a common sight. Stucco is made from a concrete-based mixture that dries to be incredibly hard. Because it’s heavy, it needs the help of a supporting metal grate in order to stand properly. However, stucco is extremely durable, especially on homes in drier climates, which is why it’s so common in the southwest.

However, in wetter climates, there’s a risk of water getting into the small cracks and grooves in the stucco. If that water freezes, it can cause the stucco to break apart due to the natural expansion of the water into ice. But if stucco is taken care of properly and is in the right climate, it can easily last for a century or more.

When considering getting new siding, these are just some of the great options to pick from for your Lafayette home. For more information about these and other siding materials, be sure to go to a local hardware store and consult a siding specialist. They can help choose the best siding material for every situation so homeowners get the right material for their needs.