To choose the best residential siding, or house covering, for your home, you should carefully consider your location in terms of weather as well as your maintenance expectations and budget. Other considerations may include pest-resistance and insulation qualities. Some of the most common types of house siding are brick, vinyl, metal and wood.
Wood siding is natural and often considered as an environmentally friendly choice. Yet, it's not resistant against mold and moss, which is likely to grow on it if the siding becomes damp. If the mold or moss builds up without being removed, it can rot the siding. Although wood exterior house covering is usually a moderate cost, it typically needs a lot of maintenance in cleaning and repainting. However, an advantage of wood siding is that it tends to hold paint and color well.
Aluminum is a type of metal siding that doesn't usually hold color well. Its color may get a chalky texture over time. Aluminum is also prone to scratching and denting. It can also be difficult to repair aluminum siding sections to match the original color. On the plus side, aluminum is an inexpensive residential siding that can do well in coastal areas because of its resistance to salt and dampness.
Metal siding, including aluminum and steel, is insect-resistant as well as fireproof. Steel is much more expensive and heavier than aluminum house siding, yet it's also of higher quality. Steel residential siding is known for holding its color as well and for being long-lasting. Even large hail storms don't often dent steel exterior siding, although the metal covering may be damaged by heavy duty pressure washing in some cases.
Vinyl, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), house siding is a plastic-like material known for its ease of maintenance. Vinyl residential siding needs no repainting and is available in a large selection of colors. Its cost is usually moderate, but it may not last as long as other siding types. Since it's basically plastic, vinyl house siding can be quite easily damaged from heat such as that from a barbecue.
Brick residential siding can make an elegant statement. It's also strong and durable. On the downside, brick siding requires expert installation which can be expensive. However, brick siding also tends to be easy to maintain. Unlike most other types of siding, brick has good insulating properties.