Siding for the Average Homeowner

Are you thinking about replacing the siding of your home? Siding beautifies the home as well as protects it from the elements. It’s important to do your research in order to choose the right siding for your home. Fortunately, there are many options available and price ranges that can fit any homeowner’s needs. 

Low Cost Siding: Aluminum and vinyl siding are inexpensive to install and look about the same. Aluminum siding requires more upkeep.
Moderate Cost Siding: Wood siding is easy to install, affordable and beautiful. Keep in mind the upkeep and maintenance is more than most other types of siding and costs more over time. Fiber-cement siding, often known by the brand name Hardie board, is made of wood fibers mixed with sand and cement. It can withstand harsh weather like hail and holds paint years longer than other types of siding. Fiber-cement has a reputation of being durable with little maintenance and homeowners can paint it to change the look of their home. Stucco is also affordable and durable and where it is popular it’s easy to find a reputable company who knows how to install it. Areas where stucco is rarely used may make your home too unique for the neighborhood, which can impact resale value and it may be hard to find a company that knows how to install it.
High Cost Siding: Brick is considered one of the most durable, holding up almost indefinitely and gives any home a classic traditional look. Because it’s costly, some homeowners choose to use a combination of brick and another type of siding or a brick veneer. Stone is the most durable option, lasting for hundreds of years and gives the home a beautiful bold look. It does require a skilled mason for proper installation.
Green Siding: For those concerned about their impact to the environment, going green is a good option that offers vinyl, wood, brick, stone, stucco and fiber-cement. Materials are made from recycled or repurposed content and offer low impact to the environment, energy efficiency, and durability depending on the material.
Research: Besides doing research on the best siding for your home it’s also important to find a reputable contractor. Make your search easier by going to Responsible Contractors that provides a list of licensed and bonded contractors who do siding. http://www.responsiblecontractors.com/siding_contractor.html