4 Types of Siding and How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

There are different styles to choose from and different materials that can impact the siding’s durability. You’ll also need to consider your budget, the colors available, and the required maintenance of each siding choice.

Whether you’re renovating your home or choosing a siding to match your home’s aesthetic, this guide will walk you through the process of choosing the right siding for your home.

4 Common Siding Types

This guide will focus on the most popular and efficient siding types:

• Composite cladding
• Vinyl
• Brick
• Wood

1. Composite Cladding

Wood siding can be incredibly beautiful, but it requires intensive upkeep and is susceptible to damage if not cared for properly. Luckily, ASCEND composite cladding is available in select areas, such as the southeast U.S. It has the high-end look of wood but performs much better over time. Even though you may have to repair your siding in the future, repairs should be minimal compared to other siding types.

Some benefits of composite cladding include:

• Less waste: Because it doesn’t require caulking, sealing, joint flashing, etc., composite cladding has less waste.
• Looks: There are 20 shades to choose from that look like real, high-end wood.
• Long-lasting: With minimal maintenance, you should have exceptional performance and beautiful siding for years to come.

It’s hard to beat quick installation, efficiency, and style. Composite cladding is a new, durable siding option for homeowners. With ASCEND manufacturing and Sears Home Services installation, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best service out there.

2. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular siding options, and for a good reason. Overall, vinyl siding is low maintenance and offers durability, efficiency, and can be customized to match your style.

Some of the benefits of vinyl siding include:

• Durability: Vinyl siding is built to last. It doesn’t require painting and is immune to water damage. It tends to last longer than the alternatives because it doesn’t need paint and avoids swelling, warping, and cracking issues of the other types.
• Efficiency: Vinyl siding can be energy-efficient and save you money. Not only can it help reduce your energy bill, but it’s also “green” friendly. At Sears Home Services, our vinyl siding is Energy Star-certified, ensuring efficiency and that your siding was manufactured with the environment in mind.
• Maintenance: Because of its durability, vinyl siding is very low maintenance. Sears Home Services vinyl siding offers an ultraviolet shield that also protects the home from water damage.
• Vibrancy: Sears Home Services has over 400 choices of color for vinyl siding. Because of the material, the siding will stay vibrant for years to come.

3. Brick Siding

Brick siding is made from fired clay. Typically, you will find brick siding on English, Tudor, and colonial homes. Brick siding can withstand the test of time if installed properly and costs somewhere between $9 and $28 per square foot. Brick siding can be more expensive because of its durability and labor requirements. If installed correctly, it can last the lifetime of your home.

Although it is quite beautiful and can give your home a historic look, it is susceptible to water damage. For this reason, a membrane must be installed between the brick veneers and the house. Protecting the overall structure of your home is critical and can save you money and the headache of having to deal with rot.

4. Wood Siding

Wood siding can be seen on cottage and bungalow interiors. It adds a beautiful look to a house, and, if maintained properly, it can be quite durable. Wood siding can give your home a smooth and consistent look. To be installed properly, it requires staining and chalking to prevent damage. Because of the precise nature of wood siding, it can cost between $3 and $10 per square foot to install, depending on the type of wood you choose, and will need periodic maintenance.

If you choose to go with wood siding, there are a few things to consider:

• Check the local rules in your area, as some areas require shingles to be coated in fire-retardant chemicals.
• Look into redwood or western red cedar wood, as they are more durable.
• Take into account the cost of painting or staining the wood siding.
• Remember that you will need to budget for periodic maintenance.

What to Consider When Choosing Siding

When deciding which siding to go with, there are a few things to consider including cost, material, and durability. In this section, we’ll cover what to consider when choosing a siding for your home.

• Durability: Consider your climate. Will the siding you’re considering hold up to the temperature and weather conditions in your area? Most siding installations are rated for winds of up to 110 miles per hour.
• Efficiency: Remember to check the R-value rating, which rates its resistance to the flow of heat. It’s wise to consider energy-efficient siding to help reduce your monthly bill.
• Look: Make sure that you’re satisfied with not only how the siding performs but also what it looks like. An aesthetically pleasing home can cheer you up and add value to your home. This could include your choice in color, how long that color will last, and how the material looks.
• Water resistance: Choosing a water-resistant siding will save you money in the long run, as it will have a longer life.
• Care: Consider the kind of care and upkeep you will need to keep your siding looking sharp. Most times, you can just use a garden hose, diluted vinegar, and a soft-bristled brush to clean the siding.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a professional or even look to family and friends to help you decide which siding would make the most sense for you. A professional can help answer questions about installation and maintenance, while friends and family can help you with more personal decisions, like the style. Seeking additional input can help you feel confident with your final decision.

Which Siding Is Best?

All in all, each siding type has its time and place. As far as durability and style go, composite cladding and vinyl are some of the best options for homeowners. Both options offer a variety of colors, allowing you to choose the best look for your home.

In addition, composite cladding and vinyl require minimal upkeep and are built to last. Unlike wood and brick siding, they keep their “just-installed” look well into the future. Because of this, they tend to be a great investment for homeowners.

Invest in Quality Siding

Investing in quality siding has many benefits. Not only can it be beautiful and increase your home’s resale value, but it also can help you save money in the long run. If you already have siding, switching to a more modern siding type like composite cladding or vinyl can reduce maintenance, improve energy efficiency, and match your style.

Once you’ve decided on the best siding type for your home, it’s time to find the best team to help bring your vision to life. Sears Home Services provides an affordable siding installation service that you can trust. We are dedicated to offering you the best service with our highly skilled installation team. Our staff can answer any questions, walking you through the entire process.

We partner with Energy Star to provide individuals with the right information to make sustainable decisions when improving their homes. In 2018, we were selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for demonstrating leadership and commitment to the environment. Not only are our siding options great for the environment, but they also help you save money through energy efficiency.

Contact the professionals at Sears Home Services today to learn more about how you can find affordable, long-lasting siding.