One of the most important decisions that you can make as a homeowner is the type of siding that you put on your house. After all, your siding is responsible for keeping weather out of your home and for protecting the surfaces underneath. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right material type. Many homeowners struggle with the decision and have trouble deciding between masonry siding, wooden siding, and vinyl. Each option can be found on homes around the country, and each has its purpose. Below is a quick look at each of those popular options to help explain the value of each and when they should be utilized.
When Vinyl Siding is the Answer
Vinyl siding is made from a plastic composite material and offered in a wide range of colors. It’s one of the most popular types of siding because it’s affordable and quick to put on, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best option. Vinyl siding is a more affordable solution, but it’s susceptible to impact and scrape damage. It’s also the least environmentally friendly option out of the three options for buyers worried about sustainability.
It’s the best option for buyers looking to save money while keeping their maintenance requirements to a minimum. It doesn’t age very well, though, and can begin looking cracked or worn sooner than wood or masonry, even when high-quality vinyl is selected.
Pros
- Affordable
- Available in many colors
- Low maintenance
- Simple installation
Cons
- Weak against impact damage or scrapes
- Cannot be refinished
- Not environmentally friendly
When to Use Masonry Siding
Masonry siding or brick siding is a thin layer of masonry that’s added to the exterior of a house. It’s by far the most expensive of the three siding options, but it’s highly durable and does the best against impacts and is the most fire-resistant siding option. Masonry siding is more maintenance than vinyl siding is to keep in good shape, but it’s generally easier to care for than wooden siding is. It’s also heavier and more difficult to install, which accounts for some of the added expense over wood siding. It’s one of the best long-term siding options and it ages well.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Better for the environment
- Fire resistant
Cons
- The costliest option
When Wood Siding Makes Sense
Wood siding was by far the most popular form of siding a few centuries ago, and today it’s still a leading option. Generally it’s more costly than vinyl but more affordable than masonry siding is. Wooden siding is an excellent insulator and can help weatherproof a home in a cool climate effectively. This form of siding is simple to install and can be put on efficiently. It’s the most difficult to maintain, though, and requires regular upkeep to protect it from weathering, rot, and insect damage. Wooden siding is the most fragile option when not cared for, and it’s only good when maintained carefully.
Pros
- Can be refinished
- Better for the environment
- Excellent insulator
Cons
- High maintenance
- Susceptible to fire damage
- Prone to rot and insect damage
Conclusion: Which will it Be?
Each of the three siding types hasits own benefits, but one option will likely jump out for you over the others as you read through the information. Vinyl siding is the lowest cost option and also the easiest to maintain. Wooden siding is the most environmentally friendly and the best insulator, but the most work to maintain. Masonry is the most durable but also the most expensive of the three options. No matter which you pick, all three options will protect your home well; just invest in quality siding that you like, and you can’t lose.
