When you’re deciding on new vinyl siding vs painting your house, it can be stressful and overwhelming. Questions like, ‘What are the different types of siding for a house?’, ‘What is the most expensive siding?’, ‘What is the most durable siding?’, and ‘What type of siding lasts the longest?’ swirl in your mind while you scramble to find the best price on the best material to protect your home. Luckily, most siding options last at least 15 years with minimal maintenance as opposed to painting, which only lasts 1-2 years before needing reapplication.
What is the Best House Siding Material?
The ideal house siding material for your home will depend on your specific needs. Wood siding offers unbeatable aesthetics but requires more maintenance than most. Vinyl siding is inexpensive and easy to maintain but can crack and warp over the years. Metal siding is durable and long-lasting but can rust and bend, causing separation through time. A siding professional can help you find the perfect siding for your home.
- Vinyl – Vinyl siding is by far the most popular type of house siding today and offers affordable protection for your home. This siding can protect your home from weather and wind without rusting and resists peeling, denting, and separating. Vinyl siding is also available in multiple styles and colors so you are sure to find the perfect look for you.
- Wood – The most traditional option available, wood siding is available in multiple looks and styles, and offers unbeatable energy savings. The natural ability of this material to protect against weather, wind, and impacts make wood a great choice for siding. However, moist environments can lead to warping, mold, and other types of early degeneration.
- Metal – Metal siding provides lasting protection with minimal maintenance requirements. This material protects against water, wind, and UV rays and can lower your energy costs substantially. In fact, when paired with an energy saving system like a Lennox heater, you could save up to 30 percent on annual energy costs. Metal siding, however, is susceptible to rust and denting that can lead to further issues like leaks and heating and cooling loss.
- Concrete and Brick – Quickly gaining popularity, concrete and brick siding offers unbeatable protection from weather, wind, impacts, and just about any other type of hazard your home can experience. These materials are heavier than others, though, and may require reinforcement before installation. These materials are also the priciest house siding materials available.
When to Replace House Siding
No matter what type of siding you choose, eventually, it will need to be replaced. But, how do you know when your siding needs to be repaired and when to replace it? Small siding damage can typically be repaired by a professional. These damages can include problems like:
Peeling or Cracking: If your siding has cracked or peeling panels, these sections can usually be replaced to restore the look and protection of your siding.
Warping: Warped siding panels will begin to bend, causing separation that can lead to leaks, animal intrusion, and other problems. Prompt repair of the warped section is crucial to prevent more costly problems.
Dents: Metal siding can become dented or bent over the years which can cause holes and gaps in your siding. An expert can easily replace your bent or dented panels to reinforce your siding’s strength and restore its appeal.
Fading: Many homeowners ask, “Can house siding be painted when it begins to fade?”
Metal and wood siding can definitely be painted to suit. However, materials like vinyl cannot be painted. It’s important to decide whether you may want to change the color of your siding in the future when selecting a material option.
When to Replace House Siding
No matter what type of siding you choose, eventually, it will need to be replaced. But, how do you know when your siding needs to be repaired and when to replace it? Small siding damage can typically be repaired by a professional. These damages can include problems like:
Peeling or Cracking: If your siding has cracked or peeling panels, these sections can usually be replaced to restore the look and protection of your siding.
Warping: Warped siding panels will begin to bend, causing separation that can lead to leaks, animal intrusion, and other problems. Prompt repair of the warped section is crucial to prevent more costly problems.
Dents: Metal siding can become dented or bent over the years which can cause holes and gaps in your siding. An expert can easily replace your bent or dented panels to reinforce your siding’s strength and restore its appeal.
Fading: Many homeowners ask, “Can house siding be painted when it begins to fade?”
Metal and wood siding can definitely be painted to suit. However, materials like vinyl cannot be painted. It’s important to decide whether you may want to change the color of your siding in the future when selecting a material option.