When it comes to choosing new
siding for your home, the choices can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of options out there. And siding is going to be an investment; so you want to make sure you get the right
siding for your home the first time. Let's take a quick look at some of the options you can choose for your home, and see if we can simplify decide on if it's
time to replace siding in your home.
STYLES
What style of home are you looking to remodel? Do you have a quaint Cape Cod, or is it more of a traditional looking Victorian? Are you updating siding for a rustic Ranch style home, or does your house have more of a French Country style to it? The type of home you have may have a lot to do with what style of siding your choose. Or, you may just decide to do something no one has ever done before.
Clap Board is probably the most recognizable siding in the United States. This is because it isn't just attractive, it is easy to install and great at keeping water from getting in. If you're looking for something tried and true, this is definitely the way to go.
Dutch Lap is the perfect choice if you're looking to give your home a rustic, log home appearance. From a distance, the curved "reveal" on this siding looks a little bit like stacked logs, but this is not log cabin siding. This siding option is going to give a country look with a touch of opulence.
Shingles are considered by many to be uniquely American in their style, since this style was quite popular in New England at the end of the 19th century, and many homes are still adorned with them today. It is also a siding option that says, "rich," because only families that were well off could afford to have this type of siding.
Scallop siding, also called fish scale, is a great option if you want to add a traditional elegance and a unique originality to your home. This is also a siding style that is often used as an accent for other styles. It is perfect for breaking horizontal patterns and adding character.
Board and Batten is a versatile style that can be used in a modern design or give the look of barn boards to a rustic design. Whether you need something contemporary, or decidedly country, board and batten can get the job done. Use it alone or as an accent for other styles.
MATERIALS
Wood is a material option almost everyone loves the look of. It definitely has classic appeal. But it is an option that comes with some drawbacks. It is more susceptible to insect and water damage, requires periodic painting or staining, is not fire resistant, and is not going to do well in a dry climate.
Metal is the material to us if you're looking for a unique look, fire resistance, mold resistance, low cost, and something that will be fairly low on maintenance. But be aware that aluminum is prone to being dented, and many people associate this material with metal sheds and trailers--and, sadly, that is a hard stereotype to break free of.
Vinyl is the least expensive and most versatile material option available, and it comes in an impressive selection of colors and styles. In fact, all of the styles mentioned above can be purchased in
vinyl. It also has the benefit of easy maintenance, insulation, and the ability to look like real wood. It is not without its drawbacks. While the fact that this material doesn't require re-painting every 5 years, and that is definitely a positive for some people, you're going to have to live with the
color of your vinyl siding. Fortunately, there are tons of colors to choose from.
Fiber is the perfect choice if you need durability, fairly low maintenance, and high quality. But, that quality is going to cost you a little extra. You're also going to have to do some maintenance if you have fiber. Unlike
vinyl siding, the color applied to fiber isn't through the entire material. So it will require some touch ups now and then. But, on a positive note, you can paint fiber if you feel like switching up the colors on your home.
If you've been thinking about a facelift for your home and you'd like more information about siding options and styles, let us know. We'd be happy to
schedule a free in-home estimate and get you started on your way to a beautiful new look for your home.
