Which Home Siding Material Is Best for Your Home?

The right home siding cannot only add to the appeal of a home, especially if the home is for sale, but also offer protection from the elements. There are a variety of options on the market and homeowners can choose siding materials that can complement the style of their home. Metals siding may be well-suited to contemporary or modern homes. However, an entirely different look may be preferred for a rustic home. New siding options can increase the R value and help insulate a home, improving its energy efficiency.

There are many reasons to get excited when reviewing home siding options. Explore the home siding materials available to Canadian homeowners today.

Metal Home Siding

Homeowners will find that metal siding has become increasingly prevalent in Canada. Metal siding is a durable choice that has its pros and cons. An iron-based siding may rust, but will not rot like wood siding may. Additional benefits are that a home has better protection against pests and fire. Different types of metal may be prone to color change or dents and scratches. Metal will also require greater reinforcement when installed.

Wood Home Siding

Wood siding can be used on a variety of homes, including modern, country and classical style homes. Common wood siding options include board and batten, vertical boards, log, sheets, and shingles. A chic look can be achieved with board and battern. Those living in mountain regions may often see log siding used. Natural wood offers a warm aesthetic and a high quality wood will not be susceptible to pest attacks. As with metal siding, wood siding needs to be repainted to maintain its appeal. Other siding options are more fire resistant that this popular choice.

Vinyl Home Siding

Vinyl siding offers many benefits to homeowners, including its affordability, versatility and minimal maintenance requirements. There are now a diverse range of color and style from which to select from which has helped make vinyl popular with homeowners. Unlike wood and metal, vinyl siding does not need painting and offers protection against water damage and insects. It is not fire resistant and may burn or crack. To make it more cost-effective, homeowners can go the DIY route and install their own vinyl siding.

Plastic Home Siding

Plastic siding is a good option for those who are looking for minimal maintenance. Available as shingles or shakes, plastic siding provides insulation in cold weather. New types of plastic siding can also look like cedar for homes with a more rustic appearance.

Brick Home Siding

Brick siding is a popular choice often chosen for Colonial, Tudor and English cottage homes. There are many sizes and textures to select from when it comes to genuine brick siding. A membrane is installed between the brick siding veneer and the wood frame structure as the brick material is water permeable. Brick siding can provide protection for a home's lifetime when properly installed. Homeowners should be aware that this type of siding is more expensive and time-consuming to install, compared with siding options like vinyl and plastic.

Selecting Your Home Siding

These are only a few of the Cranston home siding choices available to homeowners. Others to explore include stone, stucco and cement siding. Homeowners may want to consider the installation costs, maintenance requirements, and protection afforded with a specific type of home siding. Those looking to sell a home in the near future would also benefit from new home siding as it can generate a high ROI and boost curb appeal.