When we talk about architectural advancement towards the modern approach, it has never disappointed us. Centuries ago, houses were built using wood logs and leaves known as huts. As time went by, architectural features grew, and now some buildings can last for even 100 years. The one unbelievably smart feature is weather-proofing for the house, known as ‘Siding.’ Here are some types of siding.
What is Siding?
Siding is protective cladding, which is attached to the exterior of a house or any building and protects from brutal weather conditions of wind, heat, or rain. There are many types of siding that you can go for!
A selection of house siding will vary according to the temperature and climatic changes in the area you stay in. Here in this article, you will read about types of house siding in detail. You will also find a rough estimated cost of the material in terms of per square foot.
From wood to engineered wood and fiber-cement to vinyl, we have collected information on both natural and artificial materials used for siding.
Types of Siding
1. Wood
source: cloudinary.com
Wood is the most traditional type of siding used in houses. Mostly wooden siding is useful in bungalows, cape cod, and exteriors of the cottage. The wooden exterior often catches attention due to its traditionally rich and organic look.
People like to go for wooden sidings as it is versatile. You will get plenty of colors and shapes in wood siding, like clapboards, shingles, drop sidings, vertical boards, logs, etc. the most commonly useful wood are pine, redwood, spruce, and cedar.
If you are going for the wooden siding, keep in mind, it requires high maintenance and is susceptible to termites, woodpeckers, rotting, and even fire. With proper care, it can last for 10 years or even 100 years. It requires painting and chalking for maintaining weather resistance.
Cost: The cost of wood siding will vary between $5 to $14 per square foot, according to the
2. Metal
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Metal is No. Doubt. Strongest and long-lasting siding material. The house owners unquestionably admired its water-proof quality. As it isn’t prone to termites or rot, the maintenance cost is low.
At first, the metal siding was used in industrial constructions only, but nowadays, residential buildings are also using them. The only reason is its durability and high fire resistance. The metal retains the color for a long time without letting it fade, and you can repaint it too.
There are two types of metal used in siding – steel and aluminum; both have their pros and cons. The point that distracts people from going for it is its inability to retain heat, which can result in high electricity bills during winters.
And another is its cost, it is pretty expensive and needs professional labor for installation. A single mistake can ruin the purpose of it.
Cost: The installation cost of metal siding is somewhere between $3 to $8 per square foot. Depending on the type of metal you are choosing. The price may increase if insulation is added.
3. Vinyl
source: vinylsiding.org
Vinyl – the most popular siding material! Vinyl has gained a reputation in recent times. Why is it so? Vinyl is a synthetic material, which is versatile, durable, and affordable that doesn’t require much of spending on maintenance too.
Vinyl is available in different colors and shapes such as shingles, panels, shakes, beaded design, lap, etc. They can even take a look of stone or brick too. It doesn’t require a professional for installation and can be used in a DIY project also!
As it is inexpensive, the quality is lower as compared to other siding materials. It cannot withstand harsh weather conditions, such as heavy wind and high temperatures.
Since it has synthetic aesthetics, it might not satisfy nature lovers. Plus, it isn’t eco-friendly too, this is non-biodegradable stuff, which harms nature for a long.
Cost: The installation of vinyl siding costs around $3 to $8 per square foot (including labor).
4. Stone
source: scottishhomeimprovements.com
Nature’s most substantial element is stone. Stone is something that can go through any harsh weather conditions still stand straight. Yes! Stone is also an exterior siding material.
Stone gives a raw, upscale, and decorative look to the house. It is like a one-time investment, and once you have them installed, you won’t need to look for a change shortly (unless you want to change it).
It can endure any harsh weather conditions (as said above), be it torrential rainfall, heavy wind, or extreme heat.
There are many options to choose from, like, limestone, slate, granite, and other natural stones. The only negative point is its high installation cost, but you can also go for a stone veneer, which is as durable as the original one but will cost you half.
Cost: The installation cost of stone siding will cost you around $15 to $30, while the stone veneer will cost between $6 to $9 per square foot.
5. Bricks
source: thebalancesmb.com
Another element having the classic old good looks is brick. The rawness it emits feels like staying close to nature all the time. Do you know what the best example to describe the durability of the brick is? The houses or constructions built centuries ago and are still standing straight.
Though it isn’t as popular as vinyl siding, if you are planning the new construction, you can go for it. It adds a rustic yet pleasant elegance to the building. Why should you go for it? Because it is durable, isn’t prone to any sort of termites, and is fire as well as water-resistant.
The only negative point is its pricing, as it needs specialized labor. Building construction using bricks can be done traditionally through masonry or by installing the thin brick veneer. The masonry one will endure the whole weight of the house while the veneer won’t.
Cost: The average cost of brick siding is anywhere between $6 to $15 per square foot (excluding labor cost), while veneer may cost you between $4 to $6 per square foot.
6. Fiber Cement
source: homestratosphere.com
The current most favorite and competitor of vinyl is fiber cement. The fiber cement is mostly created to mimic another material, and that too natural wood. It is a unique combination of cement, sand, and wood fibers.
This one is perfect for the people who love the warm and natural look of wood but want to go for a more affordable option. The fiber cement is durable, economical, and easy to maintain.
Though it isn’t as strong as stone or brick, it can last up to 30 to 40 years. It has fire resistance properties with A1 rating and can do well in rainy times too. You can get it any color, form, or shape and even lifelike imitation of brick, stone, or wood.
The only con is its weight. It isn’t as heavy as stone but enough for the installation process. Due to its weight, the working charges increase. It is cheaper than wood and expensive than vinyl (double the cost!).
Cost: It is moderately high in price. The fiber cement siding will cost around $10 per square foot.
7. Stucco (Concrete)
source: jdtconstructionllc.com
Stucco is inspired by Spanish architecture and is a mixture of lime, cement, and sand. It is also prepared using different ingredients too. We can give it any shape and design and we can apply it to wood, stone, or even brick.
Stucco is durable, long-lasting, and requires low maintenance. Due to the casing, it works as an insulator for the home. The materials used in the making of stucco are of high quality. Hence it doesn’t need painting or chipping over the period.
The installation of stucco costs more than the siding, as it demands professionals for the work. Plus, it is also time-consuming as it needs few coatings before it dries.
Cost: The Stucco siding will cost you $8 per square foot on average.
8. Glass
source: dwell.com
Glass isn’t an actual siding material. We can use it as a viable exterior. You will need to choose another siding material to hold it up firmly. The glass is an attractive piece, and it enhances the outlook of any room.
As it is transparent, there is enough passage of natural light. The glass keeps the room airtight; hence it is energy efficient too. The house will remain cool in summer and warm in winter.
It is water-resistant as well; the sealant used in the installation of glass doesn’t allow water in the room. Glass gives the home a beautiful makeover but snatches away the privacy though there are strong and not see-through glasses available in the market.
The glass needs regular cleaning and installation cost is also high along with the glass itself.
Cost: the installation of glass siding on average costs around $1500 to $1700 per linear foot.
9. Engineered Wood
source: carefreehomescompany.com
Engineered wood can refer to as the cheaper alternative of wood. We saw fiber-cement and vinyl as its alternative too, but this one is more reliable and of superior quality than them.
This one is also a mixture of components, but mostly wood. No one would be able to locate that it isn’t real wood but a human-made one.
It has all the qualities that a siding needs, from weather resistance to long-lasting and durable. It can endure any weather conditions, be it heavy rainfall or severe heat, and is also fire resistant.
The only negative point is that you can’t restain or repaint it. That is sealable, right?
Cost: Installing an engineered wood siding will cost anywhere between $4 to $8 per square foot.
Built A Durable and Long-Lasting House with Different Types Of Siding:
These were the most popular and reliable types of sidings to install for the weather resistance and longer life of a house. Some of them are pocket-friendly, and some are expensive. Some provide an outlook, whereas others provide weather resistance. The list also has one material that includes everything all together.
In short, you now have detailed information on types of house siding, select the one you feel is right for you. For more ideas, turn up to the Housedecorationtip.
