Replacing Your Siding? Try One of These 4 Options

Like a roof that may need attention or repair, a home’s siding takes a lot of beatings when it comes to standing up to weather, and it will eventually come to the point where it needs to be replaced. When this is the case, the homeowner has the chance to replace it with what they had before or try something new. But what sorts of siding does a homeowner have to pick from? Here are four of the most popular siding options and what makes them a good choice for any home.

1. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is one of the most popular choices for siding because it’s the most affordable type available, making it the most accessible. Vinyl is also popular because it can be molded and colored to imitate many different other materials, such as wood or stone, so homeowners who can’t afford those materials can still have the appearance without going over budget. Vinyl siding does have a tendency to build up mold and grime due to natural causes, so it isn’t maintenance-free despite how some companies claim it is. However, any dirt or grime can be easily cleaned off by using a power washer to clean siding.

2. Brick Siding

Another one of the most common siding types homeowners will look into is brick siding. Brick is extremely durable and won’t require very much maintenance over its life, setting it apart from other options. It’s also resists fire, mold growth, and rotting, and it’s entirely possible that the brick siding will last as long as the home itself does. The problem that most people run into with brick siding is that it’s  quite expensive compared to other types, which will make it inaccessible to people who need to work within a budget. If the homeowner does choose to go with brick, their home may need special work done to ensure that it’s structurally sound and can handle the weight of the brick siding in case of natural disasters or extreme weather.

3. Wood Siding

When it comes to price, wood siding falls between vinyl and brick. Wood siding can be a good choice because it’s easy to cut, shape, and install onto a home, and it can last decades if the homeowners take good care of it. However, while wood is a very popular option for homeowners, it isn’t without its problems. It’s common for wood siding to fall victim to woodpeckers putting holes in it and insects eating away at it. Wood siding isn’t guaranteed to attract insects and birds, so the homeowner has to decide if they’re willing to risk such a large investment.

4. Fiber Cement Siding

One option that isn’t as obvious as the other entries on this list is called fiber cement siding. It’s comparable to vinyl siding in that it isn’t a natural material like wood or brick. This makes it less expensive than those natural options, but it’s still more expensive than just vinyl. Like vinyl, fiber cement can imitate the look of different materials, so it can look good on most homes without having to go out of the way. Fiber cement siding is also water resistant, fireproof, and won’t be damaged by insects, the latter two of which can’t be said about wood siding.

Choosing which siding a home should have is a big decision that Culver City homeowners shouldn’t make lightly. It’s important to take time to learn about all of the different options’ pros and cons in order to make the best possible choice for both the home and the homeowner.