4 Home Siding Options for Homeowners

Siding is a home improvement project that may be overlooked in favor of a bathroom remodel or a finished basement. But the average return for improving the siding is usually around 80%—an attractive benefit for a repair that likely needed to be completed anyway. It's time to see how different types of siding stack up against one another so homeowners feel confident when they make the switch.

Wood

Wood is one of the warmest materials a homeowner can buy, evoking visions of storybook homes and quaint cottages. It welcomes visitors in with a gorgeous exterior and can give even the most modest of homes a little extra personaility. Wood is one of the easier types of siding to install without compromising on the energy efficiency of the home. (This perk can be enough to convince on-the-fence buyers to increase their offer when the time finally does come to sell.)

But while wood is beautiful, it's also vulnerable to everything from rain to insects to flames. Even pre-treated wood may require more maintenance than some homeowners realized. However, wood siding is often the siding choice of most home DIY projects.

Brick

Many homeowners would argue that brick is just as warm and inviting as wood, and yet it's a lot more durable. It can easily fend off practically every common threat and is made to last for well over a century. Plus, there are plenty of shapes and colors for homeowners to choose from, so they always get the right look for their home. Brick is an excellent for soundproofing because the material is so thick. If you are interested in more tips on how to soundproof your home, take a look at QuietLivity for more great ideas. Those who like it quiet will be glad they made the investment.

Brick is certainly a durable choice, but it can certainly be more expensive than some homeowners were hoping to spend. If the brick suffers any kind of mortar damage over time, it may also be costly to make the repairs.

Stucco

Stucco is a mixture of building materials, making it one of the more versatile choices. It's a great choice for those who want to express their artistic side through their siding. No matter what type of stucco a Bonnie Doon homeowner chooses though, it's built to hold up through even the most brutal of winters or hottest of summers. If the stucco is damaged for any reason, it's relatively easy to replace just the damaged part with a new piece. Stucco is typically built to last somewhere between 50 and 100 years.

Stucco is not easy to repaint, which can may be a disadvantage for homeowners who like to mix it up a little bit. (And potentially a disadvantage for future buyers who may not like the color very much.)

Metal

Metal has some very attractive benefits for homeowners who want a great deal on their siding. It's as durable as it is cost-effective, holding up against the water and insects that will inevitably threaten its integrity. This siding has also come a long way in terms of its aesthetics. Homeowners are much more likely today to find the style and color that best complements their home.

Those with metal siding primarily need to be concerned with rust and fading. If the metal isn't properly sealed, it may rust quickly after rain exposure. Aluminum siding may also dent in the event of a hail storm.

Choosing siding is a great way to improve the look and value of a home. Homeowners should consider not just how they want the home to look now, but also their budget and future selling goals.