When renovating the exterior of your home, changing or replacing the siding is a great choice. Not only does the type siding affect curb appeal, but it also impacts durability, maintenance, and energy efficiency of your home.
Whether you are looking to replace or upgrade your home siding, it is important to make an informed and calculated decision. Some materials will help insulate and make your home more energy-efficient while others may be more resilient to harsh and inclement weather. Each material has its own pros and cons, and it’s up to you to determine the criteria you prefer.
In this guide, we’ll explore different types of siding for homes, their pros and cons, and how to select the best option for your needs.
Minnesota Exteriors offers risk-free, no hassle, FREE siding inspections to learn more about which type of siding might be right for you.
Why Choosing the Right Siding Matters
The type of siding you choose does more than enhance your home’s exterior. It plays a crucial role in protecting your house from the elements, providing insulation, and even influencing resale value. Some siding materials require more maintenance, while others last for decades with minimal upkeep. If you’re considering a siding upgrade or replacing existing siding, understanding the different siding types for houses and buildings will help you decide how to balance aesthetics, durability, and budget.
Types of Siding for Homes
There are many home siding options, each with distinct siding pros and cons. Some materials are budget-friendly and easy to install, while others offer superior longevity and protection against harsh weather conditions with a bit more effort and at a higher price. Below, we break down the most common house siding options to help you decide which best suits your needs.
Learn about home improvement financing options available so you’re ready for renovations and updates after inspection.
Vinyl Siding
One of the most popular siding options, vinyl siding is known for its affordability and low maintenance. The hard plastic material vinyl siding is made from comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is often selected because it looks similar to a wood exterior at a lower price point. Vinyl resists moisture and doesn’t need repainting and is a versatile choice for homeowners.
- Pros: Affordable, durable, low maintenance, wide range of colors and styles.
- Cons: Can crack in extreme temperatures, repairing damage can be difficult because you cannot patch vinyl siding
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a mixture of water, wood pulp, fly ash, and portland cement, which makes it a very resilient siding option. This type of siding is durable, and made from fire-resistant material that mimics the appearance of wood. This type of house siding is resistant to rot, pests, and harsh weather, making it a long-lasting option. If you are looking for a material that holds a balance of durability, affordability, and natural stone aesthetics, fiber cement siding is a great choice.
- Pros: Extremely durable, water-resistant, low maintenance, resists fire, fungus and pests.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires professional installation
Stone Veneer Siding Siding
Stone veneer siding offers the high-end look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost. This type siding is made of thin layers of stone or stone-like material that can be added to a home’s exterior. This siding choice for houses is lightweight and can be used for entire exteriors or decorative accents. Although stone veneer siding is beautiful and durable, improper installation can lead to moisture-related issues.
- Pros: Visually stunning, lightweight alternative to real stone, highly durable.
- Cons: Can be expensive, must be properly sealed to prevent water damage.
Engineered Wood Siding
A cost-effective alternative to traditional wood, engineered wood siding is a composite mix of different strands of wood and fibers that offer the same natural aesthetic with improved durability. It is treated to resist pests and moisture but still requires occasional maintenance to prevent water damage.
- Pros: More affordable than natural wood, resistant to warping or deterioration, resists pests
- Cons: Needs routine maintenance including cleaning and sealing or painting, and can be susceptible to moisture issues
MEI can handle any project from siding, to roofing, windows and more for your home’s exterior.
Metal Siding
Modern and sleek, metal siding made from steel or aluminum is a great option for contemporary homes. As a house siding option, metal siding is easy to upkeep and is exceptionally durable against weather, pests, and rot. It is also more fire-resistant compared to other options. However, metal siding can dent and is more expensive upfront compared to different types of house siding.
- Pros: Fire-resistant, superior durability, lasts 50+ years, energy-efficient and resilient to extreme temperatures
- Cons: Prone to dents from storm damage, higher initial cost, can rust over time in wet climates
Brick Siding
Brick is one of the most durable siding materials, often lasting a lifetime with minimal maintenance. It is naturally fire-resistant, pest-proof, and can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it one of the most durable siding materials available. However, because brick is porous, it can absorb moisture over time, leading to potential mold or mildew growth, especially in humid climates. If well-maintained, brick siding can significantly boost home value.
- Pros: Highly durable, fire-resistant, low maintenance, classic aesthetic
- Cons: Expensive to install, can absorb moisture and develop mold, requires some maintenance over time
Wood Siding
Wood siding is a classic type of siding that enhances a home’s character and curb appeal. Available in various styles like clapboard, shakes, and shingles, wood provides a customizable aesthetic that works for both rustic and modern homes. While it provides excellent curb appeal, it requires frequent maintenance to prevent rot, pests, and weather damage.
- Pros: Beautiful, renewable resource, customizable, timeless
- Cons: High maintenance, vulnerable to moisture and insects, requires regular sealing or painting, less fire-resistant
Stucco Siding
Stucco is a popular choice in warmer climates because of its excellent insulation properties. This type of siding for houses is energy-efficient and long-lasting when properly maintained, though it can crack in areas with heavy rainfall or seismic activity.
- Pros: Great insulation for better energy-efficiency, fire-resistant, long lasting with proper care
- Cons: Can crack over time, absorbs moisture in wet climates, requires professional installation
Learn more about how long siding lasts to help decide which is the best option for you.
How to Choose the Best Siding for Your Home
Selecting the right siding options depends on several factors, including climate, maintenance needs, and budget. Keeping this criteria in mind helps you make a calculated decision about which is best for you. Along with our list of house siding types, a shortlist of key considerations can help narrow your options.
- Climate: Some materials, like stucco, work best in dry areas, while vinyl and fiber cement handle moisture better.
- Maintenance: Wood siding requires frequent upkeep, whereas vinyl and brick need little attention.
- Durability and Longevity: If you’re looking for long-term value, materials like brick, metal, or fiber cement offer the longest lifespan.
- Budget: House siding options range from affordable (vinyl) to high-end (natural stone or brick). Consider both installation and maintenance costs into your budget.
- Curb Appeal: Your siding should complement your home’s architecture and personal style. Most siding options have numerous colors and textures to suit any look.
Let Minnesota Exteriors Transform Your Home with High-Quality Siding
Choosing the right type of siding for your home is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. Minnesota Exteriors (MEI) has been serving Minnesota families for over 75 years. We offer expert guidance and professional installation to help you find the perfect home siding options that suit your budget and style.
Whether you want the durability of fiber cement, the elegance of stone veneer, or the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a risk-free, no-hassle, FREE siding inspection and explore our exterior siding options to transform your home