If you are building a house, doing a complete remodel, or updating the exterior, home siding is a decision you will need to make. This is an important decision because it can be expensive and will be on your house for many years. This article will provide some pros and cons of all the most common types of siding so you can know which one is the most durable. One common factor for any home’s siding is its maintenance. We always suggest hiring a professional pressure washing crew to get your home deep cleaned annually to help extend the life of your siding. This will also improve your curb appeal and make your home look fresh and clean.
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Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood is an option you may want to consider because it is perhaps the most durable of all your options. If you have always loved the way wood looks, this may be an option for you. It is lighter, more flexible, and will resist moisture all while looking like real wood. It can withstand an impact fairly well and is incredibly durable. Modified wood will not attract bugs the way real wood does. It usually cannot be treated, so the color options are limited to natural wood colors. This is not the best siding for bold and unique colors.
Steel Siding
Steel siding will hold up to just about any type of damage. It is incredibly durable and strong. Steel siding may dent a little bit from damage, but it will not get gaping holes in it. It is incredibly low maintenance and should last a long time. It is great for extreme climates from the coldest to the hottest regions. It is recyclable, so it is a green and sustainable material. It does look industrial, which may be perfect if you have a modern house, but may not work otherwise. Steel can rust and is not ideal for a beach setting where it will be hit with spray from the ocean. Over time, the steel will age, and scuffs and scratches will appear.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is the most inexpensive siding you can find. It requires very little maintenance and is easy to find and find a contractor to install. Many choose vinyl because the price tag makes it appealing and you can find it in many different colors and styles to suit your tastes. It is not as durable and can crack or break easily. If a rock gets thrown at it, most likely, it will create a hole. You cannot paint vinyl siding, so there is no way to spruce it up if you are tired of the color. If it is not installed correctly, moisture can sit behind the siding and cause mold to grow. Annual pressure washing can keep it looking fresh longer, by removing debris and stains before they set in. Eventually, vinyl siding will fade, the sunnier sides will inevitably fade faster.
Brick Exterior and Brick Veneer Siding
Brick siding and brick veneer siding are durable options. Brick and mortar is incredibly durable but must be appropriately installed by a skilled mason. Brick gives your house a warm and beautiful look while also being incredibly efficient. Many historic buildings have brick siding, which shows it can last for generations. It must be installed correctly, or it will cause the mortar to fail and damage your house. It can crack and is not ideal for areas that have earthquakes. Brick siding is relatively expensive because the materials are expensive, and so is the contract work needed for installation.
Stucco Exterior
Stucco is another great exterior for your home that has been around for a long time. Stucco is a durable type of siding that works well with just about every style of house. There are some synthetic types of Stucco, but the traditional mix of lime, sand, cement, and water is the most durable. It is difficult to install and requires a skilled contractor to ensure longevity and water resistance. Stucco is difficult to remove, so when you no longer like it, you may be stuck with it. It does better in warmer climates as the cold tends to breaks down the stucco leading to cracks and potential water damage.
Maintaining Your Siding.
No matter which type of siding you select, you want to keep it clean and maintained. The Squeegee Squad will professionally clean your siding with the right amount of water pressure for your siding so that it cleans but does not harm your siding. Trust them to use the best cleaners and most up to date equipment to care for your house.