Choosing the best siding for your home can drastically boost your curb appeal, not to mention, better suit your lifestyle due to low maintenance and upkeep. While most siding materials of today are top quality, they’re not all created equal, and the right siding for you will depend on the location and style of your home. Consider factors such as durability, water resistance, aesthetics, and energy efficiency in making your decision, as well as your budget. Take a look at our guide to find your best siding match!
Vinyl
Vinyl siding has made a name for itself as the most popular cladding choice across North America. It’s one of the least expensive materials on the market, is exceptionally durable, and virtually maintenance-free. It’s also available in many styles and colours, and as a result, can be used for any style of home from modern to traditional. It’s also easy to paint, so if you get tired of the colour, you can always switch it up down the road. Another pro? It’s friendlier on the environment than many other siding products so will last for years to come.
Steel
For a luxurious home finish that creates an exceptional shield for your home, steel siding could be right for you if you live in a location prone to freezing cold or blistering heat (or both). Steel is one of the strongest siding materials there is, protecting your home from pounding rain, severe wind and other harsh elements. It’s built weather-tough, offering resistance to damage from the elements along with wood-eating insects. Steel siding is 100% recyclable, and there’s no painting, caulking or issues with silica dust.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding features a wide variety of textures and profiles so you have lots to choose from for your exterior. It’s sleek, strong, and non-combustible, offering upscale options for any style of home. Gentek carries James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding, which is a beautiful, durable and highly weather-resistant option. With ColourPlus technology, you’ll get long-lasting colour, and HardieTrim Boards are available in smooth and woodgrain textures, batten boards and crown moulding.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding has proven performance and is loved for its ability to shield your home from outdoor elements such as harsh winds and destructive weather. Aluminum siding doesn’t absorb moisture like wood or fibre cement, and it requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking good. Rinse it occasionally with a garden hose for a worry-free exterior that will enhance the curb appeal of your home.
Wood
While wood siding is one of the most beautiful options out there, it’s incredibly high maintenance, so is not a popular cladding option today. Wood needs to be painted or stained every few years, because, without it, the outdoor elements can lead to rotting, warping or twisting. With wood, you also need to worry about water damage and insects, particularly termites and carpenter ants. If left untreated, these can both do serious damage to the structure of your home. There are plenty of siding options that look like real wood siding, but don’t come with the downfalls!
Now that you know the difference between these popular siding options, which one will you choose?