When it comes to replacing the siding on your home, the process was pretty simple years ago, you had one type of siding to choose from – aluminum siding.
Fast forward to today and aluminum siding is no longer in favor as the material easily dents, scratches, chips, and requires maintenance. However, with aluminum siding falling out of favor after a long run since its inception in 1940, this opened the door to many other options when it came to the siding.
Homeowners now have the opportunity to choose from a wide assortment of siding types, siding colors, and even different pricing structures based on the siding they choose. This is why today, we will help you answer the question, “What are the most popular siding types?”
The Most Popular Types of Siding:
Below you will find the most popular types of siding in addition to the pros, cons, and pricing of each!
1. Vinyl Siding
Chances are if you are replacing your existing siding, you currently have vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is the most commonly used siding type used by builders and it is known to offer enough durability, color options, and affordability to please most homeowners. Vinyl siding requires very little maintenance outside of occasional pressure washing.
- Pros: Durable, easy to install, least expensive option, a wide variety of colors
- Cons: Not as durable as other options, aesthetically not as pleasing, can be blown off in a wind storm in some cases
- Pricing: $4-$8 per square foot
- Odyssey Plus Vinyl Siding Info
2. Composite Siding
Composite siding by Alside is a first-of-its-kind solution that combines beauty, performance, and easy installation for the best overall value on the market. With the goal of making the texture look like wood grain, composite siding is highly durable while also aesthetically pleasing. If you are someone looking to remodel the exterior of your home,
- Pros: More cost-effective than fiber-cement, more durable than vinyl siding, aesthetically pleasing, highly customizable
- Cons: Costs more than vinyl siding, can sometimes require minor maintenance
- Pricing: $7-$12
- Ascend Composite Siding Info
3. Insulated Siding
The name says it all, but insulated or reinforced siding simply refers to a stronger vinyl siding due to the polystyrene foam liner. This makes a more energy-efficient home when installed as opposed to traditional vinyl siding.
- Pros: Not much more expensive than normal vinyl siding
- Cons: Not as many options as cement or composite siding.
- Pricing: $4-$9
- Charter Oak Reinforced Vinyl Siding
Fiber Cement Siding (Hardy Board)
Perhaps the most popular siding in terms of looks and style, fiber cement siding or “Hardy Board” is considered the best siding as far as durability and aesthetics are concerned. While the price point is a little higher, fiber cement siding is popular because of all the options and customization that are possible. Vertical, horizontal, and cedar shake style sidings are just a few ways to customize fiber cement siding.
- Pros: Extremely durable and great for home resale, customizable
- Cons: Painting maintenance required, warranty 15 years for paint lock, expensive to install
- Pricing: $7-$14 installed
- James Hardy Product Info
Other Types of Siding:
The following are not actually “Types of Siding” but instead, they are alternatives to the siding. Instead of siding, you might consider using stucco or brick to cover the front of your home and elect to use one of the siding choices from above on the sides.
Either way, here are some of the other types of ways you can cover the exterior walls of your home!
Wood
Wood is not technically a siding, but there are wood siding options. While you typically might find this is a wooded area or near a lake, wood siding is more pricey and requires maintenance. With wood siding, the cost is moderate to high and can touch $14 per square foot.
Stucco
Often found in drier climates since it does not do well with moisture. Stucco is a plaster-based wall covering that is made from a mix of cement, sand, and other ingredients. Oftentimes, stucco is a great way to add aesthetics, but installation and durability make it a product most homeowners avoid.
Brick, Concrete, & Stone
Perhaps you are considering replacing the siding around your home but you also want to add some features such as stone or brick around the base or to the front. This is one way to add aesthetics to your home but keep in mind, it can be expensive. A mason will also charge $10 per square foot on the low end
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which is the best siding?
The best siding really depends on your budget and what look you’re going for. The best LOOKING siding is often fiber cement siding because of all the possible options you can choose from. The best siding when it comes to affordability and durability is going to be vinyl.
What is the most affordable siding?
Vinyl siding is generally considered the most affordable as it pertains to price for material and labor. In general, the most expensive siding is typically fiber cement siding. Be sure to get a few quotes for both!
See More: Top Dog Home Pro Siding Info
How to Find a [Great] Siding Company Fast