Types of siding
- Wood. The natural look this siding creates is appealing to many homeowners -- not to mention the inexpensive pricetag. Types include clapboard, plywood, hardboard/composition, rectangular plank, cedar and wood plank. But wood siding is the least-used today simply because it doesn't perform well in harsh weather conditions and is also at the mercy of outdoor critters, including insects and other animals attracted to it. Average cost: $1-$6.50 per square foot (depending on the type of wood).
- Vinyl. This home siding is the most commonly known and used. Vinyl siding doesn't provide insulation for the home unless an insulation is added (i.e. foam-backed vinyl siding). The low cost, ease of installation and the low maintenance required for the upkeep of this type of siding makes it one of the more popular choices. Today's vinyl siding is in a greater range of colors and textures and resists heat and damage better than earlier versions. Average cost: $2-$3 per square foot.
- Composite. This type of siding is available in different materials, including fiber cement, aluminium and asphalt. Composite siding, which comes in the form of shingles or boards, is installed like wood and there are many different types of trim. Because composite siding is manufactured in different shapes and can be used with different trims and accessories, the installer is better able to customize a look to the homeowner's specifications. Average cost: $3-$5 per square foot.
- Cedar impressions. This option is molded from real wood cedar shingles and provides the look of a natural wood shingle without the maintenance that wood normally requires. Considered a polymer-shake siding product. Average cost: $5-$7.50 per square foot.
Pros and cons
The three synthetic home siding types (vinyl, composite and cedar impressions) share one positive aspect -- they are all sustainable. Each is made of at least 50 to 60 percent recycled products.
Wood siding has long been a popular choice for homeowners -- but as other, more easily cared for siding materials have been introduced to the market, it's become less so. Its drawbacks include its need for constant upkeep and maintenance, and its low effectiveness as insulation. Still, many homeowners are charmed by the natural beauty of wood.
Vinyl performs very well, regardless of the climate, and does not need much maintenance, which is something most homeowners are happy to do without. Experts say the material just needs cleaning once a year with soap and water. This option is the least expensive and definitely has its drawbacks. Often the look is not as sleek as homeowners would like, because of trim pieces that need to be placed at corners, windows and doors.
Composite siding requires painting, but there are so many options that it removes the need for a pocketed accessory item. It's costlier than vinyl because of its shape, but it's fireproof and rot-resistant and holds paint very well. It can be hard to work with, though, and requires special cutting tools.
Cedar impressions are the most expensive of these sidings, but it provides a great look and fits into more architectural styles. Carter, who runs Askthebuilder.com in an effort to demistify the often confusing world of homeownership, says it's the most beautiful, and is easy to work with. "Every other siding tries to mimic it, he says, but he cautions that this type of siding, which is already costly, will require maintenance.
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