Exterior Siding Guide: Learn About 9 Types of House Sidings

House siding, also known as home siding or exterior siding, refers to the material attached to a house or building’s exterior that protects it from the elements. Home siding also provides homeowners with interior comfort and energy efficiency and enhances the structure’s visual or “curb” appeal. This siding is typically made from various natural or artificial building materials, including wood, brick, aluminum, and vinyl.

Most types of siding come in smaller pieces than the section of the home’s exterior that they will cover to allow for expansion or contraction due to the elements. Siding is joined together in a variety of ways: board and batten, for example, is connected with a strip of wood between the butt joints on the panel, while planks of clapboard, or lap siding, is applied horizontally across walls. Other siding choices, like stucco, are applied to a lattice over the house like cement or plaster. Exterior siding options vary in maintenance and durability, especially regarding different regions and types of weather.

Here are the most popular types of house sidings that can protect the exterior of your home from various weather conditions:

1. 1. Aluminum: Aluminum siding is a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to wood. It comes in a range of color options and appearances (from metal to the look of wood), is relatively easy to install, and resists damage from rust, pests, and weather. However, this option is scratch- and dent-prone and will need refinishing every few years.
2. 2. Brick veneer: Homeowners can accomplish the classic look of a brick home for a relatively low cost with brick veneer siding. Since it’s made from brick, this option is durable, fire-resistant, and requires little care beyond washing and cleaning. Proper installation will prevent the main issue with brick veneer: moisture absorption that can spill into the home.
3. 3. Engineered wood: Also known as composite siding, engineered wood siding is made from various wood products and other materials. This siding is an ideal option for homeowners who want the classic look of natural wood with less maintenance.
4. 4. Fiber cement: A relatively new siding form, fiber cement siding is made from cellulose fibers (or wood pulp) and cement and can reproduce various siding styles, from batten and board to lap siding. This option is very durable, low maintenance, and resists fire and UV rays. However, it’s more expensive than other forms of siding due to its weight, size, and the skilled labor needed to install it (it’s not a DIY form of siding).
5. 5. Metal: Aluminum isn’t the only metal used for siding; copper, galvanized steel, and corrugated metal are durable and resistant to most forms of wear. Depending on the siding materials, metal siding and steel siding can be inexpensive, but they can be easily dented or marked like aluminum.
6. 6. Stone veneer: Like brick veneer, stone veneer siding creates the look of natural stone siding for a significantly lower cost. Made from Portland cement, pumice, and other components, it’s easy to install but can show wear over time.
7. 7. Stucco: Stucco is a frequent choice for Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes in the Southwestern United States. Traditional stucco siding is made from a fire-resistant mix of Portland cement, lime, and sand, though there are also synthetic variations. It can be applied to a structure in various styles, though all have relatively high labor costs due to the number of layers required for a durable exterior. Stucco siding has excellent insulating qualities but can also crack due to weather or house settling.
8. 8. Vinyl: Vinyl siding is another popular siding choice for homeowners. This siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is low maintenance in care and cleaning. Like wood siding, vinyl siding is available in many different styles, from wood grain vinyl siding to beaded seam and cedar shake, which resembles shingle siding. However, it can be damaged by very high or low temperatures and strong wind. An eco-friendly alternative is insulated vinyl siding, which reduces both heat loss and sound.
9. 9. Wood: Wood siding is one of the oldest and most popular forms of house siding due to its look and versatility. There are many kinds of wood available for siding, from pine to redwood cedar, and many types of wood siding, from wood shingles like the cedar “shake” style to jointed horizontal siding or drop siding. The cost of wood siding varies according to the type and style, but most are easy to install. However, this siding is susceptible to weather and termites and requires regular maintenance and repainting to prevent lasting damage.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing house siding:

1. 1. Cost: House siding can be relatively budget-friendly or expensive, depending on the siding material. Options like aluminum and fiber cement won’t deplete your home improvement budget and can help recoup costs by increasing the appraised value of your property should you decide to sell. Consider purchasing a multi-year warranty for whichever siding option you choose.
2. 2. Durability: In addition to siding cost, you want to consider an option that will withstand the elements and other issues that are particular to your environment. Vinyl and stucco are incredibly durable in moderate temperatures but less so in hot or cold climates; fiber cement withstands just about any condition it can face.
3. 3. Efficiency: Your siding choice should also take into consideration any benefits related to insulation and energy reduction. Insulated vinyl siding retains heat in cold weather and also acts as a sound baffle, a tool that mitigates noise.
4. 4. Look: Curb appeal, or the impression your home or building makes at first glance, is also a major consideration when choosing house siding. Brick and stone veneer have a classic home look but at a much lower cost than real stone or brick siding. At the same time, many varieties of wood siding offer aesthetically pleasing appearances for every budget.

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