4 things to consider when choosing siding

 

Selecting new siding is one of themost importantdecisionshomeownersface when building new or remodeling an existing home. With so many options —bothclassic andmodern materials—there’s a lot to consider.  

Many manufacturers are nowcombiningtraditionalstylesand materials with high-tech finishes, deliveringa product homeowners can love for years to come.Among all theoptions on the market,vinyl siding – with its various styles, textures and colors –remains the most used product.In fact, 2015 marked21 straight years vinyl siding held the top spotin cladding for new single-family houses, according tothe U.S. Census Bureau’s annual home report. 

 


 

Whether you are building a home or remodeling one, there are fourkey areas homeownersshould accountfor when determiningwhich siding option meets your needs: durability, design,maintenance and affordability.  

Durability 

Sidingselection istypically a once-in-a-lifetime decision,making durabilitya keyfactor for many.Homeowners should look for asiding option that is resistant toevery element, including rain, wind and even the sun.Manufacturersnow offer siding productswith technologiesthatresist the damaging impact of the sun, preserving color for the lifetime of the home. Options, likeMastic Home Exteriorsby Ply GemSolarDefense,expand exterior home design withdarker,on-trend colors that make your home the envy of the neighborhood.  

 

Design 

Perhapsthemost-overwhelmingdecisionfor most when considering siding optionsis deciding onastyle and color. There are sevenprimary sidingmaterialoptions available to homeowners—vinyl, metal, wood, brick,fiber cement, stucco, and stone— and countless color and style optionswithin each material type. To guide you indetermining what would look best, it is recommended to ask a siding specialist like a contractor,builder or architect for help. They can educate you oncolorcoordinationandwhatwould go well with the neighborhood,whilestill givingpersonalized options for your home.They will also be able to weigh in on accent pieces like trim and shutters, whichcan help bring out your style.

 

“Homeowners are looking for more creative and colorful options,” said PatVerlodt, president of Color Services & Associates, an organization that identifies color trends and educates consumers and manufacturers about those trends. “Whether you’re looking for a specific panel texture, such as cedar shake or wood clapboard, or a certain period-specific color scheme to align with historical significance, my recommendation is to look at vinyl. It provides the homeowner the freedom to addlow-maintenancecolor and definition that will never be out of style or need painting or refinishing.” 

 

Maintenance  

Beyond style and color, homeownersare also seeking siding that is low-maintenance, whichreduces or eliminatesthe cost and personal timeexpendedfor proper upkeep. Each siding material type has a different level of care and maintenance required. Vinyl typically requiresjustsoap and water for periodic cleaning. Wood and fiber cementcanrequire repainting every five to seven years.Stucco willneed to be repainted and sealed.Brick and stone require re-pointing of mortar. The earlier point aboutdurability plays a part here too, ensuring the option you select is free from potential time-consuming — even costly repairs —due to storm damage such as wind and moisture.  

 

Affordability 

Lastly, set a budget. Do your homework on the options and secure estimates, then compare them with your budget.Don’t forget that sometimes investing a little more into theproject up frontmay reduce issues and maintenance costs down the road.  

 

As you look to select new exteriorsiding, be sure to keep in mind these important factors— durability, design, maintenanceandaffordability—tomake the best choice possible for your home and lifestyle.To get started on siding your house, look tomanufacturerwebsites such as plygem.comfor siding choices, as well ashomevisualizerand color selectiontools that help homeowners experiment with different color and textures before making a decision.