Turning a house into a home is the dream of many homeowners. Siding is an easy way to add something unique to an otherwise standard property. The options for siding can change the texture, material, color and design depending on the end goal and budget requirements.
By learning what differentiates each style of siding, homeowners new and old alike can strike the perfect balance of affordability, aesthetics and durability. There are five types of siding that make up a majority of the homes.
Vinyl Siding
When the subject of siding comes up, vinyl is often the first style to come to mind. Despite the more plastic appearance, vinyl siding has become the most popular house siding in America. With so many houses looking to add or transition to vinyl, more and more companies are working to create more aesthetically pleasing colors and designs.
Homeowners who have previously shied away due to the looks of vinyl can now take advantage of more affordable siding while still having a home they enjoy pulling up to every day. Minimal maintenance is needed to keep vinyl looking brand new and in the event of a remodel, changing out vinyl siding is a quick process for a local roofing company.
Wood Siding
Living in New England means visiting neighborhoods near the coast the consist primarily of cottages and bungalows, all adorned with the classic look of wooden siding. This style of siding uses the natural durability and aesthetics of wood for a simple but refined look.
Maintenance on wood siding is going to be more intensive than vinyl which typically just needs cleaning during its service life. Painting and staining are the first steps in preparing wood siding for the harsh Maine winters and heavy rainy seasons. Taking proper care of wood siding can yield lifespans upwards of 100 years.
Brick Siding
Boasting a style that can’t be ignored, brick siding has been around for centuries and many structures still standing with their original bricks, now well over 100 years old. Construction technology and practices have since advanced and brick is not longer part of the structure itself, but that doesn’t stop homeowners from falling in love with the look.
Achieving uniform brick siding takes deft hands and professional experience. Thin slices of brick called brick veneer is placed on the outside framing of the home with mortar filling the gaps and sealing the wall safely away from the outdoors. More style-driven homeowners can take advantage of custom-made bricks that can provide different levels of symmetry and form.
Fiber-Cement Siding
Quickly overtaking vinyl as the most popular choice for siding, fiber-cement house siding is ideal for homeowners wanting to capture the aesthetics of other siding types without the associated cost. Incorporating fibers into the cement increases durability substantially while retaining a lower price point compared to wood or brick.
If fiber-cement siding is being replaced on a home built before late 1989, it’s extremely important to work with a professional roofing company to safely remove the siding as the fibers may be comprised of asbestos and lead to health risks.
Having so many options that provide different mixes of value, curb appeal and durability can make it difficult to figure out which one is best for your home. Roofer’s Elite is dedicated to providing fast and reliable roofing services to their central and southern Maine communities, no matter how large or small the job may be.