Don’t you just love it when your home’s paint is faded and peeling? Climbing a ladder, scraping the old paint, patching problem areas, and then painting: Ah, good times.
Not.
The solution? Well, you could hire the job done every couple of years, but why not take care of your home’s exterior with a permanent – and beautiful – solution? Low-maintenance siding is the perfect choice for many people, but which type is best? Let’s take a look at some options.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is the lower-cost of all the options, and today’s vinyl looks more natural, can be insulating, keeps pests out and is wind-proof. On the other hand, vinyl varies in quality, so examine the product thoroughly. It can melt in hot temperatures, and might harbor mold and wood rot if not installed correctly.
PVC Trim
Even with siding, sometimes exterior molding, trim and corner boards need scraping and painting. The solution here is PVC trim. Because it’s made of durable plastic, it doesn’t need painting or finishing, and resists moisture and insects.
Modified Wood
Sometimes wood is just the best look for you. Modified wood products don’t require the care and maintenance required for most traditional wood siding. It’s very durable and weatherproof, without the issue of wood rot, and resists insects. If you prefer a rustic look for your home, modified wood is the way to go. It doesn’t require painting, and takes on a natural or weathered appearance as it ages. In fact, modified wood can’t be painted, and that kind of cuts down on options for your home’s appearance. If you’re going for rustic, make sure you’re happy with that long-term.
Aluminum
One of the oldest alternatives to wood siding, aluminum gets a bad rap as being out of date and unattractive. Aluminum, however, does have texture options and lots of colors. It won’t melt in the heat or crack in the cold, and is long lasting. Moisture and insects are not a problem, and it is flame retardant. But, aluminum dents easily, so a hail storm will leave its mark. In addition, the color of the siding tends to fade quickly, meaning you need to repaint every few years.
Stone Veneer
A very attractive, natural looking material, stone veneer resists moisture issues and insects. It’s also flame retardant. No scraping or painting is needed and it will maintain its rustic appeal for years. The thing about stone veneer? It’s very expensive, and can be hard to install over the entire home. Stone veneer is a great accent material, but if it’s mixed with other materials, there can be issues.
Fiber-Cement Siding
If you have an older home and you want to keep that historic look, fiber cement could be a good option. This materials is a combination of cement, sand and cellulose. It will need repainting, but far less often than wood. It’s also fire retardant, and resists damage from wind-blow debris. Fiber-cement is the clear winner if you’re looking for variety in texture and style. Traditional lap siding, board and batten, shiplap installation, or cedar look shingles are all possible, while remaining low-maintenance.