WHAT TYPES OF SIDING ARE BEST?
When considering the different types of siding available to cover your home, it’s important to consider the performance, aesthetic, and maintenance differences of your options. At Smucker’s Exteriors, we’ve been providing all types of siding solutions for homeowners throughout southeastern Pennsylvania with more than 20 years of industry experience.
We are going to discuss 7 of the best types of siding for your home and share with you some of those important factors so that you can make the best siding decision possible for your home and family.
WHAT IS THE R-VALUE OF SIDING?
What is the R-value of siding? R-value is the rating given to each type of siding based on that siding’s ability to resist heat loss. R-value is determined by dividing the material’s thickness by its thermal conductivity. This indicates thermal resistance. The lower the R-value, the less insulative a siding material is, and the higher the R-value, the more insulative a siding material will be.
Basically, how well does a given type of siding insulate your home? That’s an important question to consider when shopping for a new siding. For more information on R-values check out this page on Penn State College’s website where the below chart was featured. This will give you a general idea of how the thermal resistance of different types of siding stack up.
R-VALUE RATING CHART
TYPES OF SIDING: FIBER CEMENT SIDING
Fiber Cement Siding is an excellent siding option for homeowners to consider. As far as types of siding go, fiber cement siding by James Hardie is at the top of Smucker’s list. Fiber Cement Siding is typically more affordable than brick or stone siding and is more durable than most vinyl siding options.
Because Fiber Cement Siding is a mixture of water, sand, Portland cement, and cellulose fibers it is a better insulator than most vinyl, metal, and brick sidings. It is strong and durable while still maintaining a bit of flexibility. It is available in many different color options. It is designed to look a lot like natural wood siding while being less maintenance and comparably durable. It comes painted and sealed so you do not have to paint your fiber-cement siding after installation.
Maintenance of fiber cement siding is pretty simple. It can be painted if you choose to change your initial color choice but it will come in the color of your choosing and will hold its color well. Cleaning fiber cement siding is not difficult either, you can use a gentle brush with soap and water or a gentle setting on a pressure washer to keep your fiber cement siding clean.
TYPES OF SIDING: VINYL SIDING
Vinyl Siding is one of the most common siding materials used in the country. Second only to Stucco which is the most common in the western and midwestern regions of the US. Basic vinyl siding is going to be one of the most affordable options for your home. There are lots and lots of different types of siding within the vinyl category as well. Smucker’s Exterior stands behind the CertainTeed brand of Vinyl siding.
Choosing Vinyl siding for your home is great because it is relatively more affordable than many other options and it comes in many colors and styles. If you have questions about Vinyl siding options or repairs from Smucker’s do not hesitate to reach out. Two of the bigger drawbacks to Vinyl siding are its lower durability and its lower insulation ratings.
Keeping your vinyl siding clean is not a huge deal. You can use a pressure washer on a gentle setting or use a brush with soap and water. Typically cleaning your siding every six months or so will keep it looking excellent over the years.
TYPES OF SIDING: WOOD SIDING
Wood siding is another very popular style of siding in the US. There are lots of great options when it comes to wood siding. Pine, Spruce, Cedar, Redwood, and more. You can ask your local contractor or Smucker’s Exteriors if you’re in Lancaster, Berks, or Chester County PA about wood siding options in your area. The great thing about wood siding is that you can find different looks and styles based on the type of wood you choose for your home. For a more comprehensive breakdown of what the most popular types of wood siding are, check out this Wood Siding Blog by Bob Vila.
One important consideration about wood siding is that it is more susceptible to wear and rot caused by the elements. All wood siding needs to be painted or stained in order to seal it against weather and insect damage. Some woods like Redwood are naturally more resistant to insect damage while others are more resistant to cracking and cupping. You will want to repaint or re-stain your wood siding whenever it begins to show signs of wear or fading due to sun and rain exposure. It is not as low maintenance as vinyl, fiber-cement, or metal siding.
TYPES OF SIDING: STUCCO SIDING
Stucco siding is one of the most popular types of siding for homes in the United States. Stucco siding is a mixture of cement, lime, and sand. Stucco can be a good option for homeowners because it offers a large variety of color options and some different finishing options for people who want to add texture to their Stucco siding.
One major drawback to this type of siding is its susceptibility to moisture damage. In the midwest and western parts of the United States that is much less of an issue but here in Pennsylvania, moisture damage is a real concern. Many of Smucker’s Exteriors customers actually have us change their home siding from Stucco to fiber-cement siding or vinyl siding because they’ve experienced moisture damage due to the PA climate. If you have questions about your stucco siding or you’re seeing signs of damage like cracking in your stucco don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or call us.
TYPES OF SIDING: METAL SIDING
Metal siding is a common option for barns but also sometimes for houses. One of the greatest features of metal siding is its durability. It is impervious to damage from animals and virtually all the elements short of a tree falling on a portion of the building (which would damage any siding) or large pieces of hail or other storm debris. It can be vulnerable to rust in moist climates and if your metal siding is made out of aluminum it can be damaged by a well-hit baseball. But overall metal siding is a popular option with people looking to protect their barns from the normal wear and tear of time.
TYPES OF SIDING: STONE VENEER SIDING
Stone Veneer Siding is a popular option for homeowners looking to enhance the curb appeal of their home if their home was not originally constructed out of real stone. A lot of people choose a portion of their home’s exterior to accent with stone veneer siding which can be a very attractive choice without covering the entire house in this finish. Adding even just one section of stone veneer to the front of your home can really change and improve your house’s curb appeal.
TYPES OF SIDING: BRICK SIDING
Brick siding is a timeless, classic option. When it comes to types of siding you’ll be hard-pressed to find a siding option that is more durable than brick. The weakness in brick siding is not in the brick itself but in the mortar. Over time the elements can begin to break down and erode the mortar used to hold bricks in place. This can then require mortar work to repair the brick walls of your home. Another drawback to brick siding is its R-value. It is not a great insulator when compared to insulated vinyl siding or fiber-cement siding options.
If you’re in love with the classic brick siding aesthetic there is nothing wrong with appreciating it for its strengths and possibly getting some mortar repair taken care of as needed. Brick siding can last through the years if taken care of properly. Cleaning your brick siding isn’t all that challenging either, you can easily clean it with soap, water, and a brush or broom, or a gentle pressure washer.
YOUR BEST TYPES OF SIDING OPTIONS
Every house is different and every customer is unique. If you are in the southeastern Pennsylvania area, Smucker’s Exteriors would love to answer your specific siding questions or help you choose the best type of siding for your home and budget. The siding on your home is the first line of defense against pests and weather damage, because of this, choosing the right type of siding to protect your investment and your family is an important decision. Contact us today with your siding or home improvement questions.
If you’re anywhere else in the country then the best thing to do would be to find a qualified construction company or contractor in your area and ask about their different siding options. Whether you choose vinyl siding or fiber-cement or wood siding or something else, there is a viable siding solution out there that will meet your needs.
