Choosing House Siding

During earlier times, the renovation or decoration of the exterior of a house was limited to a new coat of paint. Now the whole scenario has changed, with the introduction of many new materials like vinyl, aluminum, cement fiber, steel, brick, stone, stucco, etc. Apart from enhancing the looks of your house, sidings also serve the purpose of protection to the inner structures. As far as the look of the exterior is concerned, the sidings should complement the style of the house, the paint color, the neighborhood, etc. In addition, it should be compatible to the climate of the region where your house is located. All you have to do is some research regarding the siding materials available, before choosing one.

Guidelines
The following guidelines may be useful in selecting the right siding material for your house.

• One of the important points to consider is the architectural style of the house. The siding must suit the particular style and should not stand out of the whole setting like a sore thumb.
• It would be better to go for a shade which gels with the other homes in the neighborhood and not something bizarre.
• Check whether the material you choose is suitable for the climatic conditions of your place. It has to tolerate sunlight, resist moisture and pests.
• If you want sound insulation, search for some material which has soundproof quality.
• Make sure that you are selecting a material which causes the least amount of environmental impact.
• Above all, it is very important to make an estimate of the cost of installation of the siding. It should fit in with your budget.

Each and every siding material has both advantages and disadvantages. You have to weigh the pros and cons of each, before zeroing in on something appropriate. The following information may help you with that effort.

Brick and Stone
Bricks have been used as a siding material for a very long time. Bricks are also available in different hues of earth tone and is very durable and requires less maintenance. The only disadvantage is its high cost. If you cannot afford the expense of bricks, then you can opt brick veneer, which is comparatively cheaper. Stone is another siding material which is popular for its durability. It can protect your home from rain, snow, heat, etc, in a much better way than other materials. It can enhance the looks of your house and the maintenance cost is also less, but stones are also expensive. However, you can always use cultured stones or stone veneer, if you cannot afford real stones.

Wood and Shingles
Wood is one of the oldest siding materials used by mankind. It is available in a variety of styles, textures and finishes. Wood clapboard or beveled siding is fitted in a horizontal manner with overlapping joints, whereas, wood plank or board siding has a vertical fit. The advantages of wood siding is its good looks. It is soundproof to some extent and is easy to install and repair. It is also bio-degradable, which means no environmental pollution. On the other side, wood is also costly and it can get damaged due to weather changes. It can also house termites and is prone to mold growth. Another option is cedar shingles and shakes. They come in gray, brown or earthy shades, which attributes a natural look. They are easy to maintain and offer a great appearance.

Vinyl, Aluminum and Steel
Vinyl is one of the popular siding materials, which is very cost-effective and is available in various shades. It does not offer any insulation as such and can be damaged by strong heat and storms. It is also believed that vinyl siding, which is made of PVC, has some negative impact on the environment. Aluminum, which became popular in the 1950s, is also used as a siding material. It is inexpensive, fireproof, durable and environment-friendly. However, the problems associated with this material is that it cannot withstand moisture, is easily dented and has poor insulation quality. Steel is another option which is durable and is not affected by the fluctuations in temperature and climate change. Steel siding is good for areas where hailstorms are common.

Apart from the above said materials, there are many others which are used for siding purposes. Some of them are preferred over others in certain areas, whereas some others are used commonly. Spend time to study the options and make an estimate before you decide on the perfect one for your house.