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To enhance the beauty of your home's exterior, as well as provide a barrier that would protect the home from wind, rain, snow, hail, dirt, animals, and many other things, siding is an excellent solution. In addition, with the right siding, you would actually make your home far more energy efficient.
With this, the amount you pay each month for heating and cooling the interior would be reduced. Over the past 10 years, exterior siding has come a long way to include new materials, colors, patterns, features, and more.
Not that many years ago, metal was the only type of siding sold and while it served its purpose you now have many additional options. Interestingly, metal siding remains a popular choice although this has changed dramatically. A great way to improve the appearance of the home but also add value is to have exterior siding installed. While the installation process would need to be done by a professional, this project is one worth making in that money spent would be recouped if you were ever to sell.
The ultimate goal in choosing siding is to get whatever is going to look best on your home and fit best with the architectural features. Armed with information, you can then make an educated decision. In addition to the actual siding, you would also need to narrow down several prospective installers. Keep in mind that siding is a financial investment, a major expense but when the right siding is chosen and the installation done properly, the entire look of the home and value level would improve. Because there are now so many possibilities, we wanted to provide a brief statement for the best options.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding is a type of metal but siding that would not ruse. Unlike old-fashioned metal siding, aluminum is actually very popular. For installation, this type of siding goes up as long panels with a baked-on enamel finish in your choice of color. Additionally, you could choose from a textured or smooth finish. Just remember that with aluminum siding, if installation is done right, any dents or damaged panels could be replaced without much problem.
Clapboard
Another type of siding that comes in rectangular planks, clapboard is installed in a horizontal pattern so the panels overlap. The finished look is smooth and beveled, which makes the home look homey and welcoming.
Shingles
Generally, shingle siding is made from cypress, redwood, or cedar. The shingles are sawn smoothly and in uniform shapes and sizes. To install shingle siding, they go up from the bottom to top with each overlapping. Depending on the look wanted, the installer would overlap more or less. The only downside is that shingles tend to cup, meaning they roll to the center, and sometimes, they can crack or split. However, shingles offer a nice appearance, something a little unique.
Cement Fiber
As one of the newer options, this type of siding looks like real wood. Although this type of exterior siding costs more than aluminum or vinyl, it is much less than real wood. Additionally, cement fiber siding does not have the same problems seen with real wood to include wood rot. In addition, cement fiber siding is known for being a great choice in hot and humid climates.b
Vinyl
The last type of exterior siding we wanted to mention is vinyl, also considered a top choice. This type of siding is strong, durable, and made to last. Vinyl siding is also a cost-efficient choice over a long period and it is virtually maintenance free.
