Types of Siding – Alternatives to Vinyl
Even though vinyl siding is a popular option, it sometimes isn’t the look you are wanting for your home. There are many types of siding that can be installed that look even better. Here is our list of top siding alternatives to vinyl:
Wood
Wood siding is a great option that gives your home a classic look and feel that will never go out of style. It comes in many different varieties from clapboard to shingles, from pine to cedar, from low-grade to high-grade. When choosing your wood siding it is important to keep in mind the look you are going for because that will majorly affect the options that are suited for you. If you are planning on having the siding clear coated, you need a high-grade wood with minimal knots and flaws since you can see the grains. But if you are planning on a darker stain or paint you can get a lower quality wood.
Wood siding has a long lifespan as long at it is maintained correctly. Maintenance for this type of siding usually includes power washing, staining and sealing when necessary. The frequency of this maintenance depends on the type of wood and the finish. If you have a clear finish it needs to be updated at least every two years; semi-transparent finish needs to be reapplied every three years, and paint redone every five years.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is known for its durability and low maintenance work. This siding material is made of a mixture of cement, wood pulp, clay and sand. Since it is made with cement, it is a heavier material that requires special tools and techniques to install. It is a good idea to hire a professional installer if you choose this siding option for your home.
Fiber cement is a popular option because it can imitate a variety of different siding materials including: wood, shingles, flagstone, or brick. Some added benefits of having it installed are that it doesn’t rot, it is fire resistant, termite proof, and extremely durable. Fiber cement resists fluctuating with weather changes, is sturdy and can stand up against severe weather. What homeowners especially like is that there is very minimal maintenance work. Once the fiber cement shingles are up, they’re up. There is only power washing them periodically to keep them clean.
Stucco
Stucco siding isn’t only for Spanish style homes anymore. This type of siding is extremely durable and can match the aesthetics of many different types of homes. Stucco is made from a mixture of materials that includes epoxy, which prevents it from chipping and cracking.
Stucco is usually applied in three coats. It is a siding material that can be tricky to work with, so you’ll need to find a professional and experienced installer apply it to your home. This guarantees that you are getting high quality materials that are applied correctly, making a long-lasting seal on your home that looks good.
This is a low-maintenance siding material that is fire and insect resistant. It is ideal for homes located in areas with normal precipitation. Stucco siding is a durable option that can last anywhere from 50 to 80 years, making it well worth the cost.
Synthetic Stone
Synthetic stone siding is a less expensive option compared to natural stone siding. Synthetic stone is a made up of of cement, sand and aggregate mixtures that are set in molds to determine the appearance. It can easily imitate a variety of stone types including granite and limestone. Because this is a man-made material, a variety of shapes and styles can be created to give your home a unique touch.
This is a popular choice for adding accent work on homes. It is a lighter material than actual stone, but it can still get pretty heavy when used in excess. Synthetic stone is often seen on chimneys, lower halves of homes, or accent walls. It pairs well with most other types of siding, adding a touch of natural elements to the home.
Synthetic stone is made of more lightweight materials compared to actual stone. This is beneficial because you don’t need to reinforce the structure of your home to hold the extra weight. Although because of it being made of cement, it is more susceptible to breakage.
