3 Siding Materials to Consider for Your Home

By Scott & Karen Dillman | August 4, 2023

As a homeowner, you should understand the benefits of siding and your options for replacing it. With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your home. The ideal siding material can depend on your personal preferences based on aesthetics or the climate that you live in. Consider the amount of maintenance involved, the cost, how durable it is, and its impact on the environment. Learn more about three siding materials by reading this guide to have a better understanding of the ideal siding replacement for you.

1. Vinyl Siding

Do you want a popular siding that is kind to your home budget? Well, look no further than vinyl. According to Forbes, the average cost a homeowner pays to have vinyl siding installed is $2 to $9 per square foot. In addition to its affordability, many homeowners choose vinyl because of its customization. It consists of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, a material that can take on different colors and shapes. This allows people to find an option that perfectly matches their home's aesthetic.

If you're currently experiencing high energy bills, an insulated vinyl siding replacement can help. The material has excellent insulation properties that can ensure your home stays airtight, especially after a window upgrade. According to This Old House, homeowners may even be able to receive state or local tax breaks after having energy-efficient siding installed on their properties. Be sure to talk to your local siding company to learn if these are available in your area prior to beginning the installation process.

If you're looking to choose a siding material that's highly sought after in the housing market, vinyl is the right choice for you. According to the data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), vinyl siding and stucco were the most common exterior wall materials used on homes started in 2018 with as many as 26% of homeowners using vinyl during the construction of new properties. In addition to being a great choice for people looking to have homes constructed, it's also popular among people looking to purchase a house. According to Credit Karma, new vinyl siding can increase a home's value by approximately $15,500. To ensure you're able to have it installed on you're home for a fair rate, work with a company that offers free quotes for their services.

2. Cedar Siding

If you're hoping your home can make a lasting impression, cedar siding may be the right option for you. Cedar siding can give any property a unique rustic charm and can be used to instantly transform your property's overall aesthetic. However, it's important to understand that this material may be more expensive to have installed than other available options. According to Costimates, an online resource that helps property owners understand the costs associated with home improvement and repair projects, the average homeowner can expect to pay over $11.50 per square foot to have it installed on their homes. To guarantee you can have the work you need done to your property completed without breaking the bank, find a company that offers discounts to veterans.

Before you consider having cedar siding installed on your home, it's important to take the time to talk to your local contractor about home your area's local environment can impact its lifespan. According to RemodelingCosts.org, a site dedicated to providing people in the United States with the most accurate and up-to-date assessments of the costs of handling home projects, cedar siding that's not properly maintained may only last 30 years before the damages related to extreme weather conditions and wildlife may warrant a replacement. Ask your contractor about how frequently you should recall their company to maintain your siding in order to prolong its lifespan as much as possible.

Unlike vinyl siding, cedar siding will require more work to maintain and may have to be repainted or stained once the color begins to fade. However, it's easy to update the color of cedar siding with the help of professionals when you're looking to alter the appearance of your home. Be sure to talk to your local siding replacement company to understand how frequently the material may need to be repainted or repaired and when a replacement may be necessary. When looking for a siding company you can rely on, take the time to search for one that's a third-generation business. This will help to ensure you're hiring a company that has a track record of satisfying customers in your local community and has the experience necessary to complete a wide variety of projects.

3. James Hardie Cement Siding

When you're in the market for a cost-effective way to protect your home and update its look, fiber cement siding may be the right option for you. Fiber cement siding is made by having cement poured on cellulose fibers which helps to make the cement more durable and stronger. According to HomeGuide, prior to 1987, this technique was used on asbestos before people became aware of the negative impact the material can have on people's health. By making the change from asbestos to cellulose fibers, homeowners are able to enjoy the material's longevity without having to worry about putting themselves or their loved ones in harm's way.

Before agreeing to have this material used on your home, it's imperative to take the time to understand the costs associated with having it installed by professionals. According to Today's Homeowner, the average person in the United States can expect to pay around $12,000 to have this type of siding installed but the price can range from $5,000 to $18,000. Many siding companies will offer financing options so you can have the work you need completed done at a price you can afford. Some even have options that have no interest if the amount due is paid back within 12 months so be sure to inquire about the options available to you.

Finally, before deciding whether to purchase this material for your home, take the time to learn what brand of fiber cement siding your local company uses for its installation projects. According to Statista, nearly 72% of all construction companies in the United States offer James Hardie cement siding. James Hardie cement siding is known for its exceptional durability and quality. According to The Spruce, well-maintained fiber cement siding can last over 50 years without needing to be replaced and the finish on it should last approximately 15 years if it hasn't been previously painted over. For the highest-quality installation possible, hire a company with decades of experience that's committed to making your vision for a dream home into a reality.

When it comes to siding replacement, it's essential that you take the time to review all the available options, understand the positives and negatives associated with them, and contact local companies to learn more about the costs of the replacement process. With the right research and consideration, you're bound to find the ideal siding for your property. When you're looking for a siding replacement company that you can depend upon, contact Dillman Brothers Contracting Inc. Our experts can help you make the most informed decision possible so you can feel confident in your choice.

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