Sick of the plain, old siding on the exterior of your home and looking for ideas? You’re in for a treat! There are plenty of siding options available these days, each offering different levels of durability, ease of installation, and resistance to water. And best of all, you can definitely find something beautiful that falls in your budget!
Vinyl
Probably the most common option, vinyl siding is great due to its low cost, versatility and easy maintenance. It comes in an array of colors and textures, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Moreover, it’s lightweight, easy to install and can save BIG on labour costs.
On the downside, if you’re trying to make a home unique from your neighbors this isn’t the option for you. Also, many interior designers and homeowners get turned off due to the plastic look of some vinyl products. Vinyl siding generally comes in standard panels that are 12 feet long, therefore the ends of the panels have to be overlapped, creating noticeable seams.
Stucco
Stucco is another option that is commonly found in exteriors of homes. It is made from building sand, Portland cement, lime and water and comes in varying textures from fine to coarse. Stucco has the ability to allow air and moisture to pass through, therefore it’s important to have a good drainage system or vapor barrier installed so that moisture doesn’t build up inside the wall. Stucco can last a lifetime and comes in organic colors. Moreover, the benefit of low maintenance makes it a great option.
Stone
Stone siding is the option to go for when you want a house that stands out from every other house in the neighborhood. Its natural beauty and durability makes it appealing to homeowners who seek texture and visual interest to their exterior. However, with its beautiful appearance also comes a hefty cost.
More lightweight and cost effective than natural stone, stone veneer siding comes in natural and synthetic materials. Moreover, annual cleaning with a hose and inspection of the siding can help ensure it lasts the life of the house.
Brick
Made from clay, brick used to be the popular choice in olden day homes. It’s commonly found in Colonial, Tudor and English cottage exteriors, providing a beautiful look that has been used for hundreds of years. Durable and requiring minimal maintenance, brick is an ideal option for many homes. It comes in various sizes, colors and textures and can be stacked or laid up, offering plenty of pattern choices.
Installing brick is labour intensive, therefore the cost of installation is on the higher end compared to other options.
