Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with These Exterior Siding Options

Nothing gives your home its own signature personality quite like siding.

In fact, brand new replacement siding is one of the most dramatic ways to freshen up your curb appeal. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your home?

For starters, you want a quality material and a style that complements your home’s architecture.

Exterior siding has many important functions besides aesthetics. It is your first line of defense against extreme temperatures, moisture damage, pests and other hazards. The right siding will keep your home comfortable on the inside and boost your future resale value.

In this article, we go over the most popular siding materials for enhancing your curb appeal.

What to Look for When Choosing Siding

As noted above, you want a siding material that works with your home’s architecture. Choose a color and texture that’ll match your door, shutters, trim and other exterior elements.

Here are some additional factors to keep in mind when buying exterior siding:

Weather: Some siding materials are suited for different climates. For example, stucco performs best in dry regions, while fiber cement is a good choice in fire-prone areas.
Energy efficiency: Think of siding as an extra form of insulation. Look for something that’ll keep you warm in winter, cool in summer and your energy bills under control.
Maintenance: Different materials have different care requirements. For some options, you may need to invest in occasional repainting or sealing. For others, an occasional hosing off is all you need.
Durability: Research how long your chosen material is likely to last. Be prepared to handle replacement costs as needed.
Value: Look into which types of siding are in high demand where you live. A quality, durable material may enhance your home’s resale value.
Warranty: Choose a reputable brand that offers protection against product defects. This will give you – and future buyers – more confidence.
Budget: The cost of siding depends on many factors, like material, quality, size and specific design features.

Vinyl Siding

Versatile vinyl has emerged as one of the most popular siding materials over the last 50 years. It can be customized to mimic other materials such as wood or stone and comes in a range of styles and textures.

With high-quality vinyl, you can enjoy long-lasting color that doesn’t need painting. It works well in almost any climate and resists stains and scratches. It’s also lightweight, easy to install and affordable compared to other materials.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is made from a mixture of sand, cement and cellulose and comes in a range of styles. It can be designed to mimic the appearance of wood, stucco, stone and metal.

Thanks to its fire resistance, fiber cement is especially popular in the western United States and other fire-prone areas.

It has a high R-value and good insulating properties for year-round comfort. Strong and durable, it can last up to 50 years. Fiber cement stands up to extreme weather, moisture and termites.

You can keep fiber cement in good condition with an occasional cleaning and repainting. It is somewhat heavier and more expensive than other materials, and its hardness and weight may make installation more challenging.

Stucco

Stucco is the most common siding in new construction in the United States, and is especially popular in hot, dry areas of the West. It is made from a mixture of Portland cement, lime, sand and water.

It comes in prefabricated panels that are affixed to the home’s exterior. Advantages include durability, fire tolerance, heat resistance, rot resistance and low maintenance. And thanks to its good insulating properties, stucco keeps your house cool in hot weather and offers noise reduction.

Stucco is somewhat costly to install and repair, and it may be vulnerable to moisture penetration.

Wood & Wood Alternatives

Wood – and high-quality wood alternatives – give your home a naturalistic feel that looks great on contemporary and traditional homes alike. It comes in a range of styles such as clapboard, shingles, shiplap and board and batten.

Natural Wood

Although natural wood siding is used less often in recent decades, it is still common in many older homes, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Those who choose wood are drawn to its unsurpassed warmth and beauty. It is a durable material that stands up to bad weather for many years with proper care.

One downside of wood is its vulnerability to fire and pests. If your home has wood siding, you’ll need to invest in regular cleaning and resealing to avoid deterioration, mold and rot.

Engineered Wood

Also called pressed wood, engineered wood is made with wood by bonded together with a resin. It is more weather-tolerant than natural wood and resists mold and rot. It’s also lighter and easier to maintain. Engineered wood siding can last 15 to 30 years with good care.

Composite

Composite wood is made from a mixture of wood, fiber and plastic. It is highly customizable so you can get the exact style, color and texture that looks best for your home. Quality composite wood gives you good scratch- and stain-resistance. It’s more resistant to bad weather, fire and pests than natural wood, and is fairly easy to maintain.

Brick & Brick Veneer

Brick remains an enduring favorite among homeowners. It is great for traditional style homes like colonial and tudor.

Brick

About 20% of new homes include brick siding. It is a go-to choice for a timeless, luxurious, elegant appearance. Besides its classic beauty, brick is a durable and sustainable material that requires little upkeep. Quality brick can last for 100 years or more.

Brick may be vulnerable to moisture penetration because of its porous structure. Occasional resealing can help you keep your brick in good condition for a longer life.

Brick Veneer

Brick veneer is made with thinly sliced bricks overlaid on top of the surface of exterior walls. It offers a beautiful and affordable alternative to traditional brick. Like regular bricks, a brick veneer is a low maintenance option that stands up to harsh weather. Clean and seal regularly to preserve beauty and strength.

Stone & Stone Veneer

Natural stone is a beautiful, durable siding option that resists insects, mold and rot. Over time, it sustains less wear and tear than other materials. Stone siding tends to be more expensive than other materials and requires professional installation.

Stone Veneer

Stone veneer is a cement-based material that can be crafted to resemble natural stone or brick. It is lighter and easier to install than natural stone, and it puts less strain on your exterior walls.

A high-quality veneer has good insulating properties. It retains cool air during the summer and shields against heavy winds in the winter. It has low maintenance requirements and is more affordable than natural stone.

Stone veneer siding may be prone to water leaks, which can affect its durability.

Find Quality Exterior Siding for Your Project

If you’re looking to update your home’s exterior or need materials for a new build, visit Mid-City Lumber. We offer quality siding from reputable manufacturers, and our building and design experts will help you select the best options for a successful project.
Visit a location near you or contact us online to learn more!