Summer is the season for exterior home improvement projects – one of the most notable of which is siding! Today we wanted to evaluate the pros and cons of various siding options
James Hardie: James Hardie siding is a low-maintenance and long-lasting material. Most Hardie board siding comes with a 50-year, limited transferrable warranty and is both rot and insect resistant. In addition, this siding can be aesthetically versatile. Hardie board siding can be made to mimic just about any other siding material, including wood lap boards, cedar shingles, and wood shake siding. As noted above, the greatest downside to Hardie board siding is the cost – except to pay approximately 40 percent more if you choose Hardie board siding over vinyl or other materials.
Vinyl: Vinyl offers a great, cost-efficient siding option. In addition, vinyl offers a highly durable option, able to withstand daily wear and tear as well as snow, salt, rain, and temperature variations. In need of nothing more than an annual power washing, vinyl requires little maintenance. However, vinyl is aesthetically limited. While there are a variety of color and finish options, vinyl siding cannot be painted or otherwise customized to your home.
Steel: Steel siding presents an extremely strong and durable siding option. Steel not only holds it color well and withstands inclement weather; it also offers a fireproof alternative that requires little to no maintenance. Unfortunately steel siding is prone to eventual rusting, although a coating of protective sealant can help to stave off this inevitability. Metal is also a poor insulator – tending to easily absorb air temperature – a major downside of steel siding during cold Minnesota winters.
LP SmartSide: Another interesting siding alternative can be found in the form of LP SmartSide products. Available in a variety of aesthetics, LP SmartSide – an engineered wood siding – offers the aesthetic of traditional word, with the durability and low maintenance benefits of engineered wood.
Are you still unsure? Contact us today to determine the best siding for your home exterior project!