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The Ups and Downs of Popular Siding Options

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Dec 11, 2024 4 min read
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The Ups and Downs of Popular Siding Options

Have you checked your home’s siding recently? It will probably need replacing eventually. Your home’s siding does more than help with curb appeal; it also protects your home.

Whether you’re building a new home or just ready for a change, you’ll need a siding contractor in Loveland.CO. One of the first questions your contractor will ask is what type of siding you want to install. Yep, you have a few options, and each has its pros and cons.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a widely favored, cost-effective option, appreciated by homeowners and builders for its affordability.

Vinyl siding also comes in a stunning variety of colors. If you’re looking for a more offbeat shade, vinyl siding is usually your best option. This type of siding is available in an impressive range of colors, including some you may not consider for your home.

So far, everything sounds great, but there is a downside. Vinyl siding isn’t known for its durability. Cracks and breaks are common problems, meaning you’ll need to repair and replace the siding more frequently. Over time, this can eat away at any savings.

Consider using an insulated product if you’re still set on vinyl siding. Sure, you’ll pay a little more, but insulated vinyl siding is more durable. Best of all, some added insulation can help lower heating and cooling costs.

Natural Wood Siding

You can find siding that looks almost just like natural wood, but it’s tough to replicate the look of the real thing. Wood siding is easy to stain or paint, so your exterior design options are almost unlimited, at least within the bylaws of your HOA.

If you’re looking for ways to improve curb appeal and make your home stand out, wood siding can be a great option.

Unfortunately, wood siding can be pricey and installation costs are usually higher compared to vinyl siding. You’ll also need to repaint or refinish the siding every five years or so to keep it looking great. You also need to keep an eye out for termite and rodent damage. Some pests enjoy taking a bite out of wood siding. In humid climates, mold and mildew can become significant concerns.

If you love the look of natural wood but hate the price, there’s another option: wood composite siding.

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Metal Siding

Don’t scoff at metal siding if the first thing that pops to mind is an old, dilapidated shed or trailer. Metal siding has come a long way, and modern products can look great on a house and even boost curb appeal. Yes, we’re talking about long strips of metal attached to your home.

Metal siding is typically priced higher than vinyl, but there’s a good reason or two for the increased cost. Metal is extremely durable, eco-friendly, and resistant to fire, bugs, and other pests. Even if you need to replace the siding, you’re still reducing your carbon footprint. Metal siding is also reusable, so it won’t end up in a local landfill.

LP SmartSide

This is a type of engineered hardwood famous for its durability. LP SmartSide is also expensive, often out of most homeowners’ budgets.

However, if you can afford this type of engineered siding, you get the benefit of an impressive warranty. The manufacturer offers a 50-year warranty on the siding, so it’s usually a one-time cost for homeowners.

You may never need to pay for siding again during your home ownership. The siding is also easy to paint so that you can choose almost any color for your home.

Hardie Board Siding

If you still want a warranty with your siding but want to keep costs down, Hardie Board siding may be an excellent choice for your home. You still get a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. You also have the flexibility to choose nearly any color, including custom hues.

The siding is incredibly strong and can handle almost anything, including a wildly thrown baseball, without denting or breaking. So let the neighborhood kids play ball in your yard without worrying about damage to your home’s siding.

Choosing the right siding for your home can be complicated and frustrating. What works for another home on the block may not be an excellent option for your house. Talking to a siding contractor can help you narrow your options so you love the appearance of your home’s exterior. 

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WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.