In this article, you will learn:
1. How Choosing The Right Siding Materials Can Benefit Your Home
2. The Top 5 Siding Materials for Residential Properties (incl. pros & cons)
3. Which Exterior Siding Material Is Best For Your Home?
– – –
When it comes to home improvement projects, there are few enhancements that can increase energy-efficiency, curb appeal and property value as much as new siding.
As the first defense against the elements, residential siding materials provide so much more than just aesthetic value!
While a number of popular siding materials have come and gone over the years, modern manufacturing technology has come a long way in creating stronger, reliable and more affordable siding options for Canadian homeowners to choose from.
At T. Simpson Roofing Ltd., we are committed to helping our clients find the best renovation options for their homes.
To help you better understand your siding options, the following article will explore the benefits of choosing the right siding materials, the pros and cons of the top 5 siding materials for residential properties, and tips on how to determine the best option for you.
How Choosing The Right Siding Materials Can Benefit Your Home
With a variety of styles, colours and finishes to choose from, refacing your property with brand new siding can completely transform the appearance of your home!
From traditional and colonial to country and contemporary, there are a wide variety of siding options to suit just about every architectural style!
However, choosing the right siding materials for your home can offer so much more than just improved curb appeal.
With a variety of important functions, the siding you choose will also be responsible for:
- Protecting your home against extreme weather conditions
- Improving insulation
- Increasing energy-efficiency
- Decreasing energy expenses
- Improving overall resale value
While different materials work better for different climates, there are a number of customizable siding options that can suit just about every combination of style, budget and needs.
To help you better understand the pros and cons of each siding material, the following section will explore the top 5 siding options on the market today:
Top 5 Siding Materials for Residential Properties
1. Wood Siding
Perhaps the most traditional style of exterior siding, wood offers a natural, traditional charm to any style of home.
Easy to cut, shape and install, common types of wood siding include plants, panels, boards and shingles made from cedar, pine, redwood and/or spruce species of timber.
While common in many historical homes, the major drawbacks of wood siding are its high cost, lack of fire-resistance, and long-term maintenance requirements.
While each subtype of wooden siding has its own set of pros and cons, the risk of damage from termites, woodpeckers and rot are much higher than their modern alternatives.
Pros:
– Historical Aesthetic
– Available in a wide variety of styles, textures and finishes
– Wood can be left in natural state, or painted/stained for customization
Cons:
– Expensive
– Vulnerable to rot, insects, warping and splitting
– Painted finishes require higher maintenance
2. Brick Siding
With a warm, traditional aesthetic, brick siding was once widely used in a number of new construction builds due to their remarkable fire-resistance, durability and inability to rot.
In recent years, this style of siding material has decreased in popularity as a result of one major downfall: price.
One of the most expensive siding materials on the market, many Canadian homeowners have strayed away from this traditional siding option in exchange for modern, more affordable alternatives (such as vinyl and/or celect).
Although brick siding is known to help regulate internal temperatures and last well over 100 years, the installation process is also quite elaborate, increasing overall expenses even more in the long run.
Pros:
– Long-term durability (can last 100+ years)
– Resistant to weather, fire, termites and rot.
– Requires very little maintenance
Cons:
– Most expensive siding material on the market
– Expensive installation
– Limited colour options
3. Metal Siding
As the use of wood siding became more difficult to maintain over the years, metal siding alternatives were created to reduce the demanding maintenance needs of existing and/or damaged wood.
By applying metal siding materials directly over the existing wooden siding – aluminum and steel options are often used as “retrofit” siding solutions.
Commonly associated with retro and/or modern types of architecture, steel siding provides the most long-lasting durability, but at a much higher cost.
Alternatively, aluminum siding is known for being the more affordable option between the two, but the softer material may also increase the risk of denting, warping and/or buckling over time.
Pros:
– Resistant to fire and corrosion
– Aluminum: Moderate in cost
– Steel: Long-lasting durability with minimal maintenance
Cons:
– Does not retain warmth in the winter (increasing heating bills)
– Aluminum: Prone to denting, warping and buckling over time
– Steel: Expensive materials
4. Vinyl Siding
One of the newest siding options on the market, vinyl siding has quickly grown into one of the most commonly-used siding materials in the world!
With a wide variety of colours, styles and finishes to choose from, vinyl can even be designed to mimic other siding materials (such as wood).
A leading option in versatility, durability and affordability – this synthetic siding material can also be installed over existing siding, making an excellent retrofit alternative to aluminum or steel. Well-known for improving internal insulation and energy-efficiency, vinyl is also very low-maintenance as the colour is solid throughout the material.
Pros:
– Affordable
– Increases insulation and energy-efficiency
– Can be installed over other materials (retrofit)
– Available in a wide variety of colours, styles and textures
– Quick installation/low labour
Cons:
– Proper installation process is critical
– Water resistant, but not waterproof
– Mold and grime can build up on the surface unless occasionally washed
5. Celect® Cellular Composite Siding
While modern technology continues to evolve, Celect® cellular composite siding has become the newest, most sought-after siding material on the market.
Made from recyclable, state-of-the-art cellular materials – Celect® siding is designed to mimic the true look and feel of wood siding without the associated expenses or maintenance requirements!
With a slick, damage-resistant surface, Celect® siding provides all of the visual benefits of wood siding without the risks of rotting, cracking, fading or infestation.
Using patented interlocking joints to ensure a seamless finish, Celect® cellular composite siding is an excellent siding option to increase the energy-efficiency, insulation and property value of your home.
For the installation process however, it is important to note that this brand-new installation style will require trained, certified contractors to ensure that your siding is properly installed for long-term performance.
Pros:
– Affordable alternative to wood
– Increased energy-efficiency
– Virtually no maintenance requirements
– Highly durable and long-lasting
– Resistant to elemental damage, termites, fading, warping and/or mold
– Available in 15 different colours
Cons:
– Can be more expensive than vinyl
– Requires a specialized installation process
How to Determine Which Siding Option is Best For You
Although there are a variety of siding materials available on the market today, it is interesting to watch how time and technology have continuously found new solutions to improve upon older materials.
In recent years, vinyl and Celect® cellular composite materials have risen to the top of the market in terms of affordability, durability, customization and energy-efficiency with a heavy emphasis on long-term reliability.
As Canadian homeowners continue to find new and improved ways to optimize their homes and increase their property value, determining the best siding option for your home will always depend upon your overall style preferences, budget and needs.
If you are interested in learning more about your exterior siding material options, Click here or call 1-800-925-3044 for more information!
