Side-By-Side: How Siding Materials Compare – Part 3: Tips & Recommendations for Choosing Siding Materials
In the previous part of this series, we introduced the most common siding materials and some of their pros and cons. If you’re still confused about what type of material is best for your home, some tips on factors to consider and a good recommendation will likely point you in the right direction.
Cost
Siding is used to cover the entire exterior of a home. Because it’s meant to cover a large area, siding replacement (or a new installation) will certainly cost a lot. You’ll need to consider the amount of siding you’ll need, and include installation and finishing costs in your budget as well. Our tip? Go for siding that is already finished, such as steel siding.
Durability
Because siding costs can eat up a huge chunk of money, you naturally want it to last as long as it possibly can. If you’d like to get the most mileage for your money, you’ll need to choose the material that is the most durable and yet, easy to maintain.
Design
Everybody wants a beautiful home – and siding will definitely boost the home’s appearance. You’ll need to choose siding that’s available in a design that best suits your home’s architectural style and your personal preferences. Some materials, such as steel, can be manufactured so that they have a wood, brick, or stone design.
Ease of maintenance
A certain siding may look beautiful, but if you’re constantly doing repairs, then you’ll end up spending more than you might have originally planned. The solution: pick a material that requires little to no maintenance to save yourself the grief.
What do we recommend?
Only one material meets all the above qualities – steel. Steel is durable, cost-effective, and is available in a wide variety of designs. Steel siding is easy to maintain. In fact, you won’t need to do any repair work unless the siding’s been scratched or damaged. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective material, it’ll be tough to find another material that can outdo steel.
