4 Siding Materials For Home Exteriors You May Not Know About

November 27, 2010

Of all the decisions that can impact your home exterior, none is as dramatic as your choice of home siding. When making a decision this large, it makes sense to explore all of your options.

Engineered wood siding offers some technological advantages that make it a popular alternative to vinyl, aluminum, and wood siding. It's designed to be cost-effective in both installation and maintenance, and in some cases, can be half the overall cost of real wood siding.

The cost per square foot is usually $1.50-$3, uninstalled. Some more facts about engineered wood siding include:

• Lasts 20 to 30 years
• Made to look and cut like real wood
• May also be called SmartSide, Catawba, or TruWood
• Eco-friendly
• Proper installation is important to avoid moisture-related problems
• May need repainting every 5 to 10 years

Brick and stone veneers are essentially thin slices of stone or brick that can be applied over other material like plywood or drywall. The effect is an authentic look at a fraction of the cost of natural stone or brick siding. These veneers may be used on any area of the home exterior, from chimneys to columns to outdoor fire pits.

Brick and stone veneers are usually priced at about $4.50-$6 per square foot, before installation. Brick and stone veneers also offer benefits such as:

• Lightweight and low-maintenance
• Available in a variety of styles
• Can be combined with other materials
• May be guaranteed to last the life of the building
• Resists rot, fire, and insects

Stucco siding is often seen in the Western region of the United States because it is best suited for warm, dry climates. This cement mixture includes many practical advantages, and usually costs $3-$15 per square foot, uninstalled.

Some of its distinctive features include:

• Available in a variety of colors and textures
• Rot, rust, and fire resistant
• Easy to repair
• Energy efficient for hot and cold climates
• Not recommended for wet climates

Synthetic stucco, also known as exterior installation and finish systems (EIFS),is less expensive and more durable than stucco. Synthetic stucco generally costs about $6-$14 per square foot, uninstalled. Some more facts about this material include:

• Energy efficient
• Easy to clean with water
• Long-lasting (often the lifetime of the building)
• Early versions of the product were susceptible to moisture penetration
• Professional installation is essential to avoid moisture-related problems

Make a thorough choice for your home exterior by investigating all of the available options. Beyond the traditional choices of vinyl, wood, or brick exist some attractive alternatives that just might suit you better.

Related Searches popular siding materials metal siding options siding benefits home siding siding basics red cedar siding

Related Videos & Photos
	Get Clean from Head to Toe with this Dream Shower