Your home’s exterior siding vividly represents its charm, character, and strength. That’s why homeowners look for materials that combine both style and functionality in their pursuit of the ideal siding solution for 2024. Selected by contractors and industry experts, this in-depth blog post presents the top six choices for house siding in 2024.
What Is House Siding?
As you stroll through a neighborhood, what draws your attention first when you glance at a house? Is it the design, its garden, or maybe the color and feel of the outside walls? Usually, it’s the latter that sticks in your memory. This outer layer, called siding, not only makes a home look better but also shields it from the weather, making sure it stays strong and lasts long.
Before we get into our top choices, it’s important to understand how crucial siding is for your home’s overall look and strength. Siding acts like a shield, keeping out tough weather, bugs, and dampness. Plus, it’s a big part of how your home looks, showing off your style and boosting its value. With all this in mind, picking the right siding material is key for your home improvement plans.
6 Best House Siding Options Homeowners Can Opt For
When choosing siding for your home, there are many house siding options you can go for by speaking with a professional contractor. Some different types of house siding are:
1. Fiber Cement Siding
Homes and some commercial buildings frequently have fiber cement siding installed on their exteriors because of their resistance to fire, insects, and rot. Made of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, it is available in a variety of textures as well as siding styles, including lap, vertical, and shingle. In 2024, they will still be very popular because they can resemble stone and wood while having the low maintenance and durability of synthetic materials.
Features:
> Strength: Withstands storms, heavy rain, and hail; resistant to fire, bugs, and decay
> Easy Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep with no frequent painting or warping/rotting like wood or vinyl
> Versatility: Comes in various styles, textures, and colors that mimic wood, stucco, or stone
> Energy Efficiency: Adds insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs
Benefits:
> Longevity: Lasts 30 to 50 years or more, reducing replacement frequency
> Home Value Boost: Enhances a home’s worth and appeal to buyers due to durability and aesthetics
> Fire Safety: Resistant to fire, ensuring peace of mind, especially in wildfire-prone regions
2. Vinyl Siding
In 2024, vinyl house siding has evolved with more color and texture options. It’s affordable, durable, and low maintenance, mimicking wood, brick, and stone while withstanding harsh weather. Made mainly from PVC resin, it lasts over 50 years, making it a top choice for budget-conscious homeowners, enhancing curb appeal.
Features:
> Affordability: Cost-effective choice for budget-conscious homeowners
> Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep and is rot-resistant
> Versatility: Comes in various styles, textures, and colors, mimicking wood or masonry
> Durability: Highly resilient against extreme weather and pests
Benefits:
> Energy Efficiency: Enhances insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs
> Low Environmental Impact: Recyclable, supporting eco-friendly practices
> Increased Home Value: Adds appeal to homes, attracting buyers
> Fire Resistance: Flame retardant, ensuring safety
3. Wood Siding
Wood siding remains a timeless and eco-friendly choice, offering warmth and character to homes. Available in various species like cedar, redwood, and pine, homeowners can find the perfect match for their architectural style. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and insect damage.
Wood siding also comes in different types:
> Wood Shingles: Typically made from cedar, they provide a uniform design and are easy to install
> Lap Siding: Also known as clapboard, it features long horizontal boards
> Shake Siding: Offers a classic look but requires regular staining and is susceptible to insects.
While wood siding offers a natural, classic appearance, it demands more maintenance, needing treatment every four to nine years. However, despite being high-maintenance, wood siding remains a popular choice for those seeking a traditional aesthetic.
Features:
> Aesthetics: Provides a timeless, natural look that’s hard to replicate
> Variety: Available in cedar, pine, and log types, each with unique characteristics
> Durability: Lasts 10 to 30 years with proper maintenance and installation quality
Benefits
> Sustainability: Low carbon footprint, sustainable harvesting for cedar and pine
> Maintenance: Periodic restaining is needed to prevent moisture damage, frequency varies based on wood type, orientation, climate, and installation
> Installation: Proper installation is vital for longevity. While wood might seem easy to handle for DIYers, complex installations may need professional assistance
4. Metal Siding
Metal siding offers a modern and durable choice for homeowners, gaining popularity for its ability to mimic the look of wood, stone, and brick. With options like aluminum, steel, and zinc, homeowners can find the perfect match for their home’s style.
Aluminum siding is a low-maintenance favorite, and while steel siding is durable, it may need more upkeep. While resistant to water, insects, and fire, metal siding can dent and ding, with potential energy efficiency drawbacks.
Features:
>Durability: Withstands harsh weather, fire, insects, and rot
>Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep compared to other materials
>Versatility: Available in various profiles, textures, and colors for modern or traditional styles
>Energy Efficiency: Some types offer added insulation, reducing heating and cooling expenses
Benefits:
>Longevity: Lasts 40 to 60 years or more, providing lasting value
>Sustainability: Recyclable at the end of its lifespan, promoting eco-friendliness
>Fire Resistance: Non-combustible, enhancing building safety, particularly in wildfire-prone areas
5. Brick Siding
For exterior home design, brick veneer, sometimes known as brick siding, is a well-liked and durable option. Made from natural materials such as sand, shale, and clay, it has an extraordinary lifespan. When sourced locally, it also has a low energy footprint. It may be more expensive initially but as a thermal barrier, it improves energy efficiency without offering structural support. It is also easily recyclable, opening up possibilities for upcycling.
Features:
> Durability: Lasts over 100 years, ensuring long-lasting protection
> Low Maintenance: Resistant to weathering, needing minimal upkeep
> Environmentally Friendly: Crafted from natural materials like clay, shale, and sand
> Energy Efficiency: Acts as a thermal barrier, enhancing home insulation
> Recycling Possibilities: Easily recyclable or upcycled for future use
Benefits:
> Longevity: Lasts over a century, ensuring a durable siding option
> Sustainability: Made from natural materials, offering an eco-friendly choice
> Low Embodied Energy: Has one of the lowest energy footprints, especially when locally sourced
> Fire Resistance: Non-combustible, providing added protection against fire damage
> Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances home exteriors with a unique and attractive look
6. Insulated Vinyl Siding
Contractors prefer insulated vinyl siding for its energy efficiency, durability, and sleek appearance. It features an EPS foam layer on one side that enhances thermal insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs by up to 5%. This siding also offers greater impact resistance and moisture prevention compared to traditional vinyl siding.
Despite the higher initial cost, the long-term energy savings outweigh the expense. It acts as a barrier against air and moisture infiltration, reducing noise pollution and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. However, its thicker profile may increase installation costs.
Features:
> Energy Efficiency: Creates a thermal barrier for consistent indoor temperatures
> Durability: Resists warping, swelling, denting, and movement for long-term stability
> Weather Protection: Shields against water and mold growth
> Noise Reduction: Reduces noise by up to 45%, improving interior comfort
Benefits:
> Temperature Control: Maintains uniform indoor temperatures, cutting energy costs
> Energy Savings: Lowers utility bills by reducing heat flow and raising wall temperature
> Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep and offers extended lifespan
> Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances curb appeal with wider profiles and richer colors
What Is The Average Cost Of House Siding?
The cost of installing house siding varies based on factors like the type of material you purchase and your home’s size. On average, it ranges from $8,000 to $52,000 for materials and labor, with around $14,000 for a 2,500-square-foot home. Factors influencing cost include siding material, home size, design complexity, and labor rates.
For instance, vinyl siding installation on a 2,500 square foot home can cost $12,000 to $30,000. Material choice plays a significant role, with vinyl and aluminum being affordable, while fiber cement, wood, and brick tend to be pricier. Obtaining quotes from contractors is crucial for an accurate estimate based on individual circumstances.
Conclusion
With All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, select the ideal siding to improve the appearance and usability of your house. Adapted to your tastes and architectural style, our top six siding choices for 2024 provide sustainability, style, and durability. To start your home improvement project with confidence, speak with our trustworthy contractors and look through our premium home siding. With our high-quality siding services, you can add protection, and long-lasting value to your home’s elegance and charm. For a free estimate give us a call at (937) 902-2839.
