Siding appears to be the same from the outside, but often, homeowners are not aware of available options. In this short article, we aim to educate homeowners so they can make an informed decision.
There are three types of siding materials: Aluminum, vinyl, and fiber cement siding; each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Aluminum is expensive, is also the least durable, and gives little return on investment. The best material for the exterior of the house is vinyl which is the most popular and known for durability and weather resistance. Fiber cement (also known as Hardie Plank ) is the most expensive of the three materials and requires the most maintenance.
What are critical factors (by order of priority) homeowners should consider when choosing which materials to install on their homes?
We will assume that when it comes to curb appeal (how your home looks after installation), all siding serves to beautify the house and make it more attractive. Beyond curb appeal, homeowners must consider the other factors before choosing which vinyl materials to use. An educated decision always leads to getting a significant return on this investment.
➡️ Durability
In addition to beautifying your home, siding also protects the house from outside elements like wind, flying debris, and extreme temperatures. When properly installed, vinyl siding is placed over an insulating layer to protect the underlying structure. In contrast, fiber cement siding is known to attract moisture, leading to panel damage and mold. Fiber cement installation often requires caulking (sealing gaps) to minimize damage caused by humidity. This process also increases the cost of installation compared to vinyl siding.
➡️ Maintenance
While vinyl siding is maintenance-free other than the occasional power wash, fiber cement siding often requires regular painting to maintain the siding look. While some fiber cement siding comes with a 15-year warranty against peeling and cracking, they require additional caulking during installation to prevent these conditions.
➡️ Environmentally Friendly
The materials used in the manufacturing of siding should be of concern to homeowners. Specifically, materials used in fiber cement panels, when panels are cut, can release unhealthy ‘silica’ materials that can be inhaled. These challenges do not exist when it comes to vinyl siding. Because of the materials used in fiber cement, the weight of this siding is substantially higher than vinyl siding and often requires two people to lift and move them.
➡️ Energy Efficiency
Vinyl siding installed over a layer of insulating materials protects the exterior of the home from cold and heat – requiring less energy to heat or cool the home while also preventing heat and cold air from escaping the house. The average R-Value (how well the type of insulation can prevent heat from escaping your home) for insulated vinyl siding is 2.0-3.5. The comparative R-Value for fiber cement is .15. This value can be improved by adding an additional foam insulation step to the installation, which increases costs as well.
‼️Who installs your siding is as important as the materials you choose!
Longevity – Years in business. First and foremost, choose a contractor that has been in the business for many years. Many years of service equate to extensive experience and know every type of home construction. Longevity in the home improvement industry is simple proof that the contractor has earned the trust of many homeowners because of their integrity, reputation, and post-installation service commitment.
Proof of Insurance – Many homeowners do not realize the high cost of liability insurance for contractors – we, therefore, encourage you to be aware of fraudulent claims of existing liability coverage! Insist on getting a printed copy showing liability insurance and verify that the certificate is up-to-date and recent. If a contractor avoids the question or fails to present you with proof, do not do business with them.
Independent Proof of Reliability. Check your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) for current ratings. Beware of contractors with less than an A+ rating. In addition, check Angi and Google and read actual reviews. Dismiss one-line reviews such as “Great contactor, five stars” and look for a detailed testimonial where genuinely satisfied homeowners (not family members or friends of contractors) take the time to rave about their experience.
