Is it time to replace your siding There are many types of siding for Minneapolis area homes that range from vinyl and wood to stone. The main purpose of having siding is to protect the inside of the home from the outside elements while also making the home look beautiful. Keep some key things in mind when it comes to choosing the right siding for the home that you have. You should know what’s available as well as the pros and cons of each of them to figure out which would be the best solution for your home.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is made from wooden planks which are individually installed around the outside of your home.
- Pros:
- Wood siding can be painted or stained into any color that you would like.
- Wood is the most eco-friendly type of siding that you can get.
- It is easy to install.
- Cons:
- It is more expensive.
- Wood siding comes with a high maintenance level since it has to be frequently painted, repaired, and weather-stripped or caulked.
- It provides low insulation value.
- It is susceptible to damages from such things as insects and moisture.
- Wood can become easily damaged by the elements which affect the outside of the home.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is the most commonly used type of siding. It is also more energy-efficient than wood siding.
- Pros:
- Many brands come with a lifetime warranty.
- It is inexpensive to purchase.
- It is versatile and can mimic a lot of other siding types.
- It requires little to no maintenance.
- Cons:
- Repairs for vinyl siding can be expensive.
- Vinyl siding is highly flammable.
- You cannot change the color by painting it.
Foam Backed Vinyl (Insulated Vinyl Siding)
This is a new product that comes with a core made of foam or backing that provides insulation, allowing a home to become more energy efficient since it prevents heat from escaping from the studs of the home.
- Pros:
- Insulated vinyl siding reduces the noises of outside.
- The foam backing or core ncreases energy efficiency.
- The surface limits damage made from insects and moisture.
- A smooth, polished finish on the outside of the home is the result of using vinyl siding.
- Little to no maintenance is required with insulated vinyl.
- Insulated vinyl siding is versatile since it comes in many styles and colors.
- Cons:
- As with regular vinyl siding, it can be expensive to repair if needed due to color matching and other aspects.
- You’re not able to re-paint the siding to change the color.
Cement Fiber Siding
This is one of the most durable types of siding; it’s made from wood fibers, sand, and cement. It is thick and able to be molded into different textures and shapes.
- Pros:
- Fiber cement siding is non-flammable.
- It can be made to match different textures and in different colors. It can be painted later on if you want to change the color.
- Fiber cement siding is extremely durable.
- This siding comes with a long-term warranty.
- Cons:
- Most fiber cement siding has to be repainted every 10 to 20 years.
- It is difficult to have installed.
- Fiber cement siding is less expensive than wood, but more expensive than vinyl.
Engineered Wood
This is the latest when it comes to siding on a home. It is natural wood that uses a lot of bonding agents. You get the look of wood without many of the cons of wood siding.
- Pros:
- Most engineered wood siding has a 50-year warranty.
- Eco-friendly because it is made from recycled wood products.
- Engineered wood is resistant to insects.
- It gives the look and feel of actual wood and can be painted.
- Cons:
- It is expensive.
- Moisture can get in if it is not maintained properly.
- It provides poor insulation within the home.
Since there are so many siding options, you might want a professional on your side when the time comes to choose new siding. A professional can help you make the right choice as well as insure proper installation. Iron River gives many siding options to choose from. We offer siding products from high quality manufacturers such as James Hardie, Crane, Certainteed, and Georgia Pacific.
