Choosing the right siding for your home can be a big decision. Each type of siding has its unique advantages, costs, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking for something durable, low-maintenance, or stylish, understanding the different options available can help you make an informed choice. Here are six popular types of siding to help you find the best fit for your home, including the highly favored vinyl siding in OKC.
Durable and Affordable- Vinyl Siding
The affordability, versatility, and low maintenance of vinyl siding have made it the most popular choice for homeowners across the United States. Despite some homeowners and design professionals criticizing the “plastic look” of certain vinyl siding products, the wide range of available colors and styles contributes to its widespread use.
Advancements in vinyl siding technology have greatly improved its quality and appearance. Manufacturers are constantly innovating to offer superior products. Vinyl siding can be installed with minimal tools and is easily found at home improvement stores, making it attractive for DIY enthusiasts. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use online how-to videos to avoid mistakes.
Despite the DIY appeal, hiring professional siding contractors is often wiser. Their expertise ensures proper installation, enhancing the vinyl siding’s durability and performance. Professionals can prevent errors that might lead to extra costs and potential home damage.
Classic Appeal- Wood Siding
Wood siding, often used for bungalows and cottage-style homes, offers a rich, timeless aesthetic. Proper maintenance is essential for its durability, including periodic painting or staining and protecting it from weather damage. This maintenance can help wood siding last anywhere from 10 to 100 years. However, it is susceptible to insect or rodent damage.
Wood siding comes in various types, such as clapboard and shingles. Clapboard, also known as lap or bevel siding, involves installing horizontal wood planks with the upper piece overlapping the lower one. Popular choices include Western red cedar and redwood for their attractiveness and durability.
Shingles provide a smooth, uniform appearance and are thinner than shakes. They can be cut into different shapes to enhance your home’s exterior. Some shingles are treated with fire-retardant chemicals, which may be required in high-risk areas. Always check local regulations.
Timeless Elegance- Brick Siding
Genuine brick, crafted from fired clay, offers a variety of sizes and textures. This material is often seen on Colonial, Tudor, and English cottage exteriors, adding a timeless beauty that has been admired for centuries. Today, brick siding is typically a veneer applied over a home’s wooden frame, with mortar securing the bricks in place.
To prevent water infiltration, a protective membrane is placed between the brick veneer and the house. This measure ensures the structure remains safe from moisture damage. When properly installed and maintained, brick siding can last the lifetime of the home. However, due to the labor-intensive installation process, brick siding tends to be more expensive than other options.
Versatile and Strong- Fiber-Cement Siding
Fiber-cement siding is a favored choice among homeowners for its ability to mimic the appearance of masonry, stucco, or wood at a more affordable price point. This type of siding is known for being low-maintenance, resistant to fire, and impervious to termite damage. It is also available in a wide range of styles and textures, with factory-applied finishes being highly recommended.
However, it’s important to note that fiber-cement siding can be susceptible to moisture-related issues. Additionally, older homes constructed before the late 1980s may have fiber-cement siding containing asbestos, requiring professional abatement contractors for safe removal.
In comparison, vinyl siding offers a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative without the same concerns related to moisture or asbestos. Many siding contractors in OKC advocate for such siding due to its durability and ease of installation.
Smooth Finish- Stucco Siding
Traditional stucco consists of a blend of building sand, water, lime, and Portland cement. Before applying stucco to wood walls, a waterproof barrier paper and galvanized metal screening are typically added to create a sturdy base and protect the underlying walls. Although stucco can be used on brick and stone surfaces, it is most commonly associated with Mediterranean, ranch, and Spanish-mission-style exteriors.
Due to its rigid nature, proper installation is crucial to minimize the risk of cracks. With correct installation and regular maintenance, stucco siding can last as long as the house itself.
Natural Look- Stone and Stone-Veneer Siding
The allure of natural stones like granite and limestone lies in their inherent beauty and durability, making them a favored choice for homeowners seeking siding that adds texture and visual allure to their exteriors. However, the higher cost of stone compared to other siding options, along with the complexity of adding it to an existing home, necessitates careful consideration of budgetary concerns.
Stone-veneer siding offers a more budget-friendly and lightweight alternative to natural stone, available in both natural and synthetic materials. This siding comes in a variety of styles that can enhance the curb appeal of your home. Regular cleaning with a hose and periodic inspection of the siding is recommended to ensure its longevity throughout the lifespan of the house.
Upgrade Your Home with Red River Roofing Siding Windows
Enhance your home’s beauty and durability with Red River Roofing Siding Windows. Our expert team specializes in vinyl siding in OKC, offering a range of styles and colors to suit your taste. Trust us to transform your home’s exterior with quality materials and professional installation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover the benefits of vinyl siding for your home in OKC.
