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How to Pick the Right Siding for Your Home

siding installationDuring home design, significant time goes into planning integral components like paint colors, the floor plan, and your budget. But one of the last things people think about is the exterior of their house and what type of siding they’ll choose. Before welcoming guests into your home, your friends and family are greeted with the outside appearance, so you want it to look its best! With the many types of siding materials, colors, and textures available, this simple project can soon turn into a daunting task. Before you make your final decision, Rutter Roofing & Exteriors shares everything you need to know about three popular siding options.

Types of Siding

Regardless of the type of siding you’re selecting, it makes the most sense to consider three primary criteria: appearance, durability, and cost. Below we compare siding options alongside price, why people choose them, and their cost-effectiveness. 

Vinyl

Arguably the most common type of siding outfitting American homes, vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive, extremely long-lasting, and quite versatile. It comes in several colors and textures, allowing you to completely customize the look and feel of your home. Vinyl can be installed over existing material, making it a great retrofit option. It often costs less than $2 per square foot, making it the most affordable option on the market. Despite its practical advantages, some homeowners pass on vinyl siding because it retains its synthetic appearance, isn’t biodegradable, and is prone to mold and mildew growth, and weather damage. 

Wood

The most traditional siding option is wood. Wood siding is crafted from solid material or short scraps and offcuts glued together with finger joints. There are several species to choose from, including cedar, redwood, pine, fir, and other locally available woods. Siding contractors prefer wood siding because it’s easy to cut, shape, and install. It can cost anywhere from $6 per square foot to $20. If you’re looking to give the outside of your home a more natural look, wood siding would be a great choice. With proper maintenance and installation, quality wood siding can last decades. However, it does require a significant amount of homeowner upkeep and is also vulnerable to woodpeckers, termites, and rot. 

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is another widely used type of siding, and the price largely depends on if you choose shingles, boards, “stones,” or something else. Natural materials like wood and stone can be pricey; that’s where fiber cement comes in! Fiber cement is a man-made alternative shaped to look like another material like stucco, shingles, or wood clapboard. It’s typically created from sand, cement, cellulose fiber, or clay. Homeowners love fiber cement because it’s easy to paint, available in several attractive finishes, and is termite-proof and fire-resistant. It does have its downfalls, though. Often, the labor tends to cost more than the material itself, ranging from $1 to $20 per square foot. It’s also quite weighty and requires specialized tools and techniques for installation. While it has virtually no maintenance duties, it usually needs refinishing after about 15 years. 

Siding Replacement and Repair With Rutter Roofing & Exteriors

Here at Rutter Roofing & Exteriors, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with high-quality siding replacement and installation services that will transform their homes into a thing of beauty. As a fully insured, licensed, and certified company, our top-level contractors and exceptional employees provide the highest quality materials, most competitive prices, and the best customer service. If you’re ready to transform the look of your home with new siding, contact our team at 610-584-2084 for a free estimate.