A New Era of Siding
Are you tired of the constant maintenance your current siding requires?
Or perhaps you’re building a new home and want to choose a siding material that’s both durable and stylish.
Whatever the case may be, you may be considering metal siding.
But how does metal siding stack up against other popular siding materials?
And why should you consider it for your Northeast Wisconsin home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of various siding materials, with a special focus on metal siding.
By the end, you’ll understand whether metal siding is the right choice for your siding installation in Northeast Wisconsin or whether to go with another siding option.
Metal Siding: The Modern Choice
Metal siding is a modern choice that offers a sleek, contemporary look with clean lines.
It’s known for its durability, low maintenance requirements, and eco-friendliness.
Cost and Durability
Metal siding costs between $5 to $35 per square foot installed, depending on the type of metal siding.
You can learn more about how much metal siding costs here.
Steel siding and aluminum siding are the most common types of metal siding, and both kinds are available in various thicknesses or gauges.
It’s highly durable and can last up to 50 years with proper care.
Metal siding is also fire-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Maintenance
Metal siding panels require minimal maintenance.
It’s not prone to rot or insect damage. That being said, periodic cleaning may be necessary to keep its appearance fresh and vibrant.
Unlike other siding options, metal siding doesn’t need to be repainted and won’t fade over time.
However, steel siding can rust and corrode without proper care, and aluminum siding is susceptible to dents.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Sleek, contemporary look
- Highly durable
- Fire and weather resistant
- Eco-friendly
- Cons:
- Can be prone to denting
- May corrode in coastal areas
- Can be noisy during rain or hail
You can learn more about the pros and cons of metal siding here.
Vinyl Siding: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.
It’s known for its low cost, versatility, and minimal maintenance.
However, while vinyl siding may be easy on the wallet, it offers a different level of durability and aesthetic appeal than some other siding options.
Cost and Durability
Vinyl siding is the least expensive siding material to install, with an average cost of $6.50 to $10 per square foot.
However, its durability can vary.
Lower-grade vinyl may appear cheap and can crack under extreme weather conditions.
Maintenance
Vinyl siding requires minimal maintenance.
It’s impervious to rot and insect damage, and it’s easy to clean with a pressure washer.
On the other hand, poor installation may allow water to seep behind the panels, leading to mold and other issues.
This is why it’s crucial to have your vinyl siding panels installed by certified professionals like the ones at Urban Exteriors.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Rot and insect resistant
- Cons:
- Custom colors not available
- Color may fade under prolonged sunlight exposure
- Not paintable
You can learn more about the pros and cons of vinyl siding here.
Wood Siding: The Classic Choice
Wood siding offers a distinctive look and traditional charm.
It’s available in several species, including cedar, fir, pine, spruce, and redwood.
However, it requires periodic maintenance and is more susceptible to weather damage than other siding options.
Cost and Durability
Wood siding costs between $10 to $17 per square foot installed.
It’s resistant to impact but can warp, twist, and burn.
Depending on the level of maintenance, wood siding can last anywhere from 10 to 100 years.
Maintenance
Wood siding requires regular maintenance, including painting or staining every 3 to 7 years.
It’s also susceptible to insect and rodent attacks.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Rich, natural look
- Can be painted or stained any color
- Impact resistant
- Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
- Susceptible to insect and rodent attacks
- Can warp, twist, and burn
You can learn more about the pros and cons of wood siding here.
Brick Siding: The Timeless Choice
Brick siding is a timeless choice that offers a classic, elegant look.
It’s known for its durability and low maintenance.
However, it’s one of the more expensive siding options.
Cost and Durability
Brick siding costs between $12 to $25 per square foot installed.
It’s highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Brick is also fire-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Maintenance
Brick siding requires minimal maintenance.
It’s not prone to rot or insect damage.
However, it may require occasional cleaning and sealing to maintain its appearance and prevent moisture penetration.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Classic, elegant look
- Highly durable
- Fire and weather resistant
- Cons:
- More expensive than other siding options
- Requires occasional cleaning and sealing
- Installation can be complex and time-consuming
Fiber Cement Siding: The Versatile Choice
Fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie siding products, is a versatile choice that can mimic the look of wood, stucco, or masonry.
It is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers and has excellent resistance to weather, fire, rot, and wood-boring insects.
Cost and Durability
Fiber cement siding costs between $7.50 to $13.50 per square foot installed.
It’s highly durable and can last up to 50 years with proper care.
Fiber cement is also fire-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Maintenance
Fiber cement siding requires minimal maintenance.
It’s not prone to rot or insect damage.
On the other hand, it may need to be repainted every 10 to 15 years.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Versatile look
- Highly durable
- Fire and weather resistant
- Cons:
- More expensive than vinyl and wood siding
- Requires repainting every 10 to 15 years
- Installation can be complex and time-consuming
You can learn more about fiber cement siding here.
Stone Siding: The Luxurious Choice
Stone siding is a luxurious choice that offers a high-end, natural look.
It is a durable and long-lasting option that is available in various types of stone, including granite, limestone, slate, and more.
However, it’s also the most expensive siding option.
Cost and Durability
Stone siding costs between $15 to $35 per square foot installed, although these costs can be lower if you opt for stone veneer siding panels instead.
Stone siding is extremely durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Stone is also fire-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Maintenance
Stone siding requires minimal maintenance.
It’s not prone to rot or insect damage.
Like any siding type, stone siding will need the occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- High-end, natural look
- Extremely durable
- Fire and weather resistant
- Cons:
- Most expensive siding option
- Requires occasional cleaning
- Installation can be complex and time-consuming
Engineered Wood Siding: The Smart Choice
Engineered wood siding, like LP SmartSide, offers the charm of wood with the durability of engineered materials.
It’s a game-changer in the world of siding, addressing the challenges of traditional wood siding head-on. You can see how LP SmartSide compares to wood siding here.
Cost and Durability
Engineered wood siding costs between $7.50 to $13.50 per square foot installed.
It’s extremely durable and can last up to 50 years with proper care.
Engineered wood siding is also fire-resistant and can withstand moisture, fungal decay, termites, and harsh weather conditions.
Maintenance
Engineered wood siding requires little maintenance.
It’s not prone to rot or insect damage.
However, it may need to be repainted every 10 to 15 years.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Looks and feels like natural wood
- Highly durable
- Fire and weather resistant
- Termite-resistant thanks to the zinc borate treatment
- Cons:
- More expensive than vinyl siding
- Requires repainting every 10 to 15 years
- Can be prone to moisture damage if not properly installed
Let Urban Exteriors Help You Pick The Best Siding for Your Home
Choosing the right siding for your home is a significant decision.
It affects your home’s aesthetic appeal, protection against the elements, and maintenance requirements.
While each siding material has its pros and cons, metal siding is unique for its modern design, durability, and minimal maintenance.
At Urban Exteriors, we understand the importance of choosing the right siding for your home.
We’re here to help you make the best decision for your needs and budget.
Whether you’re considering metal siding or another siding material, we have the expertise to handle your siding installation needs.
Ready to give your home a fresh, new look?
Fill out our contact form today, or give us a call.
Let’s bring your vision to life!