4 Most Popular Siding Installation Options
You probably don't notice it much, other than when you pull into your driveway, but your siding plays an important role in the protection of your home and its aesthetic value.
Siding gives your home a protective shell against the elements. It contributes to curb appeal. Siding also adds to the value of your home.
So, if you are, or soon will be, in the market for new siding, then there's a good chance you're thinking about one or more of the following four siding types:
- Composite
- Plywood (T1-11)
- Brick/Stone
- Vinyl
Brick and synthetic stone, and fiber cement, are especially popular in the Willamette Valley because of their durability against our wet climate.
Keep in mind that just because a particular siding is popular doesn't mean it's the right one for your home.
Let's take a close look at each of these four trending siding options and break down their pluses and minuses. Then, we'll help you examine these siding types' value and practical benefits, so you can feel confident about which one will fit your budget and look good on your home.
3Rs Construction & Remodeling is here to help you install new siding and help with home remodeling projects. We are your trusted general contractor in Salem, Oregon.
1) Composite (Hardie)
Composite or "Hardie" type siding is a combination of a mixture of wood fibers and concrete. The ratios of concrete and fibrous material have fluctuated quite a bit in an effort to perfect the optimal mix.
Composite is one of the most reliable and cost-effective options for siding.
The advantages of composite siding include the following:
- It is one of the least expensive options and has a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
- The material is exceptionally durable.
- It stands up well against harsh weather like hailstorms, strong winds, heavy snow, and extreme heat and cold.
- Difficult to damage.
- Relevantly easy to paint and doesn't easily peel.
- Won't catch fire or burn easily.
- Won't rot or swell up, even if it is submerged in water.
If you like the idea of having various beautiful colors to choose from, then composite siding may be your new favorite. You're able to request composite wood in the color of your choosing.
As far as green technology, you'll do well with composite. Wood composites are composed of recycled materials and are eco-friendly. It is also made from energy-efficient material, which will potentially save you considerable money. Your HVAC system will work less hard to provide a comfortable temperature for all your living spaces.
Learn more about choosing hardie board siding!
2) T1-11 (Plywood)
T1-11 is plywood sheets with grooves cut lengthwise in a repeating pattern. If you choose this option, you'll be impressed with how beautiful your T1-11 siding looks.
Because it has a lot of glue and resin pressed into it during manufacturing, this type of plywood repels creatures like termites and other wood-destroying organisms.
Plywood siding is a relatively inexpensive siding, making it one of the most popular sidings among homeowners.
Some other pluses of T1-11 siding are the following:
- Resilient in that it resists damage from extreme weather.
- Pleasing to the eye, as the vertical grooving gives the impression of multiple boards rather than one large board.
- Installation goes faster because plywood siding is available in large sheets of eight feet or longer.
Minuses of T1-11 Siding are:
- Absorbs water and will swell up, which causes more expansion; this peels off the paint, exposing more areas of damage.
- Plywood siding can be challenging to handle because it comes in larger formats.
- The cost of wood tends to be volatile, based on the wood supplies in forests and on the supply chains.
- Plywood is composed of wood and epoxy, which means it is relatively easy to burn, and when it burns, it burns very hot.
Looking for a general contractor you can trust? Contact 3Rs Construction & Remodeling in Salem, Oregon is here to help! Contact us for a FREE quote!
3) Brick /Stone Siding
Masonry products are beautiful, and they last a long time. This type of siding has a longer lifespan than any others.
Brick siding is made from fired clay. It is especially popular for home styles such as English cottages, Tudor, and Colonial. In order to make it more affordable, brick siding is typically made of a brick veneer with mortar attaching the bricks to the home's structure.
Advantages of Brick Siding include:
- Timeless, Beautiful Appearance – For centuries, builders have been using brick for homes, as well as for commercial structures.
- Sound Reduction – You can expect thick brick siding to keep outside noises from coming inside your home.
- Eco-friendly – Shale and clay are natural from the planet.
- Easy Maintenance – An aesthetic benefit of brick siding is that it keeps its natural color for hundreds of years. Power washing will extend the life of your brick siding, and you will enjoy the beauty of this siding without having to refinish or repaint it.
Disadvantages of Brick Siding include:
- Expensive – As the installation of brick siding is time intensive, builders will usually have to charge more in labor costs; They will have to apply a stone foundation under the brick siding to maintain its integrity.
- Holds moisture – Brick and natural stone will hold moisture causing mold and mildew problems.
- Shift in Home Foundation – If you reside in a place that is susceptible to earthquakes, you might want to forego brick siding. Bricks were not intended to withstand a lot of shifting that can easily happen in an earthquake.
- Difficult Installation – Professional builders have to install each new brick with mortar instead of sticking on a full panel. Because they are heavy, bricks take a lot of time for builders to install.
- Conceals Problems in the Framing – The challenge with brick and other masonry-related products is that they hide developing problems in the framing. For example, it's quite common to find dry rot and mold concealed behind the framing, in addition to insect issues.
Stone siding consists of limestone or granite. Most homeowners opt for stone siding as an accent instead of the entire exterior of their house.
Stone siding is a popular choice for the following reasons:
- Eco-friendliness – Stone is a natural material derived from the planet, and it can also be reused if you remodel your home.
- Natural Beauty – Stone siding adds visual appeal and texture to your home's exterior; It is very stable and will keep its natural beauty for years to come.
- Protection Against Extreme Weather – Like brick, stone siding is very resistant to harsh weather like hailstorms, snow, and wind.
(Note: Be sure to seal this siding frequently to prevent water from seeping in.) - Effective Sound-barrier – Also similar to brick, stone siding is ideal for keeping loud noises from entering the inside of your home.
Some drawbacks to stone siding include:
- Difficult Installation – Even for the most experienced builders, stone is challenging to install. Similar to brick, builders install each stone one at a time, as opposed to a panel;
- Expensive – Stone is among the most costly siding material available. As it is heavy, it is more expensive to install.
4) Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has been considered the best option for many years because of its affordability and long lifespan. It also doesn't require painting. So, until fairly recently, you could find vinyl siding on many homes throughout the country.
However, the biggest problem with vinyl siding is that there could be hidden damage if water seeps in behind it. This results in the framing decaying and mold – leading to dry rot. This draws termites and insects behind the vinyl siding.
Another troublesome issue with vinyl siding is that, over time, the vinyl becomes brittle and breaks or cracks.
Other drawbacks to vinyl siding include:
- Cheap Plastic Appearance – While vinyl siding is offered in numerous colors and shapes, it can still project a rather cheap look of plastic.
- Susceptible to Sun Damage – Ultraviolet, or UV rays, from the sun can cause significant damage to the coloring of vinyl paneling. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of sunny days, be prepared for the possibility of siding panels warping or even melting. This is not the best choice for siding if you reside in a dry, sunny climate.
- Easily Dented – Vinyl siding is dent-resistant, but it is not dent-proof. It may crack and dent if it is struck by fast-moving objects – hail, during a storm, or rocks thrown by a lawnmower.
- Color Fades – You can expect the color of your vinyl siding to fade after years of exposure to the sun's UV rays. Rain and snow contribute to the fading, as well. Over time, these UV rays will deteriorate the color of vinyl siding.
Despite these negative points, there are homeowners who still look to vinyl as their siding of choice for several practical reasons. For one, it is quite affordable, including material and installation costs. The average price of vinyl siding is $2 to $7 per square foot installed.
Other advantages of vinyl siding are:
- Easy Re-installation – Vinyl siding can sometimes be removed and reinstalled if necessary.
- Beautiful Design – Vinyl siding has evolved from being a practical choice many years ago to now one of unparalleled beauty. You can select from a wide array of gorgeous colors, along with numerous attractive styles and realistic textures.
- Low Maintenance – In order to maintain the appearance of your vinyl siding, it is recommended that you wash it once a year with mild soap and a garden hose.
Call on 3Rs Construction & Remodeling for Your Siding Needs
The experts at 3Rs Construction can help you determine if it is time to replace the siding on your home. If your siding appears worn down from the elements, we suggest you contact 3Rs Construction. Our capable and helpful team will guide you through the process every step of the way!
Call us at (503) 363-1059, so we can get started on your new home remodel project today!
