What’s the Best Siding Material for a House?

How to Choose the Best Siding for Your House

New siding material will instantly transform your home and make it easy to sell in the future. But siding isn’t purely decorative it’s also your home’s first defense against the elements (cold climates/humid weather/inclement weather). Loose or cracked panels or shingles can allow entry to moisture damage + moisture intrusion and insects (insect resistance), leading to expensive structural repairs in the future.

Some siding material is far less resistant to cracking from impacts in warm and cold weather, and some are less likely to stay put in a windstorm, based on the simulated 150-mph winds in our testing. We also find that some siding made from vinyl, still the best-selling material, is more prone to color change under ultraviolet light, especially important in sunny climates and where trees don’t provide much shade.

Use this guide to determine which material vinyl, wood, or an alternative siding, such as fiber cement or plastic best suits your taste and budget.

What are the Best Types of Siding?

There is various type of siding material that you can choose from. We will break down the most popular siding materials so you can discover what might be perfect for your Nova Scotia home.

Wood Siding: Minor Maintenance Requirements

Wood siding is a very popular choice. Siding material made of wood comes in a number of shapes. Post and batten, shakes, shingles, and wood clapboards are the most common types. Builders also select these types of wood for premium projects because of its natural, warm appearance and timeless appeal.

With a protective finish, no matter what style or species of wood siding you pick, it will last longer and look better. The greatest cover against weather and UV exposure is paint or a strong colour dye.

If you want the appearance of natural wood grain, ask for a transparent exterior finish that is formulated for wood siding and offers UV protection. Be sure to verify your local building codes if you intend to use wood siding on your home. Wood siding options must be treated with fire-retardant additives in certain areas.

Wood Shingle Siding

Wood siding material may be built over existing siding in some cases. It’s possible to add wood shingle siding over clapboard siding, for example. In most cases, though, it is preferable to remove old siding before adding new wood siding. Fix any broken trim or flashing around window and door openings when adding new siding, and restore or add house cover to increase your home’s resistance to air penetration and moisture exposure. The good thing is that they’re all do-it-yourself projects.

In terms of repairs, look for holes or damage that needs to be fixed on the siding once a year. Depending on the type of finish you choose, you can refinish wood every four to six years.

Engineered Wood: In the In between Category

Engineered wood siding may be the solution if you like the look, sound, and workability of solid wood but don’t want to pay the high price of cedar siding or the low reliability of pine siding. Engineered siding is available in a variety of styles.

Stone Veneer Siding: Masonry Appeal

Adding a stone veneer to your home is better than you expect if you want the look of stone. For drab concrete base walls, this siding treatment can be a good improvement. It’s also common on the lower half of main level walls, as well as other structures such as driveway pillars, fireplace surrounds, and internal walls. There are a variety of stone types to pick from.

Vinyl Siding: Best Bang for Your Buck

Another popular siding material choice is Vinyl. Vinyl siding can be applied to recently constructed walls as well as other forms of current siding. Insulated vinyl siding has a sturdy rigid foam insulation backing that fills the voids behind the siding’s stepped profile if additional insulation is required. Vinyl siding is simple to build and has a short learning curve.

RELATED: House Siding Costs in Canada

Metal Siding – Aluminum and Steel

Aluminum and steel siding is making a major comeback after being priced out of the market by vinyl a few decades ago. Despite it being one of the more expensive types, there are many interesting, robust, and long-lasting models available.

Siding made of aluminum, which is mostly available in clapboard form, has all of the advantages of vinyl siding and the ability to be decorated. Aluminum siding has a number of drawbacks. To begin with, the design options are minimal, particularly when compared to the variety of vinyl siding. Aluminum, on the other hand, does not have the same tensile strength as vinyl and can dent when hit hard. However, if you want low-maintenance siding that can be painted at a later date, this choice is worth considering.

Steel of the highest quality will last for over 40 years. It’s a more environmentally friendly choice since much of it is made of recycled materials that can be recycled more effectively than vinyl.

Metal Siding Paint Layers

There are three styles types of aluminum and steel siding:

–Horizontal siding is designed to look like conventional wood siding. Color and design choices are fine, but not as extensive as for vinyl.

–Rollex Horizontal Steel Siding For a conventional look, vertical steel and aluminum siding is made in board and batten forms.

–Iron siding with a rustic look. Vertical grooved frames, normally made of concrete, have a contemporary look.

Choosing The Right Siding Products Right Your Home

Aside from the initial cost, According to BHG, there are six basic issues to remember when choosing house siding:

1. Water Resistance: If your looking for siding that has a longer life span, then make sure you are purchasing one that is water-resistant
2. Energy Efficiency: For energy efficiency, look at the R-value rating (which shows how much it resists heat flow) to figure out what kind of insulation you’ll need under the siding.
3. Ease of Installation: If you’re doing the siding yourself, make sure the process isn’t beyond your capabilities, doesn’t require any special equipment, and doesn’t produce hazardous dust when removed.
4. Versatility: Make sure the siding you use is versatile enough to suit your project’s various requirements. If there are elements of your home’s exterior that will make using a certain form of siding more difficult than others, make sure you consider what the extra costs or possible modifications will be.
5. Aesthetics: When you come and go, the siding will be in clear display, so make sure it appeals to you.
6. Durability: Does your siding of choice have the strength to resist temperature shifts present in your climate? Consider how it will stand up to everyday wear and tear, as well as typical weather in your area.

How to Save Money and Get Beautiful New House Siding

#1-  Find the most cost-effective siding option with the desired look: vinyl instead of steel, aluminum instead of wood, or fake stone instead of real stone.

#2- Try combining fabrics, as we’ve suggested. Complement an expensive alternative with a less expensive option.

#3- We don’t recommend recruiting the cheapest labour you can find as a way to save costs.

You sure can get what you pay for when it comes to construction efficiency, and installation is the secret to how well your siding looks and works. When comparing prices, keep in mind that expense is secondary to the siding expert’s skill level. Remember, faulty installation because of cheaper alternatives for your labour choice (will cost you much more to fix).

Request estimates from many experienced siding installers who specialize in the siding you’ve selected to find the best balance of competitive labour costs and construction excellence. For your defense, make sure they are certified (if necessary by your state) and protected (general liability and worker’s compensation).

Choose the best Siding Contractors in Halifax

If you’re looking for siding contractors in Halifax, look no further than the team at Elite Roofing Halifax. We provide residential siding installation & siding replacement across Bedford, Dartmouth, Sackville, and across HRM. Contact our building professionals today for your free quote.

Disclaimer:  This article intends to offer general knowledge on this topic.  While every caution has been taken to provide accurate information, it does not intend as professional advice.  Please consult with an industry professional in your area to obtain proper advice based on your unique circumstances.  Elite Roofing Halifax and its parent company will not be held liable in any way should you suffer any loss/damage because of the information in this blog.