If your roof is like a shield for your home, then siding is more like a suit of armor. Both do their part to protect your house and everyone in it. When it comes time to replace that armor, it’s important to pick the best siding.
Of course, which siding is “best” isn’t always so easy to determine. Every situation is different, and one size definitely doesn’t fit all. At Midwest Roofing, we’re committed to not only installing the best siding but also helping you pick the best siding for your specific home.
Types of Siding
Every kind of siding has its pros and cons. Other than a few old-fashioned types of siding (i.e. cedar shingles, wooden clapboards) most of the siding installed today falls into one of three categories.
- Composite Siding. Lots of people like the look of wood siding, but not everyone likes the maintenance it requires. The great thing about composite siding is it offers the beauty of wood without the drawbacks. It’s resistant to moisture, insects, and fire damage. We install Diamond Kote, one of the leading manufacturers of composite siding in the industry; it comes in a wide variety of colors.
- Fiber Cement Siding. Made from a varying combination of ingredients—typically Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers—fiber cement has gained a reputation as one of the most durable siding options on the market. Top-of-the-line fiber cement siding, such as James Hardie, is also affordable and easy to maintain. You can also paint fiber cement siding, allowing it to be tailored to any home design.
- Vinyl Siding. A classic style of siding which has been around for decades, vinyl remains popular thanks to its relatively low price tag, ease of installation, and a wide variety of colors. It’s also low-maintenance and durable and the colors are “baked in” so they never fade or need to be repainted. Vinyl has long been the most popular type of siding, although the balance has started to shift toward composite and fiber cement in recent years.
How To Compare Siding
What siding lasts the longest? What siding looks the best? There are a lot of questions to ask when you’re trying to pick the right siding for your house. In the end, the choice comes down to a combination of which factors are most important to you.
- Longevity. Fiber cement siding gets top marks for longevity, often lasting 50 years or more with proper care. Vinyl can last almost as long if you take good care of it, though the quality of vinyl siding varies depending on the thickness and manufacturer.
- Durability. Each of the three major siding types is very durable, though this depends on what it’s exposed to. Fiber cement seems to take a beating most effectively. Vinyl becomes prone to cracking over time, and composite siding can eventually start to weaken, especially along the edge closest to the ground.
- Style and Color Choices. Composite siding is arguably the easiest on the eyes, effectively mimicking the look of wood. Vinyl is also popular for its virtually endless color choices, and fiber cement siding has the advantage of being able to be painted any color.
- Maintenance. Having low-maintenance siding is definitely a plus and many homeowners have been choosing vinyl siding for generations because it doesn’t require much care. That being said, fiber cement has gained a reputation as a truly low-maintenance material, needing little else except to be repainted every 10 years or so.
- Cost-Effectiveness. Vinyl has long been thought of as the most affordable siding option. But composite siding is quickly catching up, and when you consider the impressive longevity of fiber cement siding, it can be just as cost-effective in the long run.
- Warranties. The warranty you get on siding usually depends on the manufacturer. James Hardie fiber cement siding comes with a 30- to 50-year warranty, and Diamond Kote offers a 30-year warranty on their composite siding.
- Energy Efficiency. Composite siding is one of the only siding types which adds to your home’s energy efficiency. Vinyl and fiber cement are poor insulators on their own, but are often installed with a layer of insulating material underneath.
Learn More About the Best Siding
Even with all the options laid out in front of you, it can be hard to decide what siding is the best for your home. It helps to have a professional in your corner, and the siding experts at Midwest Roofing are here to help. We offer siding inspections and maintenance as well as installation, and our team is always happy to offer advice on choosing the best siding. Contact us today to learn more about working with Midwest Roofing. We’re proud to offer a full range of roof and siding services from Columbia to Springfield and everywhere in between.
