When it comes to choosing the type of exterior siding that’s right for your humble abode, there are countless factors to consider. From material and installation costs to durability, it can be a rather tedious process.

Fixing up the exterior of your home shouldn’t be an unwelcome task. This list of various types of siding along with their pros and cons should help ease your mind during your hunt for the perfect outdoor solution.

Brick
Made popular in America over 200 years ago, brick still hasn’t lost its appeal. Brick buildings often emit a classic sense of superiority. People are attracted to brick for many reasons, these being just two:

1. Durability. Bricks have a historical connotation attached to them. Many brick buildings constructed during colonial times are still in use today. The external structure of a brick home is more likely to survive house fires, because the clay-and-shale-formed blocks have already withstood heat of nearly 2000 degrees Fahrenheit when fired in a kiln. Brick can also outlast many other forms of exterior siding in terms of experiencing poor weather conditions – high winds, heavy rain, snow, etc.
2. Visual Appeal. As time progresses, more and more options are available for house hunters interested in brick homes.

But brick isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Here are just a few disadvantages of brick home exterior.

1. Maintenance. It’s difficult to match repairs to the original structure, especially when a single brick needs to be replaced. In addition, water often penetrates brick veneers, so professional installation is a must to avoid leaks.
2. Installation and Cost. Brick is more labor-intensive to install, which is why it takes longer and costs significantly more than other types of exterior siding. Your home may also be colder in the winter and warmer in the summer from lack of insulation.

Wood Siding
Wood siding comes in clapboards, shakes, and shingles. If you’re looking to create a cozy cottage appeal, these are a few reasons to turn to wood siding:

1. Durability. If properly maintained, wood siding can last anywhere from 10 to nearly 100 years.
2. Visual Appeal. Couples interested in the Cape Cod style or even a homey cottage in the woods will find this type of exterior siding particularly pleasing to the eye. There are multiple stains and siding options, so you have a variety of colors to choose from.

Then again, wood siding isn’t the greatest for any location:

1. Maintenance. Wood siding requires regular upkeep in order to maintain its visual appeal. Maintenance can include re-staining or painting the wood to prevent severe weather damage.
2. Pests. With wood siding, your home is also at higher risk for infestations of mice and insects.
3. Cost. Although cheaper than brick, this siding may be costly depending on the amount of repairs due to bad weather conditions or pest invasions.

Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is popular among homeowners today for many reasons:

1. Budget-Friendly. Materials for vinyl siding projects are less costly than most other types of exterior siding materials and installation fees.
2. Visual Appeal. Vinyl siding comes in all colors and textures, allowing for a unique, customizable home. Be the cool kids on the block in a vinyl-sided house.
3. Low-Maintenance. What homeowner doesn’t like to hear that phrase? Vinyl siding doesn’t twist or warp, and you don’t have to be as concerned about insects as with wood siding. There’s no need to paint it, either for protection or decor, because it comes in such a wide array of colors.

Despite its appeal, vinyl siding has its drawbacks. It tends to flap or rattle in high winds and can crack when hit with extreme force, so it’s not the most logical choice for homeowners in areas that regularly experience heavy storms.

Fiber Cement Siding
Like vinyl siding, fiber cement siding is also popular for these reasons:

1. Budget-Friendly. Though not cheap, it provides a great look at a reasonable cost for homeowners.
2. Visual Appeal. Fiber cement siding is an excellent alternative if you’re going for the look and feel of stucco, masonry, or wood on a tighter budget. There are countless options available.
3. Low-Maintenance. Again, with this type of siding, there’s very little regular upkeep required.
4. Weatherproof and Termite-Resistant. With fiber cement siding, you don’t need to worry about insect infestations, and your exterior siding is nonflammable.

Need help in making the final decision on the perfect exterior siding for your home? Century Home Improvements offers assistance in choosing the siding for your home and will gladly install anything from wood siding, like classic cedar shake to aluminum trim that has the power to extend your wooden windows and doors.