A Guide to Siding Options for Exterior House Renovations
Don’t neglect the outside of your home when doing renovations. It doesn’t matter how nice the inside looks, nobody is going to feel welcomed if the exterior is lacking – not to mention the trouble you’ll have selling your home someday if it doesn’t have nice curb appeal. The siding is one of the most important elements of exterior house renovations. There are a number of materials to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences.
Here are many of the siding options available for remodeling or retrofitting the outside of your home.
Siding and Materials
- Vinyl siding is relatively new to homes. It’s a lightweight material that is easy to handle. As such, it is often used for retrofitting. Expanded polystyrene foam is sometimes found insulated on vinyl siding, providing a value of R2 to R6 insulation. Insulated vinyl costs a bit more than non-insulated vinyl. The downside to vinyl siding is that there may be noticeable seams, since the panels must be overlapped at times.
- Stucco siding is extremely durable and goes well with other materials. Epoxy is found in contemporary stucco mixtures to prevent cracking and chipping. When stucco is taken care of, it will last a lifetime. Additional benefits include fire resistant, insect resistant, permanent colouring (when toners are added), and low-maintenance.
- Wood is always a great choice for traditional homes. Since it’s available in numerous species and grades, you’ll need to consult with your designer to determine what type of design to go with. Less-expensive grades are ideal if you want to use paint or opaque stains. For a natural look, go with a grade that is free of blemishes and knots. Cover it with a semi-transparent stain or clear sealer.
- Synthetic stone is not always used to cover an entire house. Instead, it’s often used as an accent to cover chimney exteriors or lower portions of walls. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, the final product looks as natural and realistic as possible. Any type of stone can be mimicked, from limestone to river rock. The mixture may include sand, cement, concrete, etc. The downside to synthetic stone is that it is on the expensive side compared to other siding options.
- Brick siding is a very classy, yet expensive option for a home. It’s typically found on Tudor, Colonial, and English-style cottage exteriors, providing a look that has been around for centuries. When installed correctly, brick siding can last for the lifespan of the house. Modern brick siding is a veneer constructed outside of a house’s wood frame structure. Mortar is used to hold each brick in place.
- Fiber-cement siding is made from a mixture of cement, wood pulp, sand, and clay, and it offers the look of stucco or masonry at a cheaper price. It’s a low-maintenance and termite-resistant choice. There are many textures, styles, and finishes available. It easily accepts paint, or, if you prefer, comes in a factory-applied finish. A potential downside is that retrofitting requires that the old siding be completely removed which can be costly.
Helpful designers and installers like The Reno Pros will help you decide which house renovations material would be most ideal for your home.