6 Most Popular House Siding Options for 2022

Looking for the most popular house siding options available in 2022?

With a new year coming a lot of people might be starting to plan a refresh for their home. Whether you want something new or you’re looking to up the value of your home to sell in 2022. Either way, siding is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home that will give you the biggest return. It’s critical to pick the best one that both suits your style and improves your home’s efficiency.

With so many options out there, deciding which siding to install can be a difficult choice. To help make this decision a little easier, we’re listing the most popular and effective house siding options for you to consider. Let’s dive in.

Vinyl Siding

One of the most prominent siding choice for homes is vinyl siding. It can mimic the look of wood and other siding materials but without the high price tag.

Pros:

Vinyl siding is very inexpensive compared to more high-end materials like brick and wood. It also never needs a new paint job. The vinyl siding planks are manufactured with the color all the way through, so it will never chip or fade. In addition to that, there are dozens of color choices so you can get just about any color your heart desires for your home. Lastly, vinyl siding is very low maintenance. Simply wash it off each spring to clear it of debris and dirt. You can use a garden hose or soft-washing for tougher messes.

Cons:

Vinyl doesn’t last as long as other materials at just 15-30 years, depending on climate and any damages. It also grows and shrinks in very hot or cold weather which can cause issues with cracking or bowing near windows and doors if it is installed without considering the room to expand in the summer months. Also, despite its durability, vinyl can still be damaged by hail and large debris if enough force is applied. The good news is, the replacement is relatively easy since you just need to replace one segment.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding is composed of cement, silica, and cellulose fibers then molded into a siding plank. It has a super modern look and could look quite similar to vinyl siding planks. In fact, it’s grown to compete quite heavily with vinyl as one of the most commonly used siding types.

Pros:

One of the biggest advantages of fiber cement is its longevity. Folks who install fiber cement may find themselves with a 50-75 year warranty depending on the coating of their planks. This means you should be set for siding for as long as you own your home, and beyond. This long life span is thanks to its incredible durability. It is resistant to cracks, fire, and won’t rot or warp. It is also impervious to woodpeckers, termites, other pests that may be attracted to other more natural materials. Fiber cement is also highly recommended for areas that experience heavy rain, ice, snow, and winds.

Cons:

Fiber cement has a low R-value around .5 which means it’s not highly insulating. You would require extra insulation to ensure proper energy efficiency. These materials, though one of the more inexpensive ones, is still 2-3 times more expensive than vinyl siding. And after 15 years or so the fiber cement may need to be refinished.

Stone Veneer

Homeowners can get the same look of real stone at a fraction of the cost and the weight with stone veneer siding.

Pros:

Stone veneer is manufactured using a mixture of Portland cement, iron-oxide pigments, and aggregate to imitate the look of real stone. The cost of installation is far cheaper for stone veneer as it is much lighter in weight than it’s real stone relative. It looks just like the real thing without breaking the bank. Lastly, they are light enough to use in your home’s interior for things like the fireplace to a partial wall.

Cons:

Stone veneers are not nearly as durable as natural stone products but are durable enough to have manufacture warranties that last anywhere from 25 to 75 years. There can be moisture problems with veneers if it is improperly sealed, especially around doors and windows. Lastly, one must be very careful cutting these to fit to avoid those leakage issues. Even small gaps can lead to moisture getting behind the stone veneer.

Aluminum

Popular to homeowners living on the coast, aluminum siding is still a common choice for people across the U.S.

Pros:

The reason coastal cities choose it is due to its rust resistance, but that can be useful across the country. Aluminum siding is also very affordable, lightweight, and requires little maintenance. It can fade over time but can be painted over to restore its beautiful look.

Cons:

Aluminum is a soft metal which makes it quite prone to dents and scratches. It wouldn’t bode well for areas prone to hail large enough to damage siding, roofing, and vehicles.

Real Wood

Wood siding is one of the most beautiful but also one of the most high-maintenance materials. It definitely has its benefits but also disadvantages.

Pros:

The most popular and most reliable types of wood to use for siding include spruce, pine, cedar, fir, cypress, and redwood. Cedar shakes are very commonly used as they are highly durable and resistant to insects, decay, and rot. If maintained properly, wood siding can last for decades and decades. It is also highly customizable with a limitless number of paint or stain colors to choose from.

Cons:

It requires quite a bit of maintenance and upkeep to keep wood siding looking nice and working its best. This might mean staining every 2-3 years for some styles, and annual cleaning using a bristle brush to clear it of mildew and dirt. You may also be at risk of termites depending on the type of wood you use. So depending on climate, wood may not be the best choice for your home.

Engineered Wood

If you love the look of wood siding but dislike the maintenance and upkeep, engineered wood is a great second option for you. You will hardly tell the difference and will save time and money in the process.

Pros:

The main advantages of engineered wood siding are that it’s eco-friendly, low maintenance, cheaper, and easier to install compared to its natural wood counterpart.

Cons:

The one biggest disadvantage to it is that any damage to the composite exterior could lead to leaks and moisture getting trapped behind the planks. Light maintenance is required to refinish or paint the exterior to ensure a good seal.

Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home

These options are some of the most common we see and will continue to see installed in the coming year. In addition to weighing the pros and cons of these materials, you also want to consider how a type of siding would affect to the appearance of your home. You want it to go well with your shingles, windows, doors, and the rest of your home’s exterior.

You will also want to consider the level of maintenance you can realistically commit too. If you’re more of a low-maintenance person, it might be best to avoid natural wood siding, or similar options.

Getting the Most Out of Your Siding

While choosing your siding might feel like a big decision, finding the right contractor to trust with installation is arguably the most important decision of the entire project. Sure, the material is a big deal, but the siding installation will determine that material’s ability to protect your home from the elements.

If you want to get the most out of your siding, make sure to hire a quality contractor like Northface. Not only is our team of experienced professionals guaranteed to get the job done right, but we will help you through the entire process to help you make the best decision for your home.

If you are looking to install some new siding on your home in 2022 or have any questions on how to pick the right one, please don’t hesitate to give us a call! You can also get a FREE quote here.