Cost Effective Siding Options for the Home

When there are as many siding options as there are today, a homeowner can pick and choose the best choice for them. We will compare the different siding options available in this article.

Siding Options

The popular choice out there is vinyl because they’re cost-effective and easy to install and maintain. Some things to consider with vinyl is that the color can fade, and the siding become brittle with time. For homeowners who prefer to go with wood, there is hardwood, cypress, clapboard, wood shingles, and plywood siding. These sidings need considerable maintenance, such as sealing and painting every few years.

Fiber cement and stucco siding are more high-end in pricings. While durable and beautiful to look at, these sidings have the tendency to develop cracks over time. Aluminum siding is the other low maintenance option for siding. However, these materials dent quite easily, and scratches show visibly. Slate shingles are like tiles and last a long time. However, they are very breakable if something heavy should pound into them, and replacing them is costly. Stone and brick siding is the most expensive sidings available. They are very beautiful for the house but are very expensive to install and repair.

Cost Comparisons

The costs listed here are very generic. It is only to show you the comparison between each type of siding. Depending on the region and the specific type of siding you decide to go with, the cost might be different.

• The average vinyl siding per square foot is $2 to $3.
• Fiber cement runs $3 to $5 per square foot.
• Hardwood siding runs $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot.
• Plywood siding runs $2 to $4.50 per square foot.
• Cypress siding run $2 per linear foot where a panel is about 1 inch by 6 inches long.
• Clapboard siding measures at about 6 inches by ½ inch and costs about $2.05 per square foot with one side planed smooth.
• Wood shingle siding run $5 to $7.50 per square foot.
• Slate shingles start at $5 per square foot.
• Aluminum siding runs $3 to $5 per square foot.
• Brick and stone veneer siding run $11 to $15 per square foot.
• Brick runs $6 to $12 per square foot.
• Stone siding runs $15 to $30 per square foot.
• Stucco siding runs $4 to $9 per square foot.

Maintenance Comparisons

As mentioned earlier, deciding on a siding is more than the initial price for the installation. Wood is definitely cheaper than other options; however, they require maintenance, such as sealant and paint, otherwise, the wood will decay and form molds. Aluminum siding can dent easily because of wind, stone, dog, or furniture. Vinyl siding’s popular complaint has been the way the color fades over time. Synthetic stucco can require a costly repair, as mold and mildew might form. Cement siding, as well as real stucco siding, will tend to crack. Stone or brick siding may also need costly repair over time.

Costly materials look better, tend to be more durable, and need low maintenance but might require costly repairs. Cheaper materials are budget-friendly at first. However, they might require constant maintenance and are prone to decay or mold. The other factor is the outward appearance. Take all things into consideration as you decide on the siding for your house.