The 7 Most Durable Siding Materials

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Choosing the right siding materials for your house is an important decision. It not only has to look the part but it has to be functional too. In this respect, the right choice of material is a trade-off between aesthetics and practicality. Too much of one can leave a building looking ugly, or have an interior that is very wet. Here is a list of the top siding materials for your house.

1. Stucco Siding

Stucco in its traditional form is a type of cement that has been combined with materials such as lime, sand, and water. Post-1950s, many homes have been built with materials made to resemble stucco, and often these have been prone to problems. Using a good quality synthetic stucco will prove durable and provide a good siding for a house. It is a good idea to color the stucco before it is applied as this can avoid the need to paint in the future.

2. Stone Veneer Siding

Stone is simply the most durable material there is. Ancient statues, temples, and monuments are all constructed with stone and often stand the test of time. Many of its forms such as limestone, slate, and granite also have a beautiful appearance. It can be expensive, however. Veneer forms of stone are available and can make a quality durable siding providing quality wins over cost.

3. Cement Fiber Siding

One of the good aspects of this type of siding is that it can be modeled to resemble other types of material. Wood, stucco, or masonry can all be copied with varying degrees of success. This material is arguably a good choice if you want the appearance of wood but do not want the maintenance typically required. Older homes with cement-fiber siding have asbestos embedded into the cement. As removing this material is hazardous, re-modelers normally apply a new siding on top of the old one.

4. Brick and Brick Veneer Siding

Bricks are an extremely hard wearing, durable material which, depending on the desired look, can make a very eye-catching siding. Bricks will last around 25 years before needing repair work and will last for centuries. Brick veneer also offers durability but will not last as long as genuine bricks.

5. Wood Clapboard Siding

Wood siding, when treated properly, will outlast many of its counterparts and still have a fine look. Despite numerous synthetic alternatives, nothing really beats wood clapboard siding to bring a look of quality to a building. Wood siding is normally made from pine, spruce, redwood, cypress, or Douglas fir.

6. Cedar Shingle Siding

One advantage of this type of siding lies in the fact that it offers a good natural wood look while requiring less maintenance, especially because when staining rather than painting, peeling is minimized. Shingle siding is best suited to a woodland backdrop to make the most of the earthen colors in which it is usually found.

7. Engineered Wood Sidings

This type of siding is a good, cheaper alternative to clapboards. Here, wood fibers have been molded together to give the traditional look but have an advantage of coming in easy to install panels. The uniform grain, however, does give it away as engineered wood, but still provides a better appearance than vinyl or aluminum.