A home’s siding has to look great and also perform well so that it can protect the home for many years. If you are shopping for a material that will best suit you and your home, it is good to know what is available to you.
When choosing siding, it is important to consider Minnesota’s weather. The temperatures change throughout the year. The summers can pack some heat, while the winters are very cold. While you need functionality because of the weather, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice its beauty.
There are different types of exterior products that are used. They include:
- Stucco
- Fiber cement
- Vinyl
- Wood
- Brick
If you are in the market for siding for your home and you don’t know where to start, you can ask your St. Paul siding contractor about the pros and cons of the different options available to you. You also have to look at your willingness and availability to perform ongoing maintenance as the seasons come and go. If you do not have a lot of time to maintain siding, then you may want something that is low maintenance.
You also have to look at your house style because some types of siding suit certain house styles best. For instance, fiber cement of vinyl is not going to have the same look as traditional wood lap siding. You may want to do some research on your house style before you make your final choice.
The following is a look at some options that are available to you:
- Stone veneer – Lightweight aggregate, Portland cement, and iron-oxide pigments make up the manufactured stone veneer products that are growing in popularity. While the look is just like the real thing, the cost is considerably lower. There is also the fact that it is not as strong as natural stone.
- Stucco – Many people believe that stucco just has to be whitewashed, but the fact is that it doesn’t. There are different types of textures and colors available so your home doesn’t necessary have to look like a hacienda.
- Wood – Wood siding does get the highest ratings in regard to beauty. Homeowners enjoy how its appearance subtly changes over time. Whether it is horizontal or vertical siding, the shakes, clapboards, and shingles can come in different wood species. Wood does require a high level of maintenance to ensure its effectiveness and beauty.
- Fiber cement – Fiber cement is low maintenance and it can be made in different textures and colors. It is common for fiber cement to resemble wood, stacked flagstone, fieldstone, or brick.
- Brick – Brick looks great, it is durable, and it is popular. Under normal conditions, brick siding lasts the lifetime of the structure. The maintenance requires a little washing by a hose. However, the masonry does deteriorate over time, so it will need some maintenance at some point.
- Vinyl – Vinyl siding is very popular because it is insect-proof, weather-proof, fade-resistant, and it is very strong. It is also very affordable. There are many colors and designs available. For instance, vinyl siding can now resemble wood grain and even replicate the look of vintage siding.
As you can see, the options are many so that you can choose the look that you want for the budget that you have.