Siding Types for Your Home - K & P Exteriors

Exterior Siding Options

There are many different types of materials to use on the exteriors of your home. The primary ones used in Colorado are Wood, Vinyl, stucco, metal, brick, stone, and cement. Here is a quick rundown of those types of materials for home exteriors.

Wood Siding

On average, wood siding lasts up to 20 years. There are many placement choices for wood siding such as log, board and batten, shingles, clapboards, wood sheet siding, and vertical boards. Imitation wood siding is also an available material for siding homes. Some pros to wood siding is that it is relatively quick and easy to install, impact resistant, very customizable (stains and paint), and holds a natural beauty for your home. Cons to wood is the maintenance. Wood is susceptible to termites, woodpeckers, and rot. In addition, wood is not fire resistant.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is by far the most widely used. Vinyl is a synthetic material that is available in a large variety of colors and different forms such as: shakes, vertical panels, shingles, horizontal panels, fish scales, designs, and lap. Vinyl can be made to look like other more natural materials such as stone and wood. The big pros to choosing vinyl siding are its low maintenance, customization, and durability. On average, vinyl siding lasts 20 to 40 years. Cons are extreme weather changes can cause damage such as cracks, rot, mold, and discoloration.

Stucco Siding

Stucco siding can last more than 50 years. It is a mixture of cement, lime and/or sand. It insulates the home very well, saving on heating and cooling costs. However, stucco does not generally do well in areas with excess moisture.

Metal Siding

Warranties for metal siding actual extend to 40 years usually because of how durable metal is. The pros to metal siding are: super low maintenance, not prone to pest attack, does not tent to warp or buckle, retains color, fire resistant, keeps cool, and does not rot or mold. Some cons are: the price (most expensive), does not help with retaining heat, may rust if not finished properly.

Brick and Stone Siding

Brick and stone siding can last for decades, over 100 years. They give a beautiful rustic look to your home and is very low maintenance. They are fire resistant and does not fade or decay even in extreme weather. Installation is costly and labor intensive.

Concrete Siding

Concrete is made from a mixture of cement, gravel, sand, and water. This siding option is very expensive, yet will last hundreds of years with very little maintenance. Various designs can be molded for custom homes. Concrete siding is fire resistant and insulating for cool and heat. It also withstands extreme weather.