The purpose of siding is to protect the sensitive outer structure of your home while upgrading its aesthetic appeal. There are lots of options available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. That means not every option will be appropriate for your home. This overview will help guide you towards the right choice.

Cement Siding
You are probably picturing a rough gray texture on your home, but cement siding is a lot more stylish and versatile than that. It can be manufactured in a wide range of colors and styles that mimic the look of stone and even wood. As you would expect, cement siding is extremely durable and can stand up to harsh weather and blowing debris. It also requires very little maintenance and provides a strong thermal barrier between the outside elements and the inside of your home. The only drawback is that the upfront cost of cement siding can be expensive. You may also struggle to find a contractor with the experience and expertise to install this option correctly.

Stone Siding
Homes made of stone have a look that is completely unique. Unfortunately, building with stone is expensive and labor intensive. That is why so many homeowners choose stone siding instead. This option perfectly mimics the look of stone at a fraction of the cost and hassle. Plus, you can install it on a home made from bricks or wood to give it a prestige feel without rebuilding it from the ground up. Stone siding is available in a number of different looks and earth tones to help you complement or upgrade your design preferences. The only disadvantages are that stone siding is not as durable as actual stone and on some homes a stone facade might come off as artificial.

Vinyl Siding
This has long been the most popular siding option, and for good reason. First and foremost, vinyl siding is a designer’s dream because it comes in a huge pallet of colors from the subtle to the outrageous. It also comes in a range of different styles and patterns- meaning that there is no home that vinyl siding won’t look visually appealing installed on. Vinyl is also great at keeping your valuable heating and cooling inside your home and the harsh outside temperatures outside. That helps to cut your energy bills while enhancing your comfort. The durability of vinyl means that it will last for years while requiring minimal maintenance and repairs. Plus, compared to other siding options, even premium vinyl siding is affordable to purchase and install.

Hopefully this overview has sparked your imagination. But in order to find the very best option for your home, design goals, and project budget, it really helps to work with a siding expert. The best ones will help you to discover the ideal option (not just the most expensive) and then tackle the installation from beginning to end. Once you form a relationship you have someone to turn to should you ever need repairs, advice, or a whole siding replacement. Spend as much time finding the right company as you do finding the right siding.