If you’re looking to replace your siding, then you’re in for a true adventure. The world of siding offers a plethora of options ranging from your traditional wood siding to the innovative fiber cement siding. While you may feel easily overwhelmed by the various siding options on the market, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each siding product will help you pick the right siding for your home.

Track Down the Popular Siding

You may be remotely familiar with a few siding products, but having a list of popular siding in your head can be helpful especially when you are trying to settle for the best deal.

To start off, you have the organic siding materials such as brick, wood, and natural stone. They are visually pleasing and lend a unique texture to your home. Because not everyone can afford natural stone, the siding industry also offers engineered wood and cultured stone. These are made to emulate the exotic siding materials, while effectively eliminating the hefty costs that are normally associated with them.

On a more affordable end, you have stucco siding that is made from building sand, Portland cement, lime and water. Vinyl siding is another popular choice for their low-cost and versatility. Finally, fiber cement siding is the new trendy siding choice for its exceptional durability, minimal upkeep, and flexible customization.

Keep Durability & Longevity in Mind

Because the primary purpose of the siding is to protect your home from inclement weather and aggressive elements, durability should be an essential factor behind your siding purchase. According to Home Improvement Helper, stone and brick are two of the longest lasting products. Vinyl siding generally lasts between 10 to 15 years, while stucco can last over 50 years, depending on your local climate and how well you maintain it.

As far as wood siding is concerned, just remember that wood does not stay beautiful on its own. According to HGTV, wood siding “requires periodic maintenance (chalking and painting or staining to prevent weather damage) and is susceptible to insect or rodent attacks. Depending on maintenance, your rich wood siding can last from 10 to sometimes 100 years.”

Make Sure Your Wallet is Comfortable

Another factor that might help you to rule out a siding material is budget. For example, DIY Network names brick siding as one of the most expensive options. It adds “25 percent or more to the cost of your house construction vs. a less-expensive option such as stucco or vinyl.” Natural stone siding also falls under the higher-end material because of its volatile supply and complicated installation processes.

Customization Made Easy

Ultimately, it comes down to what siding is right for your home. Homeowners who want to have a siding product with the look of wood but the durability of brick should seriously consider fiber cement siding. According to This Old House, fiber cement siding is a resilient mix of wood pulp and Portland cement. “It’s the only siding that combines the performance of masonry […] with the look of painted wood clapboards, shingles, even stone or brick.”