Vinyl Siding vs Wood Siding vs Masonry Siding
The siding on your home has a tough job. It not only protects the structure of your home from the elements but also adds to its curbside appeal. There are numerous siding options to choose from, and picking which one is right for you comes down to personal taste. However, masonry, wood and vinyl siding each have pros and cons. Some options have more disadvantages than the other.
Wood Siding
Homeowners typically love wood siding because of its natural beauty. It provides a unique look for your home that is hard to replicate with any other siding option. On the positive side, it’s very durable and stands up well to most elements. This type of siding also adds some insulative properties to your home and is fairly easy to paint and stain. Homeowners who are looking for a “green” siding option will also be happy to know that wood siding is generally considered eco-friendly.
Unfortunately, the benefits of wood siding end there. Unlike other options, wood siding is a bit more expensive. It also has to be treated often to prevent degradation from exposure to moisture and other elements. Keeping up with wood siding is often more of a chore than other siding options because it requires regular cleaning to prevent the growth of moss, algae and mildew. If these issues aren’t handled with right away, they can lead to deterioration and rot. Wood siding is also susceptible to bug damage. It’s not uncommon for bugs to try to build nests in it.
Masonry Siding
On the surface, it may seem like masonry siding is the way to go. For those who don’t know, this refers to materials such as stucco, fiber-cement and brick. Homeowners typically love masonry siding because it lasts a long time and requires very little maintenance. Others love masonry siding because it gives their home a distinct look. However, the benefits end there.
Masonry siding has a history of problems. The first and most notable problem that homeowners run into is the cost. Masonry is not only expensive but also needs to be installed and repaired by professionals. This type of siding is also hard to paint. While the paint goes on easily, it comes off fast. Peeling paint is a common problem that most homeowners note from masonry siding. It should also be noted that masonry absorbs water, which makes the siding material swell and eventually crumble.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is the most popular siding option in America for good reason. It comes in a variety of styles, allowing homeowners to show off their individual personalities. You can even get vinyl siding designed to look like other, more expensive siding options. This gives you the look you want without the cost. Vinyl siding typically comes in panels and requires very little maintenance. For example, it can be easily cleaned with soap and water, and it never requires repainting like other siding options on this list. The upfront cost of vinyl siding is low as well, making it the perfect option for homeowners on a budget.
The biggest drawback to vinyl siding is that it can be easily damaged by strong storms. Fortunately, this isn’t much of an issue because it’s easy to repair. Thanks to a cheap price tag, replacing a damaged panel is as easy as buying a new piece. Installing a broken panel is typically easy as well and doesn’t require the help of a professional.
Verdict:
While it’s true the best siding option is based mostly on personal taste, vinyl siding didn’t become the most popular for nothing. It’s easy to maintain, looks nice and won’t break the bank. Every siding option has its own advantages, but vinyl siding has fewer drawbacks and more benefits than most siding options.
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