Your home’s siding is what protects it from the elements, and the right siding can also contribute significantly to your home’s curb appeal. Many different types of siding are available, including vinyl, aluminum, wood, and fiber cement. Each type of siding can be a great choice for your home remodel, but which type of siding serves your home best is dependent on several different factors. Keep reading to learn more about different types of siding and determine which option is the ideal fit for your home in the Twin Cities.
Pros & Cons of Popular Siding Types
- Vinyl
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for home remodels in the Twin Cities metro, and for good reason. This type of siding is more affordable to install than most other options and, once installed, it requires almost no maintenance and can last for 20 to 40 years. Vinyl siding is also versatile, available in a wide variety of colors and styles, making it a good fit for houses of all different architectural styles. However, while fairly durable, vinyl siding is less durable than some other siding options and it is prone to cracking in the extreme heat and cold that often occur in Minnesota.
- Steel & Aluminum
Metal siding, which is most commonly built from either steel or aluminum, is a bold choice that works well for many types of homes. Steel and aluminum siding is exceptionally durable, often lasting for 40 to 70 years with little maintenance. Plus, metal sidings are very resistant to fire and pests. Metal siding is also an eco-friendly option, since aluminum and steel can be recycled. However, metal siding is vulnerable to denting from impacts, such as during windstorms or hailstorms. Steel siding can also rust if maintenance is neglected for too long.
- Wood
Often regarded as the most beautiful type of siding, wood siding can give your home remodel a naturalistic look that’s especially fitting for rural properties on the outskirts of the Twin Cities metro area. Wood siding allows for customization, as it can be painted or stained easily to give your home a whole new look without the need for new siding. However, wood siding is also vulnerable to wood rot and wood-destroying pests like termites, which can shorten its lifespan. If you want the beauty of wood siding without the intensive maintenance requirements, consider engineered wood siding, which is sturdier and lower maintenance.
- Fiber Cement
If you want to incorporate a durable and beautiful siding in your Twin Cities home remodel, fiber cement might prove to be the best of both worlds. This siding is designed to mimic the look of wood siding but, because it’s not vulnerable to pests and rot, it’s substantially sturdier and can last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance. However, fiber cement siding is also one of the most expensive options, so you’ll want to steer clear if you have a conservative budget for your home remodel.
- Brick Veneer
A bold stylistic choice that allows you to evoke classic architecture with your home remodel, brick veneer is as durable as it is easy on the eyes. Brick veneer siding will last a lifetime – sometimes as long as 100 years when properly installed by trained professionals. Plus, it’s highly resilient to damage from fires and bad weather. The only drawback to brick veneer siding is that it can be very expensive to install for an entire house, which is why it’s often combined with other siding styles.
The Twin Cities’ Best Siding Installation Contractor
After you select a type of siding for your home remodel, you need to find a professional siding contractor who can provide flawless installation. Contact Arko Exteriors today if you’re in need of reliable siding installation services in the greater Twin Cities metro area!