Nowadays, customising house design has become a major part of construction. Siding for houses is one of the ways to add curb appeal and to express homeowners’ personal home style with the help of innovative materials, textures, and colours of varying types of siding. Siding comes in numerous different materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these home siding options is an important first step in choosing the best siding for your needs. Read on today’s Brick & Bolt’s blog to learn more.
Siding Meaning in Construction
Siding is a type of exterior wall covering that helps to protect building facades against weather impacts and other intrusive elements, such as insects. It can be made of horizontal boards or panels. The siding materials, such as wood, vinyl, and fiber cement, can vary based on the project’s requirements. Generally, siding is installed by nailing or screwing the boards directly onto the wall of the building.
Different Siding Material Options
When you are about to select the appropriate siding material, you may come across numerous options, such as vinyl, metal, aluminium, fibre cement, and stone veneer siding. The following are their complete characteristics to help you make an informed decision:
Stucco Siding
Stucco has been the best option for house siding for hundreds of years. Conventionally, it is prepared by a cement mixture with sand or lime. Able to shape and texture, stucco has been used to complement various architectural styles. Applying stucco siding includes covering a wooden wall with galvanised metal screening and tar paper, then covering it with the stucco mixture. Stucco is commonly applied to brick or stone surfaces, as well. It is reasonably priced from ₹100 to ₹150 per square foot and is available in various forms.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular siding option and is generally made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. This makes vinyl siding durable, versatile, and comparatively affordable compared to other siding materials. It comes in different colours, textures, and styles, which makes it suitable for homeowners to choose the one that fits their home’s architecture. The vinyl siding installation cost typically ranges from ₹350 to ₹900 per square foot, depending on the quality of the material and the complexity of the installation. Vinyl siding can last for an average of 20 to 40 years with minimal maintenance, and you just need to occasionally wash it with soap and water to keep it looking fresh. Popular vinyl siding colour options are brown, black, white, beige, grey, blue, green, red, and darker shades.
However, before opting for vinyl siding, keep in mind that vinyl can fade over time and also get damaged from harsh weather conditions.
Metal Siding
In metal siding, you can opt for steel or aluminium. The average lifespan of steel siding is more than 40 years, protecting your home from rot and pests. It can also withstand severe weather conditions without corroding or fading. The installation cost can vary from ₹100 to ₹2,500 per square foot. With many design, colour, and finish options, metal siding can create different home styles.
Aluminum siding is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust. It can last for around 20 to 40 years. However, this longevity can be greatly influenced by the quality of the material, the installation process, and the local climate. Properly installed and well-maintained aluminium siding can enhance a home’s curb appeal with strong protection from outside weather. For installation, it can cost between ₹200 to ₹900 per square foot. For maintenance, you need to regularly clean and inspect for dents or scratches to avoid compromise in the aesthetic and protective qualities.
Metal siding can be susceptible to dents and scratches and requires regular maintenance to prevent rust formation.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a popular siding option prepared by a combination of cement, sand, clay, cellulose fibers, and special ingredients. These special ingredients are pressed and baked together for better strength. Depending on the manufacturer and the product line, this siding can last over 60 years. Installation of this siding costs between ₹600 and ₹1,300 per square foot. It requires skilled workers to properly fit for long-lasting results. To keep it in good shape, you should check weather seals, ensure that water drains properly, clean it regularly, and repaint it when necessary.
Stone and Masonry Options
Stone veneer siding presents an appealing option to elevate a home’s curb appeal. The choice between natural and manufactured stone veneer differs, with costs typically ranging from ₹500 to ₹3,000 per square foot. For installation, you have to apply the base layer and install the stone siding. For maintenance, you need to regularly check for cracks and clean them with mild detergent.
Nowadays, integrating stone veneers with other siding materials is common. By doing this, you can create unique design concepts that enhance property aesthetics.
Different Styles of Siding
Board and Batten Siding
It is one of the traditional styles of house siding. Here, the wide boards will be placed alternatively, and narrow strips of wood (called the “battens”) will be covered from above. Batten board siding provides a rustic look to walls with additional protection from moisture and wind. In earlier days, the board and batten exterior style was mostly used in contemporary home designs, barns, and outbuildings. In modern days, this style is suitable for different architectural styles.
Lap Siding
In the lap siding style, the horizontal boards are placed overlapping each other. It provides effective protection from the weather, offering a traditional look. This siding can offer numerous visual effects, such as smooth, uniform, and textured options. Lap siding also includes Dutch lap and beaded lap styles. When it is installed properly, this siding style can resist harsh weather conditions causing moisture.
Cedar Texture Shakes Siding
It is a wood siding style that is designed to resemble traditional split wood shakes. As the name indicates, this siding is commonly done using cedar wood. This style is adapted to get a natural look with the help of modern engineered wood for durability and a long run against rotting.
Shakes and Shingles
Another style of wood siding is shakes or shingles. They are available with fire-retardant treatment in high-risk locations. They’re installed over a solid surface, with a moisture barrier between the two and a finishing coat (paint or stain) and caulking on the outside.
Wood shakes are thicker and uneven in shape because they are cut by hand or machine from wooden blocks. They have a rougher appearance. Wood shingles are thinner and more even, with a smooth, uniform look. They can also be cut into different shapes to add style.
Both come from different woods, but Western red cedar and redwood are the most common house siding options.
How to Choose the Right Siding?
Before selecting house siding, you need to consider the following:
- Water Resistance: Make sure to choose water-resistant siding types for longer life spans.
- Ease of Installation: If you’re doing the siding yourself, ensure the technique is within your skillset, requires no special tools, and creates no harmful dust while cutting.
- Energy Efficiency: Check for the R-value rating that indicates its resistance to heat flow so that you can make energy savings and understand what insulation will be needed under the siding.
- Versatility: The house siding you opt for should have the versatility to meet the varied needs of your specific project. If your home’s exterior aspects make using a particular type of siding more challenging than others, ensure you understand the added costs or necessary adjustments.
- Durability: Does your siding of choice have the strength to resist temperature shifts present in your climate? Consider how it will withstand everyday wear and tear and typical weather in your area.
- Climate considerations: Consider the climatic variation of the area where your house stands. If your home experiences extreme heat, choose materials that resist fading and warping; in regions with heavy moisture, go for water-resistant options like fibre cement or vinyl.
What are the Differences Between Siding and Cladding?
Siding and cladding are both used to cover the exterior walls of buildings. But there are some differences between the two.
| Siding | Cladding | |
| Definition | Siding is a type of exterior wall covering that is formed from horizontal boards or panels. | Cladding is a type of exterior wall protective cover that is formed from vertical or horizontal boards that overlap each other. Cladding can even involve different patterns as required. |
| Installation | Nailed or screwed directly onto the building wall. | Generally fixed to the building’s exterior wall with mortar or adhesive. |
| Materials | Typically made of wood, vinyl, or fiber cement. | Made from metal, stone, wood, or other materials. |
| Appearance | Usually horizontal boards; associated with traditional or rustic styles. | Can be vertical or horizontal panels or random patterns; often has a modern or industrial look. |
Conclusion
Before choosing a house siding material, the initial cost and aesthetic preferences are important factors to consider. You can consult with an exterior contractor in your local area to find the best siding options for your home.
By taking proactive steps in care and maintenance, you can extend the life of siding materials, ensuring that their investment continues to enhance the home exterior and curb appeal.