Are you looking to add maintenance-free siding to your home? Perhaps your siding has suffered from years of storm damage and needs to be replaced, or you just want a new look for your home. In either case, it’s important for homeowners to understand the difference between various siding choices, and the pros and cons for each, in order to make an informed decision.
All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding is dedicated to offering the highest quality siding solutions in Kansas City, which is why we’re breaking down all you need to know about our three most popular types of siding, best applications for each, and their pros and cons.
*All costs are based off the Homewyse 2016 building cost calculator set at 200 sq. ft. of basic quality materials in Kansas City.*
Fiber Cement Siding
This environmentally-friendly siding option is durable, incombustible, and impervious to rot and insects. Fiber cement siding is available prefinished and in a variety of different colors and textures; it can even mimic wood, stone, or brick. We offer the highest-quality options for fiber cement siding, and its durability is unparalleled.
Installation of this product requires specialized tools and the proper safety equipment. Maintenance requires a thorough power wash at least once a year. We also suggest having your siding experts check the seams every few years to determine if they need re-caulking.
The cost of fiber cement siding ranges from $5-$11 per square foot, according to Homewyse.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has improved tremendously since its inception. It’s generally more fade resistant and less susceptible to chips and cracks than other types of siding. However, it’s still important to choose a premium quality vinyl siding.
Vinyl siding comes in an extensive range of colors, although you won’t have as many choices as you would with paint. However, by choosing a siding that is permanently one color, you’ll never need to worry about gouges or scratches showing up as a different color underneath. Because of its versatility and range of colors, vinyl siding is a popular choice for many different styles of homes.
Maintenance is similar to that of fiber cement, which calls for a deep power washing each year to maintain a pristine look. It is also very important to check the seams of your vinyl siding and to re-caulk when necessary. Don’t forget proper insulation as well! A house with improperly insulated vinyl is like wearing a short-sleeved shirt in a blizzard, so it is crucial to make sure your vinyl siding is installed over adequate insulation.
Homewyse estimates the cost of vinyl siding at $4-$8 per square foot.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding is perfect for homeowners who want the appearance of real wood, but are looking for a more environmentally sustainable way to get it. You also have options for this type of siding to resemble materials such as cedar, stucco, stone or masonry.
Not only is this choice of siding more environmentally friendly, it’s also less expensive because it doesn’t require the extensive process to construct. This material is extremely durable and also much lighter than wood, which means easier handling.
After installation, engineered wood is close to maintenance-free because it doesn’t require repainting or refinishing. Similar to any other type of siding, it may be necessary to wash once a year, but this maintenance is preventative for ensuring your siding stays in good condition.
According to Homewyse, engineered wood siding ranges from $5-$11 per square foot and beyond for higher quality, specialty products.
Other Siding Factors to Consider
There are other factors to consider when choosing a siding such as ease of installation, durability, energy efficiency, ability to resist water over time, and your home’s need for fire resistance. Anot
her important question to ask is whether or not you love the siding’s aesthetics. This will be a big factor in the style of your home, so don’t take this decision lightly.
As Kansas City’s trusted siding expert, All-Weather has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism to ensure a job you’ll be happy with for years to come. With over 30 years in the business and over 40,000 satisfied customers, we can guarantee we’ve got your back!
