Vinyl is very common and low maintenance, the color is molded throughout the material, so unlike
aluminum, a scratch will not reveal a different color underlying layer. It will not dent and will bounce
back to place after most blows. It is usually 0.044 inch thick and extremely strong and durable. Vinyl
is inclined to ripple and buckle if not installed properly. Caulk must to be applied around doors, windows a
nd corners. Make sure your contractor uses aluminum nails (won’t rust) to fasten the siding materials
to exterior walls.

Homeowners and builders like vinyl siding because it’s long
lasting, inexpensive, and virtually maintenance-free.
* Vinyl Siding makes your house virtually maintenance-free. No need to scrape and repaint

* Vinyl Siding adds durability and insulation to your house which increases the value

* With many colors and styles of vinyl siding to choose from, you can have the house of your dreams

* Custom bend aluminum rim puts the finishing touch on any house with the appearance of wood

Characteristics:

— Never needs paint
— Can be cleaned with soap and water
— Comes in a wide variety of colors from pastels to deep tones
— Styles include lap, shakes, scallops, and fish scales
— Available with foam backing for energy efficiency
— Lasts about 40 years
— Cost: $1-$6 per square foot, uninstalled
Metal Siding

Metal siding made of aluminum or steel is generally low-maintenance, but steel isn’t suitable near saltwater.

Characteristics:

— Available smooth or embossed with wood grain
— Comes in a wide range of factory-baked enamel colors
— Resists fire, rot, and insects
— Scratches on steel will rust, aluminum can dent
— Lasts 40 years to life of building
— Cost: $2-$5 per square foot, installed

Wood Siding

The traditional favorite, wood has declined in popularity as the cost has increased and homeowners look for lower maintenance materials.

Characteristics:

— Available as clapboard or lap siding, shakes, and shingles
— Cedar and redwood are naturally decay-resistant
— Flammable; look for factory-treated with flame retardant
— Needs to be stained or painted every few years
— Damaged boards are easy to replace
— Cost: $1-$4 per square foot, cedar uninstalled; $5 per square foot, redwood uninstalled

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood siding is the generic term for hardboard and plywood made into 4×8-foot sheets or lap panels.

Characteristics:

— Available in smooth or embossed textures
— Cuts and handles like real wood
— Needs repainting every 5 to 10 years
— Exposed cuts or edges can weather or decay
— Lasts 20 to 30 years
— Cost: $1.50-$3 per square foot, uninstalled

Fiber-Cement

Fiber-cement siding (made of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber) looks like wood, but
it’s more durable and less expensive.

Characteristics:

— Available in planks from 5 1/4 inches to 12 inches wide
— Smooth or wood textures available
— Fire-resistant and termite-proof; won’t rot or crack
— Holds paint up to 15 years
— Limited, transferable warranties up to 50 years
— Cost: $2-$6 per square foot uninstalled, plus trim

Brick and Stone Veneers

Lightweight aggregates, portland cement, and pigments are cast to imitate brick or stone.

Characteristics:

— Less expensive and not as heavy as natural stone or brick
— Wide variety of styles; can be combined with other materials
— Only maintenance required is to check mortar for cracking
— Like natural brick and stone, resists fire, rot, and insects
— Should last the life of the building
— Cost: $4.50-$6 per square foot, uninstalled