Choosing the right siding for your home is a strategic decision that impacts maintenance, durability, and property value. Low-maintenance siding options offer better curb appeal and reduced maintenance at once. If you’re looking into new siding for your home, here’s what you need to know about low-maintenance options.
Why choose low-maintenance siding?
If you’re like most homeowners, when undertaking renovations, you want durable materials that look good and don’t require extensive upkeep. Low-maintenance siding is a great option that will meet these requirements. For example, traditional wood siding requires regular painting, staining, and repairs. Low-maintenance alternatives need to be cleaned, but will resist common issues like pests, rot, and weather-related damage.
When you choose low-maintenance siding, you reduce the need for repairs and maintenance, which translates to cost savings over time. However, not all siding is equal just because it’s low-maintenance. There are several materials available that each have unique benefits and drawbacks.
Fiber cement siding
Fiber cement siding is a game-changer for homeowners who want durability with a nice aesthetic and an increase in curb appeal. According to remodeling cost survey data, replacing your siding with fiber cement can add $17,129 to your home’s value.
Fiber cement is made from sustainable materials that include cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It can withstand extreme weather, like harsh winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures, and won’t warp, crack, or expand from exposure to moisture, making it perfect for wet environments.
Unlike wood and vinyl siding, fiber cement is fire-resistant, so it won’t ignite in a fire. It’s also resistant to termites, allowing you to avoid costly structural damage from an infestation.
Although it can mimic wood, fiber cement comes in a variety of styles, including shingles, panels, and planks. You can get fiber cement that looks like wood, stucco, and even stone without having to deal with the maintenance.
Fiber cement siding will last between 30 and 50 years and it only needs to be washed periodically with a garden hose to keep it looking good.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding has been a popular choice for decades, and is considered relatively low-maintenance. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and affordable. It’s easy to clean with a hose and requires minimal upkeep. Like fiber cement, vinyl siding resists rot, moisture, and insects. However, it can warp and fade over time from exposure to the sun and temperature fluctuations.
Metal siding
Aluminum and steel siding options will last longer than any other siding material. Metal is pest-resistant, won’t rot, and isn’t combustible. Metal siding can withstand harsh weather, and looks sleek on certain buildings. The downside is that metal may not be the right look for your home.
Engineered wood siding
When you love the look of wood, but don’t want to risk the problems that come with wood siding, engineered wood siding is the answer. It provides the classic wood look and feel, but it’s durable and doesn’t require much maintenance. It’s also cheaper than natural wood and is usually made with sustainable materials, like wood fibers and resins.
Stucco siding
Stucco has been around for centuries, and for good reason. Not only can it last between 50 and 100 years, but it creates a seamless, durable exterior that stands up to the elements and provides excellent insulation for your home. Since it’s made from cement, sand, and lime, it’s fire-resistant and can prevent the spread of flames in fire-prone areas. When properly installed, stucco can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Brick veneer siding
Brick veneer siding looks like genuine brick, but without the hefty cost and structural weight. Brick veneer is durable, weather-resistant, pest-resistant, and won’t catch on fire. Similar to stucco, it will also insulate your home nicely. Unlike real stone, which requires a solid foundation, brick veneer is installed as a layer over your existing walls.
Where maintenance is concerned, you don’t need to paint or seal brick veneer. You only need to clean it once in a while with a hose or some mild detergent.
Stone veneer siding
Real stone siding looks amazing and high-end, but it’s expensive. If it’s not in your budget, you can still achieve the same look and feel with stone veneer. It looks luxurious and is textured just like real stone, but it’s lightweight and doesn’t require much upkeep. You don’t need to create a heavy-duty foundation first because it gets installed over an existing surface. Like brick veneer, you only need to rinse it off once in a while with a hose to keep it looking great.
Low-maintenance siding is the smart choice
When you choose low-maintenance siding, you’re investing in your home’s curb appeal, durability and resale value. Whether you choose vinyl, fiber cement, stucco, or a veneer, the benefits will save you time, money, and effort while protecting your home for decades to come.
