What type of house siding should I choose? What kind of siding will improve my home’s curb appeal? These are the question that many homeowners ask when they are about to have a new home built. House siding is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your house, so it’s worth taking some time to research what your options are and how each one will affect both appearance and cost. This article will discuss the best types of house siding for Manhattan homes and their pros and cons.
Cost
The shape of your house may influence the cost of exterior siding. Some materials, like vinyl, come in sheets of a specified length. You may need custom cuts or other customizations depending on the profile of your home. The cost will increase as more customizations are required.
Siding a house costs about $12 per square foot on average. That cost might be as low as $2 per square foot for individuals who choose the most cost-effective solutions. More expensive materials can cost up to $50 per square foot. Brick, wood, fiber cement, metal, vinyl, and stone are all common siding materials.
Cost may also increase if you need to remove and replace the existing siding, which could require extra labor costs. On the other hand, you may only need to replace some areas, which would allow you to cut costs.
Types of Siding Materials
Choosing the correct type of siding for your home is a significant and challenging decision. There are numerous choices to examine, and it is critical to do so. When choosing exterior siding for your home, durability, aesthetic value, cost, and required care should all be considered. In these situations, each siding style has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Vinyl Siding
In the United States, vinyl siding is one of the most common options. It’s a type of waterproof plastic siding commonly found on smaller residences and apartment complexes (especially in areas with lots of precipitation and storms). In addition, it is available in a range of hues, making it a visually appealing alternative for the outside.
Vinyl siding is a cost-effective choice. It costs between $6,150 to $15,900 to install a typical single-family home with roughly 2,000 square feet.
Vinyl siding is fire-resistant because it is constructed of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. PVC won’t burn unless it reaches a very high temperature, around 750 degrees Fahrenheit. PVC also requires a very high amount of oxygen to burn. That implies fires are more difficult to start and far more difficult to keep going.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can withstand temperatures of up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
- A wide range of styles are available
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Can fade faster than other varieties like brick siding and steel siding (10 to 15 years, depending on the climate)
- Excessive UV radiation exposure and harsh weather conditions make you vulnerable.
- If not installed with a waterproof barrier, it is susceptible to mold growth and rotting sheathing.
Metal Siding
Many people associate metal with roofing, but it’s also becoming popular for external siding. It’s durable, quick to install, and available in various materials, including aluminum and steel. In addition, metal siding takes very little upkeep once it is installed.
Metal siding is long-lasting and resistant to adverse weather conditions such as snow and cold. Unlike wood siding, metal siding, is resistant to warping, rot, and pest infestation. Metal is not soundproof and is a poor insulator. It may not be the most excellent choice if you live in extreme weather and are sensitive to outside noises.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely long-lasting and easy-to-care-for
- Installing is relatively simple
- Insects and fire are not a problem
Cons
- The insulation value is low
- Not soundproof; this will be a problem if you reside in a location with extreme weather or are sensitive to outside noises.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is an excellent exterior siding option for people searching for something that will endure at least 30 years. It is both durable and substantial. In addition, fiber cement siding is ideal for people who live in harsh climates, as it can withstand hail and strong winds.
A blend of wood pulp and cement is used to create fiber cement siding. It’s as firm as cement but looks better. Fiber cement siding can be made to look like a variety of other materials, including wood. Fiber cement siding’s biggest drawback is the high cost of installation. Because the installation process necessitates a large number of people and, as a result, labor time, this is the case. Be aware that fiber cement siding will almost certainly require the services of an expert, so budget accordingly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It offers a wide selection of styles
- Durable even in bad weather
- Low-maintenance
- Fire-resistant
Cons
- Installation is pricey.
- Moisture-absorbing
- Ineffective in terms of energy usage
Wood Siding
Wood is one of the most traditional types of external siding. It can be stained or painted to look just the way you want it to. It also comes in various configurations, such as shingles and vertical boards, to allow homeowners to achieve any design they wish. Wood siding might cost anywhere from $7,000 and $23,000, depending on the configuration.
Wood siding may appear to be attractive, but it poses a fire hazard. When exposed to intense heat, wood is a combustible material, which means it can catch fire. Therefore, wood siding can catch fire, spreading flames up the wall and into the house. As time passes, wood siding will need to be maintained and repainted. A fresh coat of paint every three to four years is recommended by painting pros. Wood siding can last for 20 to 40 years if properly maintained. Wood planks, boards or panels, and cedar shingles are all common types of wood siding. Wood clapboard lap siding is one of the oldest types of house siding, and many antique homes showcase its beauty.
Engineered wood siding has the same natural appearance as wood siding but is lighter and more durable. It’s robust enough to be nailed straight to the stud and can be painted or stained in a variety of colors, thanks to a combination of wood byproducts and a resin binder.
Wood is an explosive substance, which means it will quickly catch fire if exposed to intense heat. Adding a flame retardant chemical to the siding is one solution available to homeowners, but it comes at an additional cost.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It comes in several styles and has a classic appeal.
- One of the more environmentally friendly alternatives (since manufacturing wood siding is natural and non-toxic, as opposed to the processes required to make vinyl siding, for example)
- It may be more adaptable and customizable than previous varieties.
Cons
- Combustible and a potential fire hazard
- It is not long-lasting
- Every few years, it must be refurbished
Whether you’re looking for siding for a new home or want to freshen up the exterior of your present one, we at TCI Manhattan Roofing will take care of it for you! Contact us today.