It can feel overwhelming to choose the right material for your sidings when there are so many options to pick from. At C3 American Exteriors, we have three main siding options, and all of them are strong and reliable. These include insulated vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood. Each material has its benefits, so it really depends on the homeowner and what their needs are. In this blog, we will explore pros and potential drawbacks of each material to help you determine which is the best siding for your home.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Insulated vinyl is especially good at increasing the energy efficiency of your home. The insulation helps to reduce the loss of heat in the winter and cool air during the summer. This can potentially lower your energy bill.
- Affordability: This siding choice is more budget-friendly when compared with the other two. It is a good value for its cost, especially factoring in the energy efficiency.
- Low Maintenance: This material requires low maintenance and holds up against moisture and pests.
- Versatility: Insulated vinyl comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, allowing you to customize your home to best fit your vision.
Drawbacks:
- Durability: Insulated vinyl is quite durable but not as strong as the other two options. It has the potential to crack or fade over time, especially in extreme weather.
Fiber Cement Siding
Benefits:
- Durability: Fiber cement siding is very strong and resistant to damage from moisture, pests, and extreme weather.
- Aesthetic Appeal: This siding is very appealing and can mimic the look of wood, stone, and brick, giving it the appearance of more expensive materials without the upkeep.
- Longevity: Fiber cement can have a very long lifespan and is less likely to fade overtime.
Drawbacks:
- Cost: Fiber cement has a higher cost upfront due to the materials and labor it requires, but it is a great investment.
- Maintenance: Compared to more expensive materials, it is lower maintenance, but can sometimes require painting or staining overtime to keep it looking its best.
Engineered Wood Siding
Benefits:
- Natural Appearance: Engineered wood looks like the real deal but is more durable and requires low maintenance.
- Durability: This siding is resistant to termites, rot, and moisture, and it can withstand extreme weather much better than its natural wood counterpart.
- Eco-Friendly: Engineered wood is made up of wood fibers and other recycled materials, making it sustainable, especially compared to vinyl.
Drawbacks:
- Maintenance: Although this material requires less maintenance than natural wood, engineered wood still requires occasional painting or staining to keep it protected from the elements and maintain its appearance.
- Cost: Like fiber cement, engineered wood is pricier than insulated vinyl. However, many homeowners find it to be a worthwhile investment for both aesthetic and durability.
Which siding is best for you? Are you ready to update your siding? GIve us a call today for a free inspection and estimate.
