Home siding in the Greater Philadelphia area can take a beating year-round. Whether your existing siding needs replacement or you’re planning a major addition, you have many siding options. Each has its pros and cons, including energy efficiency, costs, durability, and maintenance. Vinyl siding is currently the most popular option for many valid reasons, but for your particular house or your particular dreams, other siding options are available. 

Vinyl

Why is vinyl siding so popular? Because it has so many pros and few cons. Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable types of siding, coming in many styles and seemingly endless colors. It has a lifespan of 20-30 years, requires little maintenance besides occasional scrubbing with soap and water, scores relatively high in energy efficiency, and can include insulation to further increase energy savings. It is resistant to moisture and pests, and it installs quickly. 

The few downsides to vinyl siding are that it can crack or break upon impact and can bow or buckle over time. For long walls, sometimes seams between vinyl sheets can show, but our expert contractors work very hard to minimize or eliminate obvious vinyl sheet junctures. 

Metal

Metal siding, whether aluminum or steel, is more expensive than vinyl (everything is) but offers a unique, modern, sleek look that many homeowners love. It can be installed vertically or horizontally, with a variety of formulations to create a smooth look or a more rustic design. Very energy-efficient, it also reflects the rays of the sun, keeping the house cooler in the summer. It’s surprisingly durable, resisting dings, dents, and more, and requires very little maintenance.

Fiber cement siding

Fiber cement siding is made of water, cement, sand, and fibers, and is pressed into a variety of siding styles. It costs less than some other siding options (except vinyl) and can be painted to meet your aesthetic goals. It is quite durable, long-lasting, fire-resistant, and very low maintenance, though not very energy efficient. 

Wood or fabricated wood

Natural wood siding is stunning. Wood offers a classic, rustic look for the homeowner and is extremely energy efficient, being a natural insulator. Cost can vary dramatically, depending on the style of wood siding you choose, and it requires regular maintenance. Sealing the wood every 3-5 years will give it some protection from pests and elements.   

Fabricated or engineered wood gives the look of real wood with fewer drawbacks. It comes in more styles, is less expensive, and more resistant to damage and pests. 

Brick and stone veneer

Brick and stone veneer, whether real stone or imitation, are also great options. Brick creates a formal, traditional look, while the effect of stone can vary widely, depending on the type and color you choose. You can create a formal, manor home look or a rustic farmhouse look, depending on your vision. Brick and stone are not very energy efficient and can be costly, but are extremely durable, free from pests, and require very little maintenance.

Considerations and questions

When choosing your siding, it helps to have a clear vision of the style or message you want to convey. What effect do you want? What do you want people to think or feel when they look at your home? Most importantly, what do YOU want to think or feel when you look at it? Our designers will go through the options with you and offer you a few choices to consider. 

Once you know which options will help you reach your goals, consider cost, maintenance, durability, and resale value. If there is a type of siding you love but it’s not in your budget, consider maybe using it as an accent. Depending on the shape of your house, you could do a front section in stone or in wood shingles, for instance, and the rest in another siding that will complement it. 

Whatever you choose, our experienced, insured contractors will install your siding quickly and efficiently so that your dream home becomes a reality. Call us today to get started.