How many Types of Siding are there?

There are many types of siding. Siding plays a very important role in the architecture of a house. It holds together the different external elements of a house together. It also defends the house from damaging weather conditions like hail storms, torrents and hard sun light. Wood lap and brick siding are conventional sidings.

Wood composites, brick or stone veneers, synthetic stucco, vinyl, fiber-cement and steel are some of the more popular choice of sidings available now. It is even possible to mix the combination of two or more sidings. For instance, brick can be mixed with cement-fiber and wood shingles can be mixed with veneer stone. In fact, if you want to retrofit your old home, there are many types of siding available for that. You can install these sidings over the old siding and little tear off will be required.

Types of siding are many but there are a few things to be considered before selecting a siding. For instance, you have to know that the requirements of maintenance, cost and durability are some of the main factors. It is also advisable to compare guarantees and warrantees before you select a siding.

Aluminum and hardboard were the sidings which were used in the older times. They were durable for twenty to thirty years after which they needed to be changed. Wood and brick are more durable but then they also require constant attention. They have to be maintained from time to time.

The recent trend in sidings hovers over cement-fiber and vinyl sidings. They are low maintenance and long lasting. Their effective period is said to be fifty years or more but that is yet to be proven.

Thickness of the siding is a very important factor in determining which type of siding to choose. The thicker the siding, the better it performs. It however also increases the cost of the siding. Some low cost sidings like stone veneer, brick and cement-fiber successfully imitate the feel and look of wood, stone, even cedar shakes. It is difficult to tell the difference.

These are some of the more popular types of siding.