When it comes to a home’s external appearance, nothing can define it quite as much as its siding. There are many different options on the market that homeowners can choose from, whether they’re buying a new construction home or updating their old siding. Each type of siding comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important for homeowners to learn about the types they’re interested in order to make an educated decision. Here are some of the most popular types of siding and what makes them each unique.

Wood Siding

When it comes to classic choices, wood easily is one of the most well-known. Wood is easy to cut and shape, so it’s a popular choice for siding, and it can potentially last decades if the homeowner takes care of it. Plus, because it’s so common, homeowners won’t have a problem buying and finding someone to install it. However, wood’s biggest downfall is that it can fall victim to bugs and animals. Insects can eat their way into it, and those insects attract woodpeckers that will destroy the siding in order to get to the bugs. However, there’s no guarantee that this will or won’t happen, so homeowners need to decide if it’s something they’re willing to risk.

Brick Siding

Another very common type of siding is brick. Brick is loved for many reasons including but not limited to:

• Its durability
• It has a timeless aesthetic
• It’s low-maintenance
• It resists mold growth
• It’s fire resistant
• It doesn’t rot

Brick siding can be a fantastic choice for many homes due to all of these advantages, but homeowners need to be aware that brick isn’t a possibility for every home. This is because of two primary reasons: the first is that brick is quite expensive so it won’t fit all budgets, and the second is that if a home wasn’t built for brick siding, it may need special work done to ensure that it can handle the weight of the siding.

Vinyl Siding

One of the most affordable options for siding is vinyl. While it may not seem as luxurious as wood or brick, vinyl shouldn’t be written off because it offers quite a few advantages. Because of its affordability, it provides a quality substitute for homeowners who can’t afford more expensive siding options, but it doesn’t sacrifice look or quality. Vinyl can be molded and colored to look like many other siding types, so homeowners who like the look of wood can still have that same aesthetic at a fraction of the price. However, vinyl does have a tendency to collect grime and mildew over time, so homeowners need to clean it as necessary to make sure it stays looking good.

Fiber Cement Siding

A less common type of siding is called fiber cement. It’s closest to vinyl siding because it’s manmade as opposed to natural material like wood and brick are. And like vinyl, fiber cement is a cheaper option than natural options, and it can also be made to imitate the look of other materials. Fiber cement siding is fireproof, water resistant, and won’t be damaged by insects. One of it’s largest disadvantages, however, is that it’s less common, and Dickinsfield homeowners may need to go out of their way for it if they really want it.

There are many different types of siding, but not every siding is an ideal match for every homeowner or every home. These four siding options can be a good start for many homeowners, but it’s up to them to look further to find the one that’s perfect.