When choosing the best siding material for your home’s exterior, you need to consider several factors. Obviously, you’ll want to choose a siding material that you can afford and like. However, you also need to choose a material that makes sense for today’s housing trends and economy. This ensures that you choose the best siding for your home today and for decades to come. After all, this isn’t a project that you do very often. We’ve broken down some of the best siding options for your home.
What Are the Best Residential Siding Options?
The best siding options for your Jacksonville home are those that enhance the look of your home while also being durable enough to last. The harsh UV rays are intense in Florida, so you will want a siding option that won’t fade or grow brittle over time.
In addition, look for a siding material that has some insulation ability. Florida summers are hot, and having an extra layer of insulation on your home can greatly impact your home’s energy costs. Metal, vinyl, and fiber cement siding all have the option of coming with an insulation backing. This will help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Metal Siding
The use of metal siding has become more popular as people embrace a modern feel to their home construction. While you will see copper and galvanized steel options, aluminum is a front runner. This lightweight metal is easy to work with and naturally resistant to corrosion. It’s especially popular in Florida because it can provide your home with additional protection from high winds and strong storms. Don’t assume you’re stuck with a harsh commercial look, though. Metal siding can come in a range of colors and textures.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Fire and bug resistant
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Prone to dents and scratches
- Not soundproof
Vinyl Siding
This is the siding material that most people think of when you mention siding. It’s strips of layered plastics that will typically have a texture imprinted on them to resemble wood. It’s affordable, and installation is easy because it can be installed directly over old wood siding. This makes home improvement projects faster and easier. To ensure your vinyl siding stays looking good, choose a manufacturer that produces a high-quality product with a UV-resistant treatment.
The board and batten style of vinyl siding has grown in popularity over recent years. It gives a modern farmhouse feel that blends well with various modern home designs. The traditional design with the long straight lines feels fresh. Vinyl siding is also a good option for those looking to embrace the modern home exterior trend of using darker colors. Because this siding material is made from PVC material, the color goes throughout the siding material, so the color won’t be compromised with minor wear and tear.
Pros
- Affordable
- Plenty of variety
- Fire-resistant up to 750 degrees
Cons
- Not the most durable
- Fades with UV exposure
- Prone to mold growth
Fiber Cement Siding
Siding made from fiber cement is a perfect solution for homeowners who like the look of wood and vinyl but want something more durable in the harsh Florida climate. While it’s more expensive than vinyl, the benefits far outweigh the extra investment. Use fiber cement siding on your home to embrace the modern, clean design trend. Try turning the siding so that it’s vertical instead of horizontal for a fresh take on this type of siding.
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile designs
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Expensive
- High maintenance
- Low R-value
Wood
Give your home a classic coastal feel with wood siding. It looks impressive and gives your home a warm touch, thanks to the wood’s natural coloring. It’s perfect for embracing modern building trends that utilize multiple materials to construct a house. Wood gives your home a sense of authenticity and warmth that makes your home feel more welcoming, which improves curb appeal.
The key to successfully using wood as your home’s siding material is to choose the right wood for the shingle material. The Ecoshel Smart Shingle System uses western red cedar shingles that connect to each other. This creates a strong weatherproof barrier over the exterior of your home.
Pros
- Classic look
- Wide range of styles
- Green options
Cons
- Combustible in fire
- Requires ongoing maintenance
How Much Does Home Siding Cost?
Thankfully, there is a siding option that fits every budget. The most affordable per square foot options will be metal and vinyl. These get slightly more expensive when you add insulation material to the back of them. Wood siding is somewhat more expensive than metal and vinyl but still affordable. Finally, the most expensive option is fiber cement siding.
In addition to considering the cost per square foot, you need to consider the project’s total cost. Instead of covering your entire home, you could add siding to portions of your home’s exterior. This reduces the square footage you need to cover, allowing you to use a more expensive siding option. This strategy allows you to create a custom look to your home.
What To Consider When Choosing Your Home Siding
When choosing the best siding material for your home, start by determining your budget. This will help you narrow down your options. Next, decide what level of maintenance you are willing to do. Finally, consider the architectural style of your home. The siding material that you choose needs to make sense with the rest of your home. If you live in a community with an HOA, your chosen siding material needs to comply with any restrictions imposed.
Plan Your Home’s Siding Makeover
Transform the look of your home by replacing or adding siding to your home’s exterior. You can boost your home’s value by choosing the right siding material for today’s economy. The right siding material will also protect your home, helping it retain its value for years into the future.
Request a free quote, and one of our skilled team members will work with you to create a personalized home improvement plan that uses the best siding option for your home.