What is the Most Durable House Siding for You?

House sidings should not only complete the look of your home but also must be durable enough to withstand inclement weather and destruction from pests and insects. Out of the enormous choices in the market, choosing the most durable house sidings can be daunting, especially if you need to consider other factors, like the budget and aesthetic appeal.

For starters, the most recommended durable house siding includes steel siding, engineered wood siding, stucco siding, fiber cement, and vinyl siding. Find out which of these five house sidings suits your home-to-be and know why they are highly preferred by homeowners.

Top 5 Most Durable House Siding

Among the different types of house sidings available today, here are the most durable and preferred options in terms of longevity and affordability benefits.

● Steel Siding

Commonly seen on commercial and industrial buildings, steel siding provides durability, longevity, price, and maintenance perks. Many homes have been using steel siding as it has been proven to stand against the harshest storms and scorching climates. It is also known for being a green material, common in sustainably-made houses. However, one setback of this siding that turns off homeowners is its cold, modern, and too industrial look that may not suit all types of home designs. It is also not recommendable for houses near the coastline as the salty ocean spray can quicken rust that weakens steel later on.

● Engineered Wood Siding

If you dislike the feels of traditional wood siding, engineered wood siding might change your mind. It is a great replacement for real wood due to its lighter, flexible, moisture resistant, and superior durability features while maintaining that natural wood look. Besides the combined aesthetic and durability benefits, engineered wood siding is also easy to install, perfect for versatile purposes! However, it has one disadvantage, and that is its susceptibility to moisture when improperly installed.

● Stucco Siding

As one of the earliest materials for home siding, stucco has been living its reputation as a highly durable siding for all home types. It has two types: the traditional and the synthetic one. Traditional stucco comprises lime, sand, cement, and water, while synthetic stucco has acrylic resins and feels softer, and sounds hollow when tapped compared to traditional ones. Some drawbacks you might need to consider are its appearance, labor-intensive installation process, and price.

● Fiber Cement Siding

If you are on a tight budget but still wouldn't want to compromise the quality of your house siding, fiber cement siding is a cladding choice. It can solve issues like moisture susceptibility, color limitations, daunting installation, and ocean air exposure. It also has a surreal wood grain finish, as well as pre-finished options of a variety of colors that matches any home design. On top of that, it is also low maintenance and is resistant to fire and termites. Although fiber cement is not the most impact-resistant, its durability can still be on par with other durable house sidings, especially in warp and rot-resistant perks.

● Vinyl Siding

With its affordability and minimum need for maintenance, vinyl siding has been a preferable choice for homeowners. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and has various styles and colors that suit any home type. Painted wood often peels or chips after a while, but vinyl siding doesn't. Vinyl's PVC plastic resin material is remarkably durable and resists rust, electricity, and dent as the plastic bounces back. However, it offers relatively low resistance to impact and might be prone to melting, cracking, or buckling.

Choosing the Best House Siding For You

To provide better protection for your home, you must ponder on many considerations when buying house siding. Besides durability, you must also take note of the cost (long-term and short-term), maintenance, installation process, and aesthetics. Check whether your home's orientation and the climate in your area are suitable for your new siding. Finding the right balance in these factors is the key to get the best house siding for you. Don't be afraid to explore all options and educate yourself as much as you can.

How Long Do House Sidings Last?

Various factors like climate, material thickness, sun exposure, warranty, and maintenance affect how long sidings last. It will still depend on how well you maintain your house sidings and how reliant a siding manufacturer is compared to others. Here are some of the average lifespans of the most used siding materials:

• Metal or steel sidings can last up to 40 years
• Engineered and traditional wood sidings can last from 20-40 years
• Stucco sidings may last from 50-80 years.
• Fiber cement sidings can last from more than 50 years
• Vinyl sidings may last up to 60 years, but warranties usually accommodate between 20-40 years.

Maintaining House Sidings

Unless a problem occurs, most people usually ignore house siding without knowing that proper maintenance can make a huge difference in its longevity. If you want your house sidings to last longer and keep it look brand new, here are some preventative tips that you should remember:

• Watch out for damages.
• Paint and seal sidings regularly.
• Vinyl sidings need more attention, especially against heat and impact.
• Keep the sidings clean.
• Trim your landscapes to avoid rubbing them against the sidings.
• Repair damages as soon as possible.

Other than the roof, house sidings are also essential in protecting your home. It is also the most conspicuous part of your home from afar. The most durable house siding for your home is a trade-off between your aesthetic preferences and practicality. Whether you are building your permanent dwelling place or aiming to sell it for the highest price in the future, you must deliberate and consider every factor carefully to avoid compromising your family's protection in the long run.