Fiber cement siding, better known as Hardie Board, is made using a combination of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. The end result is a durable, low maintenance, long lasting, semi-rigid material that is commonly used on residential houses, as well as some commercial properties, which mimics the appearance of wood.

• Pros – Fiber cement siding is moisture & rot resistant, which helps prevent the swelling & cracking that can occur in real wood. Manufacturers such as Hardie Board even make products with climate specific ratings to prevent premature weather related aging. Fiber cement siding is also non-combustible and eligible for discounts on your insurance premiums through some carriers. Fiber cement siding is also insusceptible to pests such as termites.
• Cons – While you should never rely solely on siding products to insulate your home, some products do a better job than others. In this regard, fiber cement siding has one of the lowest R-Values at 0.5, however, this can be overcome with proper insulation. While still an affordable option, fiber cement siding is more expensive than vinyl, due to more complex installation requirements. Fiber cement siding can also experience some degradation of the factory paint coating over time, which can require touch-ups and eventually a full repainting.

A classic option that has withstood the test of time, wood siding continues to be popular due to its natural beauty and customizable options. There are a variety of wood used in wood siding that each provide a unique look, although today’s most popular options tend to be cedar, pine, fir, cypress, redwood, barnwood and log.

• Pros – If a major concern of yours is sustainability, wood is one of the best options due to being biodegradable, its energy efficient production, as well as being a renewable resource. Wood siding is also extremely customizable, with a variety of styles and the ability to stain or paint nearly any color. If maintained properly, wood siding is very durable lasting up to 40 years or more depending on the wood used. It is also beautiful to look at and adds a natural element to your property that cannot be found in most exterior siding products.
• Cons – The cost of wood siding varies depending on the type of wood, but the higher quality options can be some of the most expensive when it comes to exterior siding. The main concern of wood siding, however, is maintenance, as it is susceptible to rot and pests. Wood siding will also need to be painted or stained every 4-7 years on average. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, you will want to use a fire-treated wood, as wood siding is not fire resistant.

Also referred to as synthetic wood siding, manufactured wood siding, and engineered wood siding (a subset of composite siding), composite siding mimics the look of traditional wood siding, but is typically made with a cellulose fiber base, that is bonded with additional materials.

• Pros – Although it gives the appearance of wood siding, the benefit of wood composite siding is its resistance to rot, pests, mold, mildew, and warping. Wood composite siding can even provide more robust impact resistance than some types of natural wood while maintaining a lesser price tag. While wood composite siding does require refinishing, it is less frequent than natural wood, at around every 10 years.
• Cons – While wood composite siding does a fairly good job of mimicking the appearance of real wood, it does lack the natural variations in the grain and details, and the protective finish can look a bit unnatural at times. Wood composite siding is also relatively new compared with other sidings products, so the longevity is still being tested in real world applications.

One of the most common sidings found around the world, vinyl siding is made of PVC, which provides a rigid yet flexible product that does not peel, rot or flake. If you take a drive through most residential neighborhoods in the United States, you will find no lack of examples of exteriors covered in vinyl siding.

• Pros – One of the main reasons why vinyl siding is so popular is its affordability, as it is typically the least expensive option for exterior siding due to the material cost, as well as its straightforward installation. Vinyl siding is also very low maintenance as it is water resistant, does not attract pests, and does not require refinishing or painting. Vinyl siding also comes in insulated variations, which can significantly increase the R-Value of your home’s exterior.
• Cons – While vinyl siding is extremely lightweight which aids in keeping installation costs down, it also makes it more prone to breaking, especially as it ages. Extreme weather such as hail and high winds can destroy entire elevations of your home’s siding, which also can affect your insurance premiums in a negative way. Vinyl siding can also melt if exposed to extreme temperatures, and color options are relatively limited, as painting vinyl siding does not typically yield satisfactory results over extended periods of time.

Similar in appearance to vinyl siding, aluminum siding is a lightweight material made from aluminum coil stock, which is coated and painted for protection, and then baked, typically with enamel, to create the desired texture and improved durability.

• Pros – Like vinyl siding, aluminum siding is a low maintenance product that will not rot or attract pests. However, unlike vinyl siding, aluminum siding is much more receptive to painting which makes it more customizable. Aluminum siding is also very durable, with the added advantage of being fireproof.
• Cons – If you live in an area that is prone to hail, aluminum siding may not be the best option, as it dents easily, although this can be mitigated somewhat with a quality backerboard. On the topic of weather, aluminum siding can also be quite noisy when being pelted with hail or even heavy rains. Although aluminum siding can be painted, the paint will fade over time, and a reapplication may be necessary every five to ten years. Painting aluminum siding also requires significant preparation, and any scratches to the paint will expose the underlying aluminum.

Steel is found most often on commercial buildings, but continues to gain popularity in the residential market due to the modern styles offered and its long lasting protection. Steel siding comes in various styles, which homeowners and exterior designers can use to mix and match with other materials such as wood, or even other styles of steel that mimic wood, to create a beautiful home exterior.

• Pros – As you might have guessed, steel siding is extremely resistant to damage including dents, hail, wind, and fire, with lower gauges offering the most protection. Steel siding is also low maintenance, being resistant to rot and pests, and enjoys the additional benefit of diverting UV rays, which can help save money on your home’s energy bill.
• Cons – One of the biggest inhibitors to installing siding on your home is price. Metal as a material can be quite expensive, and due to the weight of steel siding, and the requirement of specialized tools, installation is also more expensive than other siding options. Another downside to steel siding is that it is prone to rust, especially if you live near the ocean. However, if you opt for stainless steel or another metal such as copper or aluminum, this will avoid the issue of rust altogether.

Stucco comes in two variations; Traditional stucco, which is made from Portland cement, sand, lime, and water, and synthetic stucco, which is made from a mix of acrylic resins and polymers. Stucco siding is most common in the southwest, due to the fact that in the proper climate, and with proper maintenance, stucco siding has the potential to be one of the longest lasting at around 50 years.

• Pros – One of the biggest advantages to stucco siding, and the reason it is used most commonly in warmer climates is its ability to insulate warm and cold air, leading to more energy savings than other siding options. Stucco siding is also one of the most recognizable, as it has a unique look that provides various textures and can even be formed into shapes. Additionally, stucco is resistant to fire, pests, rot, and can be applied over any surface including wood or brick.
• Cons – The materials for stucco are relatively inexpensive, however, the installation is labor intensive which increases the overall price. The main drawback to stucco is that it’s not the best option for all climates. In areas that receive high amounts of precipitation, stucco can become waterlogged which will prematurely degrade the material. Stucco siding is also prone to cracking when the foundation of the home settles or shifts, leading to issues in regions where the soil has high percentages of clay, which swells and causes this occurrence more frequently.

Usually used as an accent in tandem with other siding materials, stone veneer. which provides the appearance of natural stone is actually made from Portland cement, aggregates, and iron oxides. Stone veneer is also commonly referred to as architectural stone or manufactured stone. Stone veneer is available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and can also be used as an accent on the interior of your home, as well as the exterior.

• Pros – Stone veneers extreme durability and weather resistance makes it a great option for any climate. This durability also lends it one of the longest lifespans, with some warranties reaching up to 75 years. Stone veneer is low maintenance due to its resistance to rot and pests. Along with being fire resistant, stone veneer also provides excellent insulation for both warm and cold seasons, and can even act as a sound barrier.
• Cons – With so many upsides it will come as no surprise that a quality stone veneer is one of the most expensive options. Because mortar is used in the installation, which is susceptible to cracking, lack of maintenance can lead to water-entry, which can cause a host of problems on the interior of your home such as mold and rot. Quality installation is critical when installing stone veneer, as proper flashing requires more experience and knowledge than other siding options. Additionally, while it can take decades, the original color of your stone veneer will fade over time.