Choosing the right siding material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home’s exterior. The right choice of siding emphasizes your home’s character, boosts energy efficiency, and helps you save money long-term. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the popular siding materials available, breaking down their pros, cons, and unique features to help you make the best choice for your home.
Pros and Cons of Different Siding Materials
When it comes to siding, no material is one-size-fits-all. Each option has its strengths and trade-offs, so it’s important to weigh factors like durability, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements. Here’s an overview of popular siding materials to help you decide.
Vinyl Siding
First popularized in the 1950s, vinyl quickly became one of the most popular siding materials in the United States. By the 1970s, vinyl was the top choice for American homeowners seeking affordable, durable, and low maintenance home exteriors.
Today, vinyl siding remains highly popular due to its reliable performance and accessible price point. Available in a wide array of styles and colors, modern vinyl siding is more customizable than ever before.
Pros:
- Wide variety of styles and colors
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Durable
Cons:
- Can fade over time
- May crack in extreme cold
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is a lightweight, rust-resistant metal cladding that offers a sleek, low-maintenance exterior solution for homes. It’s fireproof, impervious pests, and performs well in both hot and cold climates, making it a durable choice for homeowners seeking longevity and protection.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Resists rust, rot, pests, fire and severe weather
- Low maintenance and durable
Cons:
- Easily dented
- Fewer texture and color options
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a strong, long-lasting material made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s designed to mimic the look of wood, stucco, or masonry, but offers added durability while lowering lifetime maintenance costs.
Pros:
- Fire-resistant
- Durable and low maintenance
- Versatile appearance
- Long lifespan of 60+ years
Cons:
- Material is very heavy
- More expensive than vinyl
- Requires specialized installation.
Natural Wood Siding
Wood siding offers timeless natural beauty, unmatched charm, and customizable style that instantly elevates your home’s curb appeal. It’s perfect for homeowners who want character and classic craftsmanship.
Pros:
- Available in different styles, including paneling, clapboard, shakes, shingles and more
- Highly customizable through painting or staining
- Good insulation
Cons:
- Needs regular maintenance
- More vulnerable to rot, pest infestation, and fire
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding is a man-made produce crafted from wood fibers, resins, and adhesives, design to offer the appearance of real wood with enhanced durability and reduced maintenance.
It provides a natural, warm look similar to traditional wood siding but is more resistant to moisture, insects, and warping. This makes it a practical choice for homeowners seeking the aesthetics of wood without the upkeep.
Pros:
- Similar look to natural wood with less upkeep
- Stronger and more lightweight than natural wood
- Better resistance to pests and water compared to natural wood
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Long installation times
- Limited design flexibility
Composite Siding
Composite siding is a durable, versatile type of siding made from a blend of materials such as wood fibers, polymers, resins, or cement. This material is engineered to mimic the look of natural wood or stone while offering enhanced performance.
Pros:
- Replicates the look of natural material like wood and stone
- Durable and low maintenance
- Choose from many different styles
Cons:
- May require repainting or resealing
- More expensive than vinyl
- Quality can vary across different brands
Steel Siding
Steel siding is a tough, long-lasting, popular siding material known for its strength, resistance to the elements, and modern, industrial look. It’s fireproof, pest-proof, and highly durable against hail, wind, and harsh weather, making it a great choice for both residential and commercial properties.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Resists fire and pests
- Low maintenance
- Modern, contemporary look
Cons:
- Can dent
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Vulnerable to rust
Stone and Brick Siding
Stone and brick siding are premium, long-lasting exterior options that offer a timeless, elegant look and exceptional durability. They provide outstanding protection against fire, pests, and weather, require virtually no maintenance, and can significantly boos your home’s resale value.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Resists fire and pests
- Low maintenance
- Timeless appearance
- Significantly boost home value
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Long installation time
- Limited design options
How Do I Choose the Best Siding Material for My Home?
Choosing the right siding isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about selecting the siding material that works best for your location, your lifestyle and your budget. The best siding material for one house might not be ideal for another. By considering a few key factors, you can make a smart, long-term choice that keeps your home protected and looking great for years to come.
Things to Think About When Choosing Siding for Your Home:
- Climate Compatibility: Pick a material that holds up well in your local weather conditions-heat, cold, moisture, wind, and storms all play a role, especially in Wichita.
- Budget: Think about the full cost. This includes installation, maintenance, and potential repairs over time.
- Durability: Some materials last longer and hold up better against wear, pests, and harsh elements.
- Maintenance Needs: Choose a siding that fits the level of upkeep you’re willing to handle. Some types of siding require regular painting or sealing, while other are nearly maintenance-free.
- Style & Curb Appeal: Select a material and color that matches your home’s architectural style and your personal taste.
- Energy Efficiency: Consider siding with good insulation properties to help lower heating and cooling bills.
- Resale Value: Higher-end siding options can improve your home’s market value.
- Local Regulations: Check with your HOA or city building department to make sure your siding choice complies with neighborhood rules or codes.
- Installation Requirements: Some siding types are easier (and more affordable) to install than other-especially on older or uneven walls.
If you need further help planning, and choosing siding for your home, check out our “Complete Guide to Siding for Wichita Homeowners.”
American Roofing & Construction | Trusted Wichita Siding Contractor
Your home deserves the best protection, energy efficiency, and curb appeal-starting with high-quality siding installed by trusted experts. At American Roofing & Construction, we specialize in helping Wichita homeowners select, install, and maintain siding that’s built to withstand Kansas weather and enhance your home’s value.
We know that choosing siding can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer no-pressure consultation and personalized recommendation based on your home’s needs, your style preferences, and your budget. Whether you’re updating your siding to improve energy efficiency, repairing damage, or giving your home a fresh look, our team will guide you every step of the way.
Why Choose American Roofing & Construction for Your Siding Project?
- Local expertise: We know Wichita’s neighborhoods, weather, and building codes.
- Comprehensive solutions: From vinyl to fiber cement, engineered wood to metal, we work with all popular siding materials and brands.
- Licensed and insured: Our professional craftsmanship ensure your siding is installed to last and keeps your warranty intact.
- Customer-first approach: Transparent pricing, clear communication, and work you can trust.
Ready to transform your home’s exterior? Contact American Roofing & Construction today for a free quote on your next siding project.