Siding is an extensive (and often expensive) project to take on for your home, but it’s an investment that’s more than worthwhile when you consider how long it will last, how much protection it will provide to your home and the sort of aesthetic benefits it will have for your curb appeal.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing siding in Calgary. One of the most important such factors is the material you will use. There are several popular siding choices on the market, each of which will have its own advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will depend on your own personal aesthetic preferences, the amount of money you’re willing to spend and the environment in which you live, among other variables.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these popular types of siding for Calgary buildings.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl is far and away the most popular material for siding in North America, as it’s highly versatile and generally affordable. You’ll find this used on most residential homes.
Aside from its affordability, the material is often appreciated by homeowners due to its quick installation process and light weight, which reduces labor costs and allows the job to get done faster. It comes in a wide range of color choices, and while it doesn’t have as long of a lifespan as some other options, it holds up quite well to nicks and scratches and won’t ever need painting.
The downside of vinyl is that it may not have quite the aesthetic appeal of some other more expensive sidings, and it could potentially fade over time or dent due to impact or extreme cold. It’s also not a particularly environmentally friendly product.
Wood
Wood siding is typically made out of pine, spruce, cedar, redwood or fir, and comes in planks, shakes, shingles or clapboards. It offers outstanding natural beauty, but it is one of the most expensive options you’ll find on the market and it requires frequent maintenance in the form of painting, caulking and repairs, which is why it’s fallen out of vogue with many homeowners. Wood is also flammable and susceptible to rot, but at least it’s environmentally friendly.
Metal
Metal siding is quite strong and provides a long lifespan. It requires very little in the form of maintenance and protects well against moisture, weather and pets. The materials can be recycled, and many metal siding options are made out of already recycled materials.
It might not offer some of the same aesthetic benefits of other choices, though the technology has improved and there are now more options. Aluminum doesn’t hold color as well as some materials, and steel, while it does hold color, is susceptible to rust and is quite heavy. Both types of metal siding are prone to denting from hail and other impact, and both may be a little noisier during rainfall.
Looking for more information about the most popular types of siding? Contact Rhino Exteriors for help with choosing siding in Calgary.