Types Of Siding
Types of Siding Types Of Siding For Homes In The Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN, Area
When searching for siding companies in Minnesota, you are going to want someone that is best for you and your budget – not their wallet. Our team at EZ Home Solutions has the training and tools needed for installing a variety of siding styles, with over 12 categories to choose from. With a vast amount of styles and options available, your choices are almost limitless.
When it comes to siding installation in St. Paul, MN, choice is a good thing. No one particular option is right for every home, so our company will help you select the best siding for your needs.
FINDING THE RIGHT SIDING FOR YOUR HOME AND BUDGET
We will sit down with you and find what siding matches your budget, energy efficiency needs, and tastes. We will then inspect your home to evaluate a variety of factors, including weather patterns, exposure patterns, and drainage and roof runoff.
Depending on the particular needs of your home, you may choose to go with seamless siding. EZ Home Solutions can help you identify the right energy-efficient siding choices for your home, and we are ready to provide a brief breakdown of any siding choice you are interested in.
Our team of siding specialists performs an intensive discovery process because we want to ensure we determine the best possible siding choice for you. If you experience a lot of hail, for example, you will want to avoid metal or aluminum siding that is easily dented and damaged. If your area suffers from a lot of moisture, steel siding would not be the best option as any scratch in the coating could cause the material to rust. If you are considering wood, be aware of the constant maintenance requirements that come with it.
One of the most significant determining factors when choosing siding products and materials is your budget. According to HomeAdvisor's Siding Cost Estimator, materials today can range from as little as $2 per square foot up to $50 per square foot.
Top 10 House Siding Options: Pros and Cons
Vinyl Siding Strengths
- Durable
- Lowest Installed Cost of Any Exterior Cladding
- High Return on Investment
- Virtually Maintenance Free
- Available in a Wide Spectrum of Siding Colors Resistant to UV Fade
- Immune to Rot or Insect Damage
- Can Be Used with Multiple Architectural Styles
- Usually Backed by a Lifetime Warranty
- Only Exterior Cladding with Both a Third-Party Product Certification and Certified Installer Program
- Outperforms Most Exterior Cladding, including Brick, in Almost All Life Cycle States for Environmental and Economic Performance
Vinyl Siding Weaknesses
- Some of the More Inexpensive Brands Use Cheaper Manufacturing Process – May Be Susceptible to Fading in Harsh Light Conditions
- May Not Offer Darker Colors in Wider Profiles, but Improving with Technological Advances
- Should Be Power-Washed Yearly to Maintain Color Brilliance
Metal Siding Strengths
- Complete Soffit and Trim Packages Using Aluminum or Steel Siding Are Available to Offer a Cohesive and Completed Look from the Curb
- Difficult to Paint Unless the Siding Has a Paint-Compatible PVC Coating
- Available in Numerous Beautiful Styles
- Low Maintenance in Non-Corrosive Environments
- Fire Retardant
- Seamless Installation (Steel Only)
- Eco-Friendly; Made from Recycled Steel
- Ultra-Durable
Metal Siding Weaknesses
- Aluminum siding can dent while steel can rust.
- Colors may fade over time
- Can dent if struck or rust if scratched, depending upon the metal
- Can bend or warp if improperly installed
- Not suitable for salt air environments
Wood Siding Strengths
- Had Long Lifespan When Taken Care of Properly
- Natural, Beautiful Look
- Can Be Painted or Stained in Any Color
- Eco-Friendly
- Multiple Styles Available including Clapboard, Shakes, Shingles, Vertical Boards
Wood Siding Weaknesses
- Requires Frequent Painting and Staining
- Flammable Unless Treated with Flame-Retardant
- Susceptible to Rot, Insects, and Other Forms of Decay
- Most Maintenance Required for Any Type of Siding
- Can Be More Expensive Depending on the Type of Wood and Labor Required for Installation
Engineered Wood Siding Strengths
- Relatively Low Cost
- Eco-Friendly
- Dimensionally Stable
Engineered Wood Siding Weaknesses
- Requires Regular Painting and Sealing
- Regular Maintenance Is Essential to Avoid Deterioration and Product Separation
- While it offers dimensional stability and strength, engineered wood isn’t maintenance free and must be protected from exposure to the elements.
Insulated Vinyl Siding Strengths
- Helps Increase the Exteriors Wall’s R-Value
- Provides Continuous Insulation over the Studs of a Home, Reducing Thermal Bridging and Heat Loss
- Can Hide Subtle Bows and Dips Present on Most Walls
- Due to Its Ability to Reduce Thermal Bridging, Insulated Siding Has Been Added to the Checklist under Energy Star Qualified Homes Version 3
- Durable and Long Lasting
- Virtually Maintenance Free, Never Requires Painting, Sealing, or Caulking
- Available in a Wide Spectrum of Siding Colors Resistant to UV Fade
- Not Susceptible to Rot or Insect Damage
- Complete Vinyl Soffit and Architectural Trim Elements Are Available to Offer a Cohesive and Designer Look
- Can Be Used with Multiple Architectural Styles
- Usually Backed by a Lifetime Warranty
- Only Exterior Cladding with Both a Third-Party Product Certification and Certified Installer Program
Insulated Vinyl Siding Weaknesses
- May Not Offer Darker Colors in Wider Profiles, but Constantly Improving with Technological Advances
Cedar Shingle Siding Strengths
- Offers Long Life
- Natural Looking
- Can Be Painted or Stained Any Color; Though Staining Is Recommended to Reduce Peeling
- Eco-Friendly
Cedar Shingle Siding Weaknesses
- Requires stain or paint, or can be left to weather naturally, which reduces the lifespan
- Flammable Unless Treated with Flame Retardant
- Susceptible to Rot, Insects and Other Forms of Decay, Though Not at the Same Rate as Regular Wood Siding
- Can Be More Expensive Due to Materials and Labor Required for Installation and Ongoing Maintenance
- Limited Insulation Properties or R-Value Usually Limited to Certain Architectural Styles
Polymer Composite Siding Strengths
- Thick and Durable Product
- High Rate of Return on Investment
- Virtually Maintenance Free, Never Requires Painting, Sealing or Caulking
- Available in a Wide Spectrum of Siding Colors Resistant to UV Fade
- Not Susceptible to Rot or Insect Damage
- Cedar-grain texture replicate the look of real cedar. Look for random and textured woodgrain for true authenticity.
- Usually backed by a lifetime warranty
Polymer Composite Siding Weaknesses
- Not paintable if you want to change your color down the road.
Fiber Cement Siding Strengths
- Does Not Rot and Resists Insects and Pests, Determined to Be Less Absorptive
- Visual Similarity to Real Wood in a Range of Styles Such as Shakes and Lap Siding
- Does Not Expand/Contract to the Degree of Real Wood
- Accepts Paint Well
- Fire Resistant
- Available in Both Primed and Pre-Painted
Fiber Cement Siding Weaknesses
- More Expensive than Vinyl Products
- Pre-Painted Fiber Cement Siding Is More Expensive than Primed Unpainted
- Very Heavy and Can Add Thousands of Pounds to a Typical House
- Limited product warranty and usually pro- rated. To be warranted manufacturer usually requires removal of existing siding
- Seams Require Caulking and Periodic Re- Caulking to Prevent Water Damage
- If the Finish Is Not Maintained, It Can Absorb Moisture, Crumble and De-laminate
- Over Time, Nails Can Loosen, and Panels May Lift-Away from the Wall
- May Require Special Cutting Tools and Respirators to Prevent Inhaling Toxic Silica Dust
- Limited Insulation Properties or R-Value
Stucco Siding Strengths
- Durable and Long Lasting aside from Repairing Cracks
- May Be Tinted at Time of Installation Eliminating the Need to Paint
- Fire and Insect Resistant
- Provides Flexibility to Complex Architectural Design
Stucco Siding Weaknesses
- Possibility of Cracks Developing over Time as the Home Expands, Contracts and Settles
- Some Synthetic Stucco Systems Can Cause Moisture Problems on the Underlying Structure If Improperly Constructed
- Requires Professional and Experienced Installation
- Requires Regular Painting
- Usually Limited to Certain Architectural Styles
- Stucco systems are a bit tricky and need to be installed by experienced technicians with sufficient inspections to ensure proper installation and moisture management, or significant problems can arise.
Brick and Stone Siding Strengths
- Very Durable
- No Need for Painting or Staining
- Available in a Variety of Decorative Styles and Colors
- Fire Resistant
- Rot and Insect-Resistant Requires Structural Foundation Support Due to Significant Weight
Brick and Stone Siding Weaknesses
- Requires Structural Foundation Support Due to Significant Weight
- Requires Professional Installation/ Construction
- Mortar Joints Can Deteriorate over Time and Require Maintenance
- Costly
Brick and Stone Veneer Siding Strengths
- Durability Comparable to Real Brick and Stone at Lesser Cost
- No Painting or Stain Required
- Many Decorative Styles and Color Combinations to Choose from
- Fire Resistant
- Rot and Insect-Proof
- Does Not Require Additional Structural Support as Real Brick/Stone
- Available in Real (Thin Veneer) and Composite Varieties
Brick and Stone Veneer Siding Weaknesses
- Installation Is More DIY-Friendly than Full Brick/Stone but Tackling a Large Job Might Be Better Reserved for Professionals
- Some Maintenance May Be Required at Mortar Joint over Time
- Not Recommended to Be Used on Surfaces with Running Water
- May Have Poor R-Value
VINYL SIDING
Vinyl siding is America's most popular choice. Offers excellent durability and value with minimal maintenance.
SOFFIT & FASCIA
We take all components of the roofing system into consideration, including the soffit and fascia.
CONTACT US
When you’re in need of roofing replacements, siding, windows, or hail damage repair, give EZ Home Solutions a call.