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

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

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