Choosing the right siding for your home can really make it stand out from the crowd. However, different types of siding require different levels of maintenance. If you prefer low-maintenance options, check out these five siding options that require minimal maintenance to keep your home's exterior looking great.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl fences, vinyl decks: vinyl seems to be popping up everywhere as a low-maintenance option, and you can even get vinyl siding. Vinyl siding requires little maintenance to keep it looking fresh because you don't have to worry about rot or bugs. Plus, you never have to paint the vinyl. However, if you do get sick of the color and want to paint, you may have a difficult time because vinyl is difficult to paint. You'll need to routinely clean any dirt and debris that gathers on the vinyl siding, and even common household cleaners like Lysol can help, but avoid harsh cleaning products (bleach, chlorine, etc.) and scrubbers.
Cost: $0.65 to $2.00 per square foot.
Life: 20 to 30 years.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is created from sand, cement and cellulose fibers. The boards come in many styles (horizontal lap boards, shingles, vertical board-and-batt, etc.) and they can be pressed to mimic the look of wood. Luckily, however, fiber cement siding requires a lot less work than wood. The fiber cement is extremely durable and doesn't shrink or expend as the weather changes. The paint lasts a long time, so you won't need to apply a recoat as often. Like vinyl, the material resists rot and bugs. You simply need to routinely clean it with a pressure washer.
Cost: $1.25 to $2.00 per square foot.
Life: 35 to 50 years.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is another option that requires little work. Unlike vinyl, it can be repainted, and the paint can fade or chip, so you'll probably need to freshen the coat during its lifetime. However, aluminum is a special metal because it doesn't rust when exposed to the elements like other metals. Therefore, if the paint does get chipped or scratched, you can take your time in repairing it. As with fiber cement siding, you can clean aluminum siding by using a pressure washer to remove any dirt.
Cost: $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot.
Life: 20 to 30 years.
Stucco
To create stucco siding, cement, lime and silica are applied to wood or metal. Stucco is particularly good at increasing energy efficiency by keeping the house cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter, but it can also dampen sound. Stucco is durable and fire resistant. When dirt appears, you can remove it with a pressure washer, but holes may develop in the stucco. Holes need to be treated quickly, so moisture doesn't cause extensive damage. You can repair small holes yourself with a stucco repair kit, but call a professional for bigger holes.
Cost: $6.00 to $9.00 per square foot.
Life: 50 years or more.
Brick and Stone Siding
When cleaning your brick or stone siding, use a garden hose or pressure washer to spray away the dirt. However, if you have brick or stone veneers, don't use a pressure washer, because the power may be too strong and cause damage. In moist, shady areas, moss can grow on the siding. To eliminate the moss, use a mixture of one cup of bleach and one gallon of water, and use a scrub brush to clean. If the mortar cracks or crumbles, you'll want to repair it by removing the crumbled mortar and replacing it with new mortar.
Cost: $4.00 to $6.00 per square foot for brick and stone veneer. $6.00 to $10.00 per square foot for full brick, and $14.00 to $18.00 for full natural stone.
Life: 100 years or more.
Any siding option you choose will need some level of maintenance to keep your home looking good, but these five options require minimal effort. If you are ready to get new siding on your home, contact a professional today, such as a James Hardie Siding contractor.
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