Home siding serves two purposes. The primary one is protection from external natural elements, and the secondary one is boosting the aesthetic appeal. Therefore, wanting to know how long the investment is likely to last before installing any siding material is justified. Durability is one of the vital factors to consider before attempting any work with siding. Our siding installation Niagara experts explore different siding types below as we answer several questions; among them, what is the best material to side your house with?
What is the best and most durable siding for a house?
Vinyl
Vinyl is the most affordable siding material with the added advantage of no maintenance demands, making it a favourite for most people. Its life expectancy is approximately 60 years.
It has minimal susceptibility to insect infestation and damage by weather elements. However, the high impact can dent vinyl surfaces. Material warranty usually spans between 20 and 40 years, but there have been cases of the siding lasting longer than 60 years.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding has evolved over the years to produce numerous colour and style variations. You can paint the siding to enhance visual attraction, which can add to maintenance needs.
Aluminum is also vulnerable to dents, but it is one of the cheapest options, with a durability of up to 40 years.
Fibre cement
The versatility of fibre cement is its main advantage – it can suit multiple home designs. The siding has many other benefits, such as low purchase price, minimal maintenance, and resistance to termite infestation.
The siding is resistant to moisture damage, making it a good option for homes near the beach. However, it may not withstand freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or breaking. You may need to refinish the surface every 15 years, but the material can last for approximately 100 years.
Wood
Several types of wood siding exist, and they have different life expectancies. For instance, traditional wood may not last long because of its susceptibility to damage by natural elements – the approximate lifespan is between 20 to 40 years. Cedar can last longer – closer to the 40-year mark because of its natural features, but not as long as engineered wood, with a life expectancy of more than 50 years.
The only downside with wood siding is regular maintenance, which is mandatory every three to five years. However, modified wood does not have that problem because its alterations make it denser, resistant to moisture penetration, and highly resistant to heat. Engineered wood is also less appealing to insects, which is why regular maintenance is unnecessary.
Be prepared to use the natural wood colour if you choose modified wood. Weathered effects or other colours cannot work on the surface.
Steel
Many industrial buildings have metal or steel siding. Although steel siding is expensive, the strength and limited maintenance needs make up for the price. The siding works well in homes such as industrial settings, especially if you prefer a sustainable option. It can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including storms and extreme sunny conditions.
The disadvantages of steel siding include lack of visual appeal and inability to last under exposure to salty air. Using it on the coastline increases the chances of rusting and weakening.
Brick
Brick remains a classic siding choice with a timeless appeal. The siding material is made using heated clay and is available in various textures and colours. Brick siding is highly resistant to harsh weather elements, especially brick veneer. You can predict durability from the number of historical buildings with brick siding.
Installing the siding requires a high level of professionalism, making the siding impossible to use during renovation and increasing the costs significantly. Poor installation compromises durability. The quality of brick is also critical as it determines the porosity. The siding is not a good idea in areas prone to earthquakes.
Stucco
Stucco was popular in Spanish homes and remains the best type of house siding with one of the most extensive lifespans. The longevity can differ slightly depending on the underlying surface. It can last between 50 to 60 years with wood underneath and 60 to 80 years when installed on concrete walls. You can choose synthetic or traditional stucco – your preference.
Potential downsides include a lack of aesthetic appeal, installation challenges, and recaulking or repainting. Moreover, replacing stucco is not easy.
So, what siding is most durable and low maintenance?
- Stucco can last between 50 to 80 years, depending on the underneath backing.
- Vinyl can last up to 60 years.
- Fibre cement has a durability of 50 years on average.
- Wood has a lifespan of around 50 years, but it can be longer depending on the wood type.
- Metal can last up to 40 years.
Maintenance requirements for siding differ, with vinyl being the least demanding. Siding material brand also matters because some manufacturers produce better quality products than others.
What is more durable than vinyl siding?
Stucco can last long, but it may not be suitable for every location, and maintenance requirements may add to the long-term costs. That means you need to consider the vulnerability of any siding before deciding on what type of siding is the most durable.
