Monday, January 11, 2010

Various Types of Siding

The world of siding offers a variety of options for homeowners looking to maximize their property value and curb appeal. When it comes to choosing a material for siding, you'll want to pick something that works in terms of your taste as well as your budget. Each kind of Denver siding comes with its own distinct look and feel, so be sure to review all of the possible choices with your siding contractor before making this important selection. To get you started on the process, here are the types of siding available to homeowners today:

Vinyl Siding
Considered one of the more basic forms of siding, vinyl is one of the most affordable and easily maintainable materials on the market. Vinyl siding is available in a variety of colors and finishes, and its natural insulating properties make it a popular choice among homeowners looking to save some money on heating and cooling costs. On the other hand, vinyl is certainly not the strongest siding material out there. Strong winds and other such weather-related factors can cause vinyl siding panels to buckle, crack, or fly off, making repairs a likely factor down the line. Vinyl also has a way of looking a bit plastic-like, causing some homeowners to immediately cross it off as an option.

Wood Siding
Wood siding is an attractive option for people who happen to truly love the look of natural wood. While it might cost more than vinyl, it is certainly not the most expensive type of siding out there. However, wood comes with one major disadvantage in that it requires a lot of maintenance throughout the years. Wood is just one of those materials that is highly susceptible to weather damage and natural wear and tear. As a result, homeowners need to look at it as an investment that must be preserved with much time and effort.

Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is a composite material that is meant to carry the same look and feel of wood, but without all of that pesky maintenance. Unlike actual wood, fiber cement siding won't warp or disintegrate over time, making it a more solid choice for homeowners looking for minimal hassle. However, homeowners should be advised that fiber cement offers nothing in the way of natural insulation.

Stucco Siding
Stucco is one of the classiest materials on the siding market. Available in both classic cement and a new synthetic form, stucco is a durable material that is relatively easy to maintain. Synthetic stucco is also one of the best insulators on the market, making it easier for homeowners to bear the cost of energy bills over time. On the other hand, stucco is one of the most expensive siding options, making it pretty much unattainable for homeowners on limited budgets.

Stone Siding
Stone siding is the ultimate material for exterior beauty and class. The elegance of stone siding makes it a popular choice among the elite. But with a sizable price tag, it's an option that only a small percentage of homeowners can afford. Additionally, those who opt for stone siding can forget about added insulation. Eye-catching as it may be, stone won't help one bit with energy costs.

Cedar Shake Siding
As one of the most appealing selections on the market, cedar shake siding creates a warm, inviting exterior that homeowners just tend to adore. Cedar shake siding is comprised of small cedar sections that are attached to the home in a shingled arrangement. While it's easy to fall in love with that natural look, the downside of cedar shake is that it does tend to fade over time. It is also a rather costly selection, making it less common than some of its more affordable counterparts.

Now that you're a bit more familiar with the various types siding materials, you should be in a much better position to start narrowing down your choices. Of course, it's one thing to simply describe all these Denver siding options, but it's another to actually see them in person. Before you make your final decision, be sure to take a look at examples of these materials in the form of finished products so that you can truly get a sense of how your home might come to be transformed. With any luck, you'll choose the perfect material for the look you've always wanted to achieve.

Ruben Jeruco is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find an extremely informative Guide to Siding or more Home Care articles at the Yodle Consumer Guide, The Yodler.

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