The first part of your home a person will see is, of course, the outside. As a result, having an aesthetically pleasing home exterior can start people off with a good impression. One large piece of your home's exterior puzzle is the siding. When looking at siding choices from your siding contractors in St. Paul, however, aesthetics are only one factor you should be considering. You will also want to look at the durability, maintenance requirements, and cost for the siding you eventually choose. Here are some of the pros and cons of six common choices in siding today. Vinyl Siding Vinyl siding is currently the most popular choice in siding for homes in the United States. This is for a number of reasons, beginning with the cost. Not only is the cost for the vinyl siding materials often much lower than other siding choices, it is also fairly easy to install, which means lower installation costs. Vinyl siding also requires very little maintenance, usually only requiring an occasional power washing. It also comes in a variety of styles and colors that is expanding all the time. Vinyl is durable, being able to withstand moisture and insect damage. Some older types of siding may have problems with warping in the heat or fading. Many people also complain that siding has an obvious "plastic" look. Fiber-Cement Siding Fiber-cement siding is quickly gaining popularity as a home exterior choice, as it has the exceptional durability of vinyl siding but with a more natural, wood look. Besides wood, this cement mixed with cellulose fiber siding can also resemble brick or stucco. While it is more costly than vinyl, fiber-cement siding is more affordable than the stucco, brick, and wood finishes it emulates. It also requires less maintenance, being resistant to water and insect damage, resistant to heat damage, and non-flammable, and does not require cleaning. Eventually, however, this type of siding may require repainting. Seamless Steel Siding Seamless steel siding has a strong, steel base with a vinyl coating. The vinyl coating provides the siding with a seamless, no-spliced look, while the steel base makes it more durable than regular vinyl siding. It also will not rust, and is not susceptible to water or insect damage. Seamless steel siding can, however, be a problem in areas with high winds as the fastenings can loosen and allow water damage to occur. It also usually requires a professional siding contractor for installation. Wood Siding Wood siding generally comes in a beveled, plank, or shake or shingle form. While wood siding is considered a timeless, rich look for a home, it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking great and durable. One big part of the maintenance required includes regular painting and caulking or staining to prevent weather damage. Wood can also be more prone to insect damage, but it can be treated with a fire-retardant to help reduce the danger if a fire occurs. Brick Siding Brick siding is made from fired clay and comes in a variety of different sizes, colors, and textures. Most houses with brick siding actually have a brick veneer, composed of bricks and motor in front of a wooden structure. To help prevent moisture problems from developing behind the brick, a waterproof membrane usually needs to be installed. Brick is a very durable choice in house siding, but requires a labor-intensive install, which can give it a higher price tag. Stucco Siding Stucco is composed of cement, lime, and silica that is generally applied over a wood or metal base. Stucco is fire retardant, mildew resistant, and energy efficient and can come in almost any color. It is not a great choice in areas that experience a lot of rain and moisture, however, as it tends to hold water that can create mold and mildew problems underneath the layer of stucco. It is also prone to cracking in areas that have settling or that are earthquake prone. If you are still unsure about what type of siding is best for your home, consult with professional siding contractors in St. Paul.
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