Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home: Comparing Vinyl, Engineered Wood, and Composite Options

Choosing the perfect siding for your home is not an easy choice and requires careful planning. From the budget-friendly vinyl to the eco-friendly engineered wood and the customizable nature of composite, each choice offers unique benefits and drawbacks. Join us as we explore the pros and cons of these siding options below.

Things to Consider When Choosing Siding

Choosing the right siding for your home isn’t the most straightforward process and often involves considering several important factors. Firstly, it is important to consider the climate in your area. Different climates pose different challenges to the durability and performance of the materials used in your siding.

Secondly, it’s important to consider the maintenance level you are willing to put in. Depending on the type of siding you choose, some sidings require regular upkeep and maintenance, while other types of siding offer more durability with minimal maintenance. Budget is another crucial factor to consider as the initial and long-term costs of siding vary depending on the type. 

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for many homeowners and offers many advantages. But like anything, it also has some drawbacks to consider.

Pros

Vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive compared to other siding options, making it a great choice for homeowners on a budget. It also requires minimal maintenance, usually needing only periodic cleaning to maintain a clean appearance. It doesn't need painting or staining like some other siding materials.

Another pro is that vinyl siding is resistant to rot, insect damage, and moisture, making it last way longer compared to certain types of wood siding. It also comes in a variety of styles, textures, and colors, allowing homeowners to choose options that fit the style of their home and their personal preferences.

In conclusion, the pros of vinyl siding include:

• Affordable

• Low Maintenance

• Durable

• Variety of Styles and Colors

Cons

While vinyl siding retains its color well, it tends to fade over time because of its exposure to the sun. Improper installation traps moisture underneath the siding. This leads to mold or mildew issues if not addressed quickly. Additionally, bad weather conditions cause it to warp or crack. If a section of vinyl siding gets damaged, it’s difficult to repair as finding an exact match for older siding is difficult.

In conclusion, the cons of vinyl siding include:

• The Appearance Over Time

• Moisture Trapping

• Limited Options for Repair

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is another popular choice for homeowners. This type of siding is made out of wood fibers and resin and is designed to mimic the appearance of traditional wood siding. Some pros and cons of engineered wood siding include:

Pros

Engineered wood siding offers a durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for home exteriors. With a lifespan of 20-30 years, it resists rot and termite damage while remaining budget-friendly. Made from recycled wood fibers, it requires minimal upkeep and comes in various colors and textures, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic effortlessly.

At AR Exteriors, engineered wood siding, also popularly known as LP Smart siding, is the top choice amongst our customers!

In conclusion, the pros of engineered wood siding include:

• Durable

• Affordable 

• Eco friendly 

• Low maintenance

• 20-30 year lifespan

• Wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes

Cons

Engineered wood siding comes with a few drawbacks that homeowners should consider. Over time, the colors of this siding option may gradually fade, impacting its visual appeal. Additionally, its longevity remains somewhat uncertain because of is a relatively new product in the market. There's a risk of potential moisture damage, as any cracks or damage to the siding allow moisture leaks. Lastly, the finish of engineered wood siding might give off an unnatural appearance, which may not align with some homeowners' aesthetic preferences.

In conclusion, the cons of engineered wood siding include the following:

• Colors fade

• Longevity is unknown

• Potential moisture damage 

• Unnatural finish

Composite Siding Options

Composite siding is another favorite amongst homeowners. Produced by combining different materials, such as wood, cement, plastic, and fiberglass, it offers a durable and more resistant exterior option. Though it is a popular and unique choice for homeowners, there are several factors to consider. 

Pros

Composite sidings' durability offers resilience against most weather and decay. With minimal maintenance requirements, homeowners enjoy reduced hassle. This siding option also proves cost-effective over time and offers extensive customization options, allowing homeowners to achieve any look for their homes.

In conclusion, the cons of composite siding include the following:

• Durable

• Low maintenance

• Lower cost over time

• Customizable 

• Visually appealing

Cons

Composite siding has its downsides. Firstly, though the siding option offers a lower cost over time, the installation cost is quite expensive compared to other siding options. It's also prone to damage, particularly in harsh weather conditions such as heavy rainfall or strong winds. Additionally, the warranties for composite siding are often limited in coverage, which might not offer comprehensive protection for

homeowners.

In conclusion, the cons of composite siding include the following:

• Expensive installation

• Susceptible To Damage

• Limited Warranties

At AR Exteriors, we aim to assist homeowners in navigating siding choices like vinyl, engineered wood, and composite. Trust us to guide you toward the perfect choice for a durable and appealing home exterior. If you have any questions or are interested in upgrading your home’s exterior, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today!