Choosing the Most Durable Siding Material for Your Home: Vinyl, Wood, Fiber Cement, and More

When it comes to selecting the right siding material for their residence, homeowners have a wide variety of options. The choice often comes down to a diverse set of factors, such as durability, aesthetics, maintenance needs, and budget.

According to a recent Census Bureau Survey of Construction, stucco was the most common principal siding material for single-family homes that were constructed in 2022 at 28%; however, the strong showing for other popular options like vinyl (26%), fiber cement (21%), and brick or brick veneer (18%) reveals that the choice of which siding material to use is determined by the distinct needs of the home and the homeowner’s preferences.

To identify the right siding material for your home, let’s discuss some of the more popular options—their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the benefits they might bring to your home.

Stucco Siding

As seen in the above statistics, stucco has become a popular option for newer homes. Although it can be considered a good solution because of its strong curb appeal, fire resistance, and fetching color scheme, stucco does come with a number of drawbacks. Because it is a more brittle material, stucco is prone to cracking and struggles to weather the elements in wetter or colder climates. Moreover, its weak insulation makes it a poor choice for colder, snowier regions. Still, for homes in warm, dry climates, it’s no wonder why this material has grown popular in recent years.

Vinyl Siding

If you’re looking for a durable siding with a sleek finish, vinyl siding is a terrific solution. This weatherproof material offers fantastic resistance to the elements—making it a strong fit for snowy or rainy seasons. Best of all, it’s easy to clean and maintain, providing excellent insulation with minimal upkeep. Vinyl siding can adapt to a number of home aesthetics, with pieces coming in a wide range of shapes and sizes. That being said, vinyl is prone to fading over time, and it is less environmentally efficient as other options on the market. Taken together, though, the advantages of this material make it a great value add for just about any homeowner.

Fiber Cement Siding

For the ultimate in durability, look no further than fiber cement siding. Not only does this material offer steadfast resistance to snow and rain, but it also provides notable fire resistance, safeguarding your home from just about any environmental hazard. While this tends to be a more expensive option, it over-delivers on longevity and durability. Although fiber cement siding is generally low maintenance, it can be prone to mold if not properly maintained.

Wood Siding

For homeowners seeking a classic look, wood siding remains a timeless choice. With this rustic material, you can ensure that your home will leave a lasting impression on guests and family members alike. While wood does require regular maintenance, it can stand strong for decades—making it a sound overall option. Having said that, homeowners should be prepared to meet the regular maintenance needs of this material, as wood can sometimes struggle to withstand the elements. To achieve the natural look of wood without the maintenance worries, faux wood siding (made of vinyl) is an excellent option.

Brick Siding

Like wood siding, brick is one of the more iconic siding options available to homeowners. With a reliable track record dating back centuries, brick offers terrific insulation and a vintage vibe. As an added advantage, it is also a low-maintenance, fire-resistant material that leaves a minor footprint on the environment—and that’s to say nothing of the savings created by its outstanding energy efficiency. On the other hand, brick can trap warmth in hotter climates. Moreover, painting and remodeling costs can be more of an imposition with this material.

These are just a few of the many siding materials available on the market today. Dr. Exteriors is a leading provider of siding installation and repair services in Omaha. If you’re considering replacing the siding on your home, you need siding repair, or you’re building a new home and would like to explore your siding options with a team of experts, reach out to Dr. Exteriors today to request a quote!