Pros and Cons of Popular Siding Materials

If you’re considering updating your home’s siding, compare the following pros and cons.

Vinyl
Pros: Inexpensive and easy to install, vinyl requires minimal upkeep, and it comes in many colors and textures.
Cons: Standard panels have to be overlapped, which creates noticeable seams.

Stucco
Pros: Stucco is extremely durable and doesn’t need to be repainted. It’s also resistant to fires and insects.
Cons: Installation requires a lot of prep work. Make sure you find an experienced contractor to do the job.

Fiber cement
Pros: Fiber cement is a durable material that’s fire-resistant, termite-proof and won’t rot.
Cons: It’s heavy and difficult to work with, which makes it more expensive to install than vinyl.

Wood clapboard or shingles
Pros: Classic and natural-looking, wood is easy to work with and often prized for high-end renovations.
Cons: The better grades of wood can get expensive plus maintenance adds up over time.