Vinyl, Fiber Cement, and Wood: Choosing Between Three of Today's Most Popular Siding Options for Your Home

Your home's siding installation is an incredibly important component of your insulation system. If you're looking for siding options to replace an old installation for your home, choosing the right materials depends on several critical factors-such as your home's geographical climate, aesthetic preferences, and of course, your budget.

Shopping for new siding means navigating through a vast sea of choices to choose between materials, features, styles, installation techniques, prices, name brands, and more. After all, the one you pick should be cost-efficient and functional, while providing lasting value that boosts your home value now and into the future.

If you're in the market for new siding for your home, vinyl, fiber cement, and wood siding are probably on the list of materials to consider. Take a look at this guide to these options from Cochran Exteriors-your most trusted Indianapolis exterior remodeling company.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is the most popular siding material in North America, and it's not too hard to understand why. Vinyl siding is the most affordable option on the list, it's easy to maintain, won't fade quickly, and it comes in a wide variety of looks and styles to choose from.

Vinyl can also have a bad reputation for being flimsy, cheap, and short-lived. This is partly because of the vinyl products in the past, which were less attractive, less durable, and not nearly as energy-efficient as they are today. The bad reputation also comes from cheaply made, inferior vinyl products that just aren't cost-effective over the long-term. Homeowners that seek out vinyl options should look for premium vinyl products and insulated siding that will withstand the harshest of weather conditions without breaking down, melting, warping, or needing replacement after a short time.

Fiber Cement Siding

Perhaps the most innovative option for homeowners today is fiber cement-a material that has quickly gained popularity in the country after its introduction into the market in the '80s. The material is made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, and can be customized to closely resemble wood of varying types and stains.

James Hardie is the largest manufacturer of fiber cement siding products in the world-known for its exceptionally made products that last for years. While it tends to cost more than vinyl (but less than brick or wood and other siding options), the real beauty of fiber cement siding is its cost-effectiveness over time. After all, fiber cement siding products are pest-proof, fireproof, water-resistant, and won't melt in high heat like cheap vinyl. In essence, fiber cement siding is practically indestructible for decades-in fact, James Hardie offers a 50-year limited lifetime warranty on its siding products.

Wood Siding

While wood used to be one of the most popular siding choices in the United States, known for its incomparable beauty and potential for a long lifespan (with the right maintenance and repairs, that is), wood is no longer a top choice for most people. With the introduction of much more affordable options to the market like fiber cement and vinyl, most homeowners scoff at wood for the heavy maintenance, expensive costs, and other problems it comes with.

Wood can still be an excellent choice for those that aren't afraid of the commitment and investment it represents. In other cases, wood is the only option for historical sites and authentic-style homes that are being restored to match their original characteristics. Homeowners should know that wood, while beautiful and energy-efficient, is extremely susceptible to water damage. It requires constant care to keep from splitting, cracking, rotting, and decaying, and should be regularly painted, stained, sealed, and cleaned to stay in top condition. If you can keep it up, wood pays off big time-and can look beautiful and stand strong for an entire lifetime.

Learn More About Your Options with Indianapolis' Top Siding Company

Cochran Exteriors is a family-owned and operated business with over 50 years of combined experience remodeling homes in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. Our team of expert contractors is passionate about helping homeowners find reliable, affordable solutions to achieve their dreams for better, stronger, and more beautiful homes. We're committed to quality products, state-of-the-art installations, and friendly customer service that homeowners can trust-whether they're replacing their siding, installing a new roof, or improving another exterior aspect of their property.

With awards for customer service from organizations like Angie's List and an A+ rating from the BBB, Cochran Exteriors is proud to be a leading home remodeling team in Indianapolis. For more information about our services, give our team a call to speak with an agent now. Or, if you'd like to request a free, no-obligation pricing estimate, fill out our online form to schedule a visit with one of our expert contractors in your home.