The siding on your home is one of the first things that people notice. For this reason, it is important to have siding that is clean-looking and attractive. The last thing you want is for someone to get the wrong impression of your home, especially if you have it on the market to sell. Whether you are simply looking for new home siding to transform the appearance of your home or you are going to be placing your home on the market in the near future, it is vital that you select a siding option that is easy to maintain. Thankfully, there are several excellent options available to choose from.
Top Options for Low-Maintenance Home Siding
Selecting a low-maintenance home siding option may seem like a difficult decision. However, there are several great choices available that can completely transform the look of your home. Here are some of the most common.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl home siding is one of the most common options for homes in Wisconsin. This option works well on modern homes and is extremely easy to install. It is also one of the least expensive siding options and comes in a variety of colors and styles. With vinyl, you have more freedom to choose a color that best suits your needs. It is also much easier to match with existing architectural features, the color of your roof, and your landscaping.
Vinyl siding is extremely durable and is exceptionally low maintenance. This option simply requires a cloth or a brush with some soap and water to clean. However, it only needs to be washed once every two to three years in most cases.
Brick Siding
Brick is well-known for being one of the longest-lasting home siding options available on the market. This stylish option can last for several hundreds of years when cared for properly. Thankfully, bricks are extremely easy to maintain and are eco-friendly.
Brick home siding is weather and fire-resistant and can stand up extremely well against mildew and mold. It also provides exceptional soundproofing and insulation. One of the downsides to brick siding is that it tends to be one of the most expensive options to purchase and repair. However, its low-maintenance characteristics and its ability to last for centuries can be extremely appealing to homeowners.
Brick Veneer
If you like the look of brick but not the cost, brick veneer may be a great alternative. This siding provides the same aesthetic benefits as brick siding. While it does not offer homeowners all of the structural benefits they receive with brick, veneer siding is generally maintenance-free and built to last.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement home siding is extremely durable and comes in a variety of color options and designs. It can be made to look like wood, stucco, masonry, or another surface to create a truly personalized look for your home. Fiber cement siding is moderately priced, which has led to its increase in popularity over the past few years. Although fiber cement does not last forever, you can expect it to last much longer than most alternative siding options.
It is recommended that you keep your landscaping trimmed back away from your siding and perform an annual cleaning to ensure it remains in good condition. However, you should also consider painting the siding once every 10 to 12 years to keep it looking brand new for longer.
Stucco Siding
Another popular home siding option is stucco. This material tends to be more divisive among homeowners – they either love it or hate it. However, it is extremely affordable and incredibly durable. What’s even better is that it is extremely low maintenance and easy to keep looking new.
Considering that stucco is a more porous material than other home siding material options, you will need to clean the stucco exterior two to three times annually to maintain a clean and dependable surface. Additionally, you will need to have the siding sealed every five years or so and make any repairs to the stucco as soon as damage is noticed. Stucco is relatively inexpensive and is both pest and fire-resistant. However, it may not be the best option for rainy climates.
Modified Wood Siding
Although wood siding is an attractive option for home siding, it requires a lot of maintenance. Instead, modified wood siding allows you to capture the stunning appeal of this siding while reducing maintenance requirements. Wood composite siding comes in several finishes, colors, and textures, which ensures you can find the option that works best for your home. This material is made of compressed wood fibers and resin, making it far more durable and stronger than natural wood. Additionally, modified wood siding will not swell or shrink and is more resistant to pest damage. Cleaning the exterior once every year or two is all it takes to keep this siding option looking attractive.
Stone Veneer
Stone veneer is a more affordable option when compared to traditional stone home siding. This option is designed to mimic the look of real stones. It is resistant to moisture and fire and is extremely easy to maintain. Stone veneer is designed for the long term, ensuring you will continue to benefit from having reliable and aesthetically pleasing siding for several years to come. It is important to recognize that this material is not as durable as natural stone walls and can be more expensive than other siding options, such as vinyl.
If you need guidance in selecting the best home siding option, contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
Get Help With Your Home Siding Project
For nearly three decades, our skilled professionals at Windlickers Roofing & Exteriors have helped individuals across Oconomowoc, WI, and surrounding areas by providing reliable and trusted services when it comes to gutters, roofing, and siding repairs and installations. Our team can meet with you for an inspection to determine what type of repair or replacement you need to keep your home safe and dry this winter. Contact our team at (414) 531-1729 to get started.