by Dorothy Sander

Created on: August 26, 2007

Whether you are choosing siding for a new home you are building or an older home you already live in there are several things to consider. Your siding choices will fall in one of the following categories:

1. brick or stone
2. wood shakes or cedar shakes
3. vinyl or aluminum siding
4. Masonite or concrete boards
5. stucco
6. veneers artificial brick or stone
7. clap board

8. steel or vinyl coatings

If you are going to live in the home for a long time, regardless of whether the home is new construction or an existing home, first and foremost pick something you like the look of in the price range you can afford.

If, on the other hand, you plan to sell in the near future it is more important to consider the sidings used in your neighborhood. You will want to keep your siding in the same price range and type or slightly better to increase the value of your home. For example, if all of your neighbors have brick or stone you will probably not want to choose vinyl siding that may lower the value of your home.

After taking these things into consideration your choices will narrow considerably. Brick and stone require the least amount of upkeep. Concrete siding, also known as Hardi Plank is a new board that looks like Masonite boards but is made of concrete and does not rot or need to be painted. The paint applied is purely cosmetic. Cedar shakes also do not rot but need to be pressure washed and stained for aesthetic reasons. Vinyl siding can crack and aluminum siding can bend but they do not require painting. Vinyl siding is improving steadily and is less problematic as time goes on. Masonite and clapboard are inexpensive but require painting every eight to ten years if you have a professional painter apply a quality product. Stucco is a look you find in localized areas in particular where the climate is warm and it is a great insulator. However, it is particular look and often either a person likes it or not. Veneers and vinyl coatings can both be problematic if not installed correctly. They too are improving over time.

So go with what you like and can afford and is available in your area. If you do not go too far astray from the existing homes in your neighborhood you can't go wrong.

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