Do you want to improve the curb appeal of your home with new siding? This buying guide details what you should know about choosing the best siding for your house.

The siding is not just to curb appeals. It can also protect your house from natural disasters. If you are interested in replacing or upgrading siding, there are a few things to consider. Over time, different types of siding react differently to hot and cold temperatures, wind, and other factors.

Fire resistance Humidity resistance Insect resistance Weather resistance
Vinyl Low Middle Middle Low
Wood low low medium low
Fiber cement high, high, high

Other factors that may influence your choice include energy efficiency, ease of installation, and versatility.

energy efficiency
Regardless of the type or shape of the siding, thin products alone will not isolate your house well. Consider buying siding insulation or an insulated version of the siding you need to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Install
The ease of installation differs for each type of siding. Vinyl and engineered wood siding is lightweight and the installation process is simple. Installing fiber cement siding is similar to installing engineered wood siding, but requires more care because it is heavier and may break if not handled properly.

Versatility
Vinyl, engineered wood and fiber cement siding can be used for horizontal or vertical installation.
hint
Always follow the siding manufacturer’s installation, painting, dyeing, maintenance and repair instructions. Please check your siding warranty before starting any work. If you choose to modify or repair the siding, this work may invalidate the product warranty. If you have any questions, please contact the wall panel manufacturer.

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PVC siding panels
Vinyl siding on the back wall of the house.
Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable siding options. Durable and low-maintenance, it can be applied to existing masonry or wood siding to change the appearance of your home.

The siding is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), no paint or caulking is required, and it is available in a variety of colors and textures. If you want an authentic look, you have many options for vinyl house siding. Manufacturers provide vinyl siding and accessories that mimic the appearance of wood, stone, and other natural siding materials.

Vinyl siding maintenance, painting and repair
You can rinse it with a garden hose to handle most of the cleaning work. Avoid spraying water into cracks or under the siding. If necessary, you can use a long-handled car wash brush and a mild detergent. If you pressure wash the wall panels, set the pressure between 1500 and 2400 pounds per square inch (PSI). Use a 40-degree tip at least 12 inches from the siding. Keep the spray at eye level. Some manufacturers specify that you should not pressure wash their products.

With the right preparation, paint and technique, vinyl siding can be painted. If you decide to paint your siding, choose an exterior latex paint labeled for vinyl siding. Choose a color that is no darker than the color of the siding (darker tones absorb more heat, which can deform the siding) and follow the surface preparation instructions. Make sure that the wall panels are thoroughly clean and dry. If the surface is dented or damaged, you may need to apply a vinyl safety primer. Use a brush or paint sprayer and use left and right strokes to paint from the top to the bottom of the house.

Repairing damaged or melted siding usually requires replacement of the affected panel. The vinyl unlocking tool (also known as the zip lock tool) allows you to easily separate and connect adjacent vinyl panels. Install the new panel according to the product instructions. You can also just cut off the damaged part of the wall panel and install the patch instead of replacing the entire panel.
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wood bamboo wall panel
Blue wooden siding on the house.
Wood siding is available in panels and shingles to make your house look like authentic wood. There are many types of treatments and finishes for wood siding. You can also paint or dye it after installation. Natural wood siding with exterior grade panels is suitable for long-term exposure to the weather and can withstand repeated dampness and dryness.

Engineering wood siding
Engineered wood or wood composite siding provides the same real appearance as wood siding, but is lighter and more durable. It is a combination of wood by-products and resin adhesive, strong enough to be nailed directly on the stud, and can be painted or dyed in various colors. The wooden composite siding is easy to maintain.

Wooden siding horse maintenance and repair
Cleaning most wood siding only requires a mild detergent and a soft brush or sponge. For some types, you can use a high-pressure cleaner to clean harder dirt and grime. Check the manufacturer’s information to ensure that your siding is suitable for strong cleaning.

Regularly check the gaps and joints for damage or missing sealant. Delete and reapply as needed. Depending on the finish and weather conditions, you may need to re-stain the wood siding every three to five years. Paint may last up to 10 years. Make sure the finish is suitable for your wood or engineered wood type. For example, some engineered wood siding is not suitable for dyeing.

If you choose to repair the damaged siding yourself, you can cut off the affected area and adjust the size to fit the replacement part. If your shingles are damaged, you can seal small cracks (less than 1/16 inch) with a flexible exterior grade paintable caulk and paint to match your siding. Larger damaged shingles need to be removed and replaced. When repairing wooden siding, properly seal and replace the siding and any joints as needed.

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Fiber cement siding
Green fiber cement siding around the courtyard door.
Fiber cement siding can also be used for panels and shingles and wood boards. It is a mixture of cement, sand and cellulose fibers. It can have the same appearance as the natural siding material. The siding can be painted during transportation, or you can paint it after installation. Homeowners who choose fiber cement will get siding that is as strong as concrete and much thicker than vinyl siding.

Fiber cement maintenance and repair
This siding method is generally low-maintenance and only requires water, a soft brush, and a mild detergent when necessary. If you use a pressure washer, please operate below 1500 PSI. Only use wide scalloped tips at least 6 feet from the siding. If any caulking is worn or damaged, please re-caulk to prevent damage from moisture. You need to repaint the siding regularly.

Some manufacturers provide repair kits to cover nail heads and minor damage such as cuts, scrapes, and small holes. You can use cement repair products marked as compatible with fiber cement to repair small cracks and dents. Large damaged areas may require removal and replacement of damaged panels.

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For panels and partitions, please measure the exterior walls of your home, including doors and windows. Pay attention to the size of a wall panel. Divide the total exterior wall size by the size of one panel to determine how many panels you need. Include doors and windows in the overall dimensions to ensure that you have replacement parts available when you need them.

Vinyl siding measurement calculator

If you install the siding yourself, you will need to cut it to properly cover your house. Make sure you can use a suitable saw and blade.
Stone veneer

If you are looking for a solid, natural look to complement your siding, stone veneer may be the answer. Stone veneer is a long-lasting additive that provides the appearance of natural stone with thinner and lighter materials. Stone veneer is more economical and easier to install than natural stone. It can be used for quick installation of panels or individual parts, allowing you to create your own various patterns. Maintenance of external stone finishes usually only requires flushing with a hose or scrubbing with a soft brush.

Artificial stone finishes, sometimes called building stone or cast stone, are made of concrete. The artificial stone finish is made of high-density polyurethane. Many types of stone finishes are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications and are installed using adhesives, mortar or screws. You may need to install stone finishes on substrates such as plywood, fur strips, or lathes. Depending on the installation location, you may also need construction paper or house wrapping paper.