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Top 5 Most Durable Siding Materials

Just like the roof, siding also takes lots of beating from weather elements and should therefore be one that can withstand the wrath of Mother Nature. The reason durability surpasses all other factors is that you may buy a cheap material to save a few bucks only to spend tens of thousands of dollars in the future when repairing the sidings. That being said, it is better if you spent more on the upfront rather than spending later when repairing the siding. This article looks at top five most durable siding materials you should consider.

  1. Natural Stone

Natural stone is the most durable siding and can give you service of up to a couple of decades without repairs and maintenance. It is readily available as a natural resource, hence making it very cheap. The only problem with natural stone is that it requires a lot of money during installation and the fact that you need to put into place a strong foundation to be able to carry the weight of the stone. Foundation will require you to shell out a couple of ten thousand dollars, on foundation alone. Therefore, when you factor in the rest of the house cost, the whole house might cost you up to a hundred thousand dollars. In addition to this, natural stone is resistant to all weather elements and therefore does not require any maintenance going forward.

  1. Stucco Siding

This material is made by mixing Portland with sand and limestone. Sometimes additives are added to make it flexible. It is then mixed with water and colorants to give it color. Stucco siding is durable and will give you an infinite service, just like natural stone and brick. It is resistant to insects, bad weather and fire, hence prolonging its lifespan. Since its raw materials are readily available as a natural resource, stucco is very cheap and it is for this reason that it boasts popularity among 50% of American homeowners. The only drawback with stucco is that it is best suited for places with warm climate because cold winter weather reduces its durability.

  1. Vinyl Siding 

Vinyl is made by mixing plastics and polyvinyl chloride, PVC. Acrylics are added to make it stronger and protection from fading. It comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and designs. The most common is the shape of shingles and panels. They are so beautiful and durable since they are not affected by elements. You can even choose one that resembles natural wood, natural stone, and brick. They also come with an insulated layer to regulate temperatures inside the house. The only drawback with vinyl is that it is more expensive, compared to brick.

  1. Brick Siding

Brick is readily available as a raw material, clay thus making it very cheap. Clay is heated in a furnace to make it strong and then molded in a motor to give it shape. If installed the right way, brick will give you an infinite service since it does not get affected by elements.  However if installed the wrong way, it will go for just a short time because it will rot due to water and hailstones. It is the best siding option if you live in a hot zone because it acts as an insulator to prevent excessive heat from penetrating the house. Furthermore, brick looks aesthetically natural and distinctive.

  1. Natural wood

If installed properly, natural wood is one of the most durable siding materials. It is mainly obtained from cedar, fir, and cypress, hence a little expensive. Wood makes a good choice since it is readily available if you have a backyard with lots of trees. Natural wood is thicker and heavier than its veneer, hence better. Although it is not as durable as natural stone, natural wood is the best when it comes to aesthetic looks, since it appears classy and elegant than any other material. If not properly installed, wood may not last long since it will be vulnerable to elements, insects and rotting. That being said, it requires the application of a hard sealant to make it resistant and increase its lifespan.

Durability should not be your only concern when it comes to choosing a siding material. You need to consider other factors because the money you save from reduced maintenance costs may cancel with the cost of installation and the purchasing cost. A good siding material should have qualities that balance each other. Expert advice is the best since they have the right knowledge required for this work. They will help you consider all the factors and advise you on the right choice based on your location.

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