It used to be that vinyl siding was the ONLY type of siding for your home. At Better Way Home Improvement, we specialize in vinyl siding, but there are several other types of siding that we can install.  The most important element about any type of home siding is that they all provide good insulation for your home.

The exterior look of your home is equally important as the interior. Choosing the right type of siding for your home depends on a number of factors. The location of your home, the surrounding neighborhood, the look and feel of your home and even the local ordinance laws in your community.  (The later would especially apply to a HOA environment). Another important item to consider is your budget and long term maintenance costs. Clearly, it is important to be diligent and do some research both online and offline when making your siding purchase decision.

For most people, vinyl siding makes the most sense. Vinyl siding is affordable and there is little to no maintenance when it comes to vinyl siding. There are other creative alternatives for those who are looking for that truly custom look for their home. If vinyl siding is not your first choice, there are other factors to consider as well as those previously mentioned. Depending on the location of your home, climate changes and temperature shifts, choose a siding that has a lot of durability. Another important consideration is the energy efficiency and R-value ratings on the siding that you choose. All things considered, we recommend the following:

• Fiber Cement:  this siding comes in panels that are blended to create a uniform and flat look. This type of siding offers a more contemporary look to a home. They can come in variety of styles from stucco, wood, shingled etc to offer a more natural look. The benefits of fiber siding is that is is extremely durable, fire resistant, and termite proof material – making it very low on maintenance.  The cost is relatively reasonable too.  At Better Way Home Improvement we use James Hardie fiber siding.
• Wood Siding: To date,wood is possibly the most traditional and popular option for siding. It can be used horizontally or in a creative pattern.  It does come in many synthetic varieties, however they are not that comparable to the natural varieties like cedar or pine. With proper care and maintenance, wood siding can last a long time.  However, the upkeep is a bit more cumbersome than vinyl, cement, stone, stucco or aluminum.
• Cedar Shingles: Cedar Shingles are a low maintenance alternative to wood. They give the look of a real clapboard and are easy to maintain. They are made of natural cedar and come in beautiful shades. They add a very traditional look to your home and is a great alternative to vinyl siding comparable to price, etc.
• Stone: Selecting a stone siding gives you abundant advantages. It provides an elegant look to a home with its natural form. It is strong and extremely high on the durability scale. When choosing stone it is recommended that you check the overall costs.  Stone is more expensive, but the end result look and little to no maintenance factor make it an investment worth its value.
• Aluminum: Most likely the least popular of siding selections today, aluminum once was the rave. It is a strong alternative to vinyl and gives a smooth look to a home’s exterior. Aluminum is resistant to bulging or shrinking with changes in the temperature. It can be used to offer a wood like texture or corrugated for a more modern appeal. This is an excellent option for a good siding that requires little maintenance.

At Better Way Home Improvement we specialize in vinyl and fiber cement siding. Although for anyone considering any of these alternative methods, we are more than happy to assist with making sure you perform due diligence in your search.