Choosing siding: vinyl, fiber cement, steel or cedar

Vinyl siding

Vinyl is one of the most popular siding choices. It comes in many colors and profiles, never needs painting, and cleans up with a garden hose. It is usually the most affordable option, which makes it a practical choice for a whole-house project.

Omega Exteriors describes its vinyl siding as durable, energy efficient and low maintenance, a cost-effective choice with a wide range of looks. Keep in mind that vinyl can crack from a hard hit, such as large hail or a ball, especially in cold weather, though damaged panels can usually be replaced.

Fiber cement siding

Fiber cement is made from cement, sand and wood fibers, pressed into boards that look like painted wood lap siding, shakes or panels. It is heavier and more rigid than vinyl, which gives it a solid feel and crisp lines.

Omega Exteriors chooses fiber cement siding for its durability, fire resistance and design flexibility. Fiber cement usually costs more than vinyl and is painted, either at the factory or on site, so plan for repainting at some point over the life of the siding.

Steel siding

Steel siding is strong, resists denting better than many people expect, and holds up well to extreme weather. It works on homes as well as garages, shops and outbuildings, and it gives a clean, modern look.

Omega Exteriors describes its steel siding as offering strength and resistance to extreme weather with a sleek, modern look and minimal maintenance. Steel usually costs more than vinyl, and a deep scratch should be touched up so the metal underneath stays protected.

Cedar siding

Cedar is real wood, with a natural warmth and grain no other material fully matches. It suits lake homes, cabins and older houses where a natural look matters. Cedar needs more care than the other options: it should be stained or painted and resealed over time to protect it from moisture and sun.

Omega Exteriors installs cedar siding for its natural beauty and rustic charm. Its blog post Natural Charm and Durability with Cedar Siding covers the material in more detail.

Styles: shake and board and batten

Beyond the material, the style of the siding changes the look of a house. Shake siding has a textured, handcrafted look and is often used on gables and accents. Board and batten siding uses wide vertical boards with narrow strips over the joints, a look that suits farmhouse and modern designs. Many homes mix styles, such as lap siding on the walls with shakes in the gables.

How to choose

Start with the look you want and how much upkeep you are willing to do. If you want low maintenance and a reasonable price, vinyl is hard to beat. If you want a painted-wood look and a more rigid wall, fiber cement fits. Steel suits owners who want toughness and a modern look, and cedar suits those who love real wood and do not mind caring for it.

Also think about the parts of the house that meet the siding. New siding is a good time to check the condition of the sheathing underneath, replace worn trim, and look at the windows and gutters, since all of them work together to keep water out.

• How much maintenance are you willing to do?
• What look fits the house and the neighborhood?
• Does an HOA limit materials or colors?
• How exposed is the house to hail, wind and sun?
• Is it time to update the windows or gutters at the same time?

Repair or replace your siding

A few cracked or loose panels can often be repaired. Siding repair makes sense when the damage is limited and matching material is available. Widespread cracking, warping, fading or moisture problems usually point to siding replacement. Omega Exteriors offers a free siding inspection to help you decide. Call (651) 998-8500 or request a free estimate.