Many homeowners think that home siding is only for show. They’re unaware of its importance by providing their property with protection, style, and value. Exterior cladding comes in many forms and colors. As much as you want them to look great, you also need them to be durable. Luckily, this article is written specifically to help homeowners like you make an informed decision. Without any more delay, here are the different lifespans of common siding types.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is a pretty common, if not the most popular siding material in the U.S. Installed on millions of homes over the last 80 years, it still maintains its popularity because of its cheapness and durability. Manufactured primarily from wood fibers and cement, this material typically lasts from 20 to 40 years. Even some homes still rock their vinyl exterior, thanks to proper maintenance. Upkeeping this siding doesn’t take much. You can cleanse it with dish soap and water using a soft cloth or brush. And yes! It’s perfectly fine to power wash the surface.
Fiber Cement
A solid contender to vinyl, fiber cement siding offers a sweet spot between aesthetics, durability, and affordability. Create from mixing wood fibers and cement, it’s sturdy enough to last half a century with consistent maintenance. What’s the catch? Well, it obviously costs quite a bit more than vinyl or aluminum panels. But if you’re looking for an exterior that stands the test of time, you can trust fiber cement to deliver without a doubt! As for maintenance, prepare yourself for occasional caulking as the material ages. It shouldn’t be a problem as long as no major fissure has appeared somewhere.
Metal Siding
A material that’s typically used in industrial settings, metal siding is a no-nonsense option for homeowners who want to keep things solid and simple. However, it does come with the disadvantage of not being as flashy as the others. To add, its life expectancy doesn’t match fiber cement since rust can eventually take over. The best way to keep metal siding in shape is to power wash it from time to time and priming over if scratches appear.
Wood Siding
Wood siding, on the other hand, can be a little more expensive than the ones above but offers some great benefits. It looks natural and rustic with shades of browns and red that remind you of the good old days. Now, you might think that being made from organic resources, wood siding’s durability is subpar. Wrong! It can actually last up to 40 years with proper care. However, maintaining wood isn’t as easy as it sounds. You need to inspect your home exterior every six months for cracks and termite colonies. It also needs to be retreated every five years to protect against rotting. Power washing will help remove dirt from the surface while varnishes prevent any scratches or water damage.
Stucco
Stucco is one of the oldest siding materials and is popular in warmer climates. It looks great on any design, from classic bungalows to modern contemporary homes. However, it might not be a good option for colder climates because stucco will crack to frigid temperature changes. How long does it last? Well, contractors often provide warranties of 20-30 years, but there’s a handful of old homes that still rocks stucco for a century. Like any other exterior, a stucco finish easily catches dirt. Cleaning and occasional repairs are pretty much the only maintenance solutions you’ll be doing over the years.
Brick
Bricks have been used as a siding for centuries and are still common today. They’re durable, they’re versatile, and many people find them aesthetically pleasing. Plus, you can get bricks to match any color scheme! However, one major downside to using this type of material is that it needs mortar every now and then to keep the pieces from falling apart. So theoretically speaking, how long will your brick wall last? The general lifespan for bricks is around 50 – 100 years. However, some brick-clad houses from the Civil War era still stand intact up to this day! Keep in mind, though, that leak can cause moisture damage over time which may weaken the structure, so be sure to watch out for those.
As you might have observed, most siding types can last for decades. However, you will have to be diligent in maintaining your exterior to preserve its appeal and value.