Today we’re talking about the different types of siding that are available for your home’s exterior. There are generally five different types that fit most properties.
Wood Siding
If you’re choosing wood siding, most people will use cedar wood on their homes. There are some pine sidings available, but a lot of homeowners prefer cedar plank.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is still the most popular siding today. It comes in a number of different sizes, so you can have it as thick as you want, from 38 to 50 mils thick. There have been a lot of advancements in vinyl siding over the last few years. What you buy today has a protective material on the siding that’s a UV coat. So think about when you put sunscreen on your skin – it’s to protect yourself against the sun. There’s an acrylic coat on this siding that does the same thing. It keeps your siding from fading down the road. A lot of the upper level panels will have a lifetime fade warranty on them.
Metal Siding
Aluminum siding is still available but not as popular as it was in the 1970s and 1980s. That’s because of the high material costs. It also dents easily. People who are looking for metal siding will usually choose steel. In Minnesota, we have a manufacturer called Arrowline EDCO, and their steel siding is durable. It can dent, but it would take a good hit in order for that to happen. Steel siding is also rust-resistant, rigid and stiff. It’s the preferred metal siding today.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding generally comes from James Hardie Plank. This is popular with homeowners because it’s durable and has a 25 year warranty with a 15 year paint warranty. It’s a good alternative to wood.
Engineered Wood Siding
The new generation of siding that is really taking hold for people who want to be environmentally friendly is called LP SmartSide. It is actually an engineered wood product that looks like a sheen of plywood. It has polymers sticking together and it creates a natural look, especially when painted. This type of siding is also resistant to rot and bugs. In general, these are your choices. All options have their benefits, and if you want a maintenance-free siding, we’d recommend that you lean towards steel and vinyl. If you have any other questions about how to choose siding for your property, contact us at HandyQuick.
Selecting a Siding Contractor in Minneapolis & St Paul Minnesota
When you select a siding contractor for your Minnesota home, you should be sure to find out if they are in fact a registered business in the State of Minnesota and have a contractor’s license. Siding contractors are also required to have Workers compensation insurance, general liability insurance, and provide written manufacturer warranties. Be sure to ask for these documents, and also review the specific contract to make sure that the materials you select are specifically indicated in your 
contract. You should ask for written estimates for all work, and check out the company on the Better Business Bureau, Angles List, or other reliable listing service, and also visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and verify that the contractor is licensed, and is in good standing with the State. HandyQuick uses ONLY licensed, insured, and experienced contractors, so you can be sure that our contractors and roofers will provide reliable and warranted services.
