When someone drives up to your home for the first time, its facade is likely the first thing they notice. While aesthetics create an inviting impression, there’s more to your siding choice than just the look. You will want to carefully consider the durability and energy efficiency of your siding. Read on to learn the pros and cons of some of the most popular siding options available on the market so you can make an informed choice for your New Orleans home.
Why Does Choosing the Right Siding For Your Home Matter?
As with any home improvement project, start out by doing your research. Each siding option will have different results when it comes to durability, energy efficiency, insulation and curb appeal.
Southeast Louisiana is no stranger to the harsh elements Mother Nature throws its way, and your siding is the first line of defense to protect your belongings or even your family during extreme weather. Worn-out siding makes it easier for hot or cold temperatures to breach your home, making your HVAC system work harder to compensate. New siding with top-of-the-line insulation increases energy efficiency for year-round comfort and utility savings. Plus, a fresh new look for your siding increases curb appeal and property value, making it a smart investment.
Different Home Siding Options
With many different siding options available, it can be overwhelming to decide the right choice for your home. With our list of some of the most sought-after styles, you’ll get an overall idea of the benefits and limitations of each. Here are the siding options covered in our guide:
- Vinyl siding
- Metal siding
- Brick
- Stucco
- Stone Veneer
- Wood
- Fiber cement
- Composite siding
1. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is the one of the most popular siding types due to its low cost and easy maintenance. It’s simple to install directly over old siding and comes in a variety of colors, styles and textures to match nearly any home. However, not all vinyl siding is the same. When choosing a style, make sure the material is durable enough to withstand the elements. For New Orleans homes, checking whether your siding can withstand hurricane-force winds is essential.
2. Metal Siding
Like vinyl, metal siding comes in a variety of colors and styles. It’s also popular for its fire resistance and its longevity. However, these features come at a high price tag, making it impractical for some homeowners to go with this option. The industrial and modern look of metal siding will also clash with more traditional home designs.
3. Brick
A popular choice, brick offers a traditional appearance and is very easy to maintain. Unlike wood, it’s resistant to fire, mold and rot. However, design and color options are limited with bricks, unless you invest a pretty penny to paint your entire exterior. Brick is also difficult to repair and may require an entire wall replacement if even one brick is severely damaged.
4. Stucco
Commonly found on Mediterranean, ranch and Spanish Mission exteriors, stucco is made from a mixture of sand, cement, lime and water. It is known for its energy efficiency, but can easily crack and stain over time. Installation is a demanding process if done correctly, resulting in high labor costs.
5. Stone Veneer
For the look of stone without the budget-breaking costs of the real thing, stone veneer is a wallet-friendly alternative. It often accents other types of siding for visual appeal, such as an upgrade for concrete foundation walls and driveway pillars. While at a lower price tag than real stone, it’s nowhere near as durable as the real thing, and will likely require replacement before many other siding choices.
6. Wood
The classic look of wood comes in many different shapes and styles, including planks, plywood, boards, panels, shakes, shingles and clapboard. It’s an attractive option, but requires more maintenance than any of the other options to prevent damage. A fresh coat of paint or stain is required every four to six years, and it is highly susceptible to moisture and pests.
7. Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is a newer product noted for its durable, low-maintenance appeal. Offering the look of wood, stucco or masonry, it’s gained popularity in recent years as a low-cost alternative to those options. While the material is relatively inexpensive, installation requires special tools, safety precautions and skills, driving costs up. It’s also not uncommon for moisture-related problems to arise, causing issues in areas with wetter climates, like the Gulf Coast.
8. Composite Siding
Love the look of wood, but want a longer-lasting, tougher alternative? Composite siding presents a great option, with its authentic like-cedar appearance resembling a piece of wood sawn off the log. Composite siding is virtually impervious to water, making it a wonderful choice for the humid Gulf Coast. With heat and wind resistance engineered into Everlast composite siding, it’s a sensible choice to hold up against the dog days of summer or a hurricane.
What Is the Best Siding Option For Your New Orleans Home?
For the greatest impact on curb appeal, durability and energy efficiency without breaking the bank, vinyl or composite sidings are great choices. New vinyl comes with varying widths of insulation that wrap your home in a protective layer, keeping you comfortable no matter how muggy or cool it is outside—and even lowering your monthly utility costs! Composite presents a more rustic variation, with the durability wood just can’t provide. Both possess a weathertight finish and interlocking panel designs, standing up to harsh outdoor elements without tearing or rattling. Plus, our siding options come in a variety of styles, including shakes and scallops, so there is a color and look that matches your home’s style.
Give Your Home the Siding Upgrade It Deserves
Window World of New Orleans carries high-performing siding that is customizable to reflect your personal style, provide plenty of curb appeal and protect your home for years to come. Our quality assurance tests ensure maximum protection of your home, and all of our products include our best-in-class limited lifetime warranty. Get in touch for a free estimate today—our experts are ready and waiting to help you choose the best option for your home.