Obviously the hardest decision will be picking the material type you want on your home. In choosing material, consider appearance, suitability to your house and environment, installation, longevity, and maintenance. Wood, particularly durable cedar, is a popular, traditional, and attractive choice which can provide country charm or classic elegance. Vinyl and fiber cement are low maintenance and long lasting options offering increasingly more attractive appearances. Stone, either manufactured or genuine, provides a polished and traditional look at a high price tag. Stucco, best for dry climates, and brick, a classic and labor-intensive choice, are other options.

For many consumers, the choice often comes down to wood or a manufactured material, such as vinyl or fiber cement. Vinyl siding and fiber cement siding are generally designed with features, such as grain and texture, to mimic the look of wood. The highest quality choices come close. For some buyers, given the fact that these products require very little maintenance and have a lower cost than wood, they come close enough. For others, the look of real wood can’t be beat, and a quality wood, such as high grade cedar, does not require much more maintenance. Wood basically just needs painting or staining every few years.

Other materials, such as stone, brick, and stucco, offer completely different appearances from wood. Some of these, such as stone or brick, are often used as a partial accent to wood, vinyl, or fiber cement siding. These choices are typically going to have a higher price than wood siding, vinyl siding and fiber-cement siding.

Once you have made your decision on siding material, the next decision involves the style and install of the material you picked. Depending on type, siding can be installed in horizontal or vertical formations. Shakes, shingles, clapboard, and more are options that will influence your house’s look. It is important to see the choices for your material so that you can decide what is most appealing to you. Some installations are more traditional, some contemporary and polished, and others rustic. Most importantly, a style should appeal to you and suit your house and surroundings.

Proper installation will always play a role in longevity. It is a good idea to hire a licensed and insured Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas contractor who is experienced in installing the material you choose. A qualified contractor can also help you determine what materials and styles will work best for your home. Be sure to check local codes and requirements in case there are any permits or regulations that apply to your project.

Vinyl Siding

When a new home is being built or an older home renovated, one of the first questions addressed is the type of siding that should be put on the home. If the homeowner is looking for something less expensive than brick or rock, vinyl siding and fiber-cement siding are the siding types of choice. These two types of siding have sky-rocketed in popularity over the past decade due, in large part, to the increases in manufacturing and application technology.

Recent data suggests that fiber-cement siding gives homeowners the 2^nd highest recoup value at 69.4% while vinyl siding gives homeowners the 3^rd highest recoup value at 66.8%. This indicates that both siding choices are great investments for homeowners looking to increase the value of their home while not spending a fortune.  Both siding types offer homeowners energy savings and both offer your home a nice clean look.

Here are a few differences between the two types of siding.

Durability is a deciding factor for many homeowners. A siding made of fiber cement is more durable than sidings made from vinyl. The fiber cement siding comes with inter-laminated bond strength, which makes it a great choice for cold climates. However, vinyl siding is usually warranted to last for a long time and can take some punishment without denting or cracking.

Fiber Cement Siding

Perhaps the biggest factor when deciding on siding type is cost. When comparing cost, the fiber cement siding’s cost is a bit higher than that of the vinyl siding. As an affordable alternative to other sidings, vinyl siding is cheap, as the manufacturing cost is low. Another thing is that vinyl siding is also environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled. This plays a big role for many homeowners who make buying eco-friendly products a priority.

Vinyl siding comes in many different colors and never has to be painted; just a simple wash with the garden hose is needed. Fiber-cement siding on the other hand will need to be re-painted over its lifetime, but not often. Both vinyl siding and fiber cement siding come in different textures and can mimic the look of other types of siding such as wood siding and brick.

So what are these two types of siding made of? Vinyl siding is composed of Poly Vinyl Chloride resins, which are combined with other elements. Acrylic components are used when making vinyl siding to make it resistant to denting and extreme weather conditions. Other chemicals, are also added to vinyl to protect its color from fading. Fiber cement siding is a combination of cement, sand and cellulose.

For more information on siding or if you would like someone to come out and give you a quote, find a Dallas-Fort Worth contractor in our featured contractor directory.

Wood siding

If you think you’ve made up your mind on wood that comes from a distance, is not frequently harvested, or is not suited to your region, it could hold up a project and raise the budget considerably. Unlike other types of siding like vinyl siding, fiber-cement siding and brick, wood siding is susceptible to rotting, splitting, checking, or cupping. A good rule of thumb is to buy the best grade of siding you can afford. Look for clear grains whenever possible, and make sure the wood is properly sealed, and is thoroughly protected upon installation.

Like we stated earlier, there are several options when it comes to wood siding. Here are a few options you have when picking your type of wood.

Pine Siding
The oldest type of the group, pine has long been a standard for exterior siding. Pine and its related softwoods—spruce and fir—can be less expensive than other species. Pine holds a finish well, and is the siding of choice when painting or staining horizontal siding. Pine can be prone to cupping, splitting, and checking and it’s not a rot-resistant wood, so it is important to keep it sealed and well maintained.

Spruce Siding
A member of the pine family it comes in longer lengths than pine, and has many of the same characteristics. And because it’s a member of the pine family it is not a naturally rot-resistant wood, it is important to regularly maintain and seal the wood.

Fir Siding
Like pine and spruce, fir is used as an economical siding option. It comes in long lengths, is easy to cut and install, takes a finish well, and is readily available regionally in the West. Like the other softwoods, fir is easily milled to a pattern, be it shiplap, tongue-and-groove, or board-and-batten.

Cedar Siding
Perhaps the wood siding we hear the most about is Cedar Siding because of its grain and its rot resistance. It is commonly used in shakes and shingles because it is dimensionally stable, resists swelling, and has less cupping and splitting. Cedar is naturally more moisture and insect-resistant than pine, but like all types of wood siding it must be treated and maintained to retain these qualities. One downside, the Grade A cedar siding can be expensive.

Redwood Siding
Perhaps the most prestigious wood in the siding world, redwood is a good choice for siding in all climates. Redwood resists shrinking, warping, cupping and it also absorbs and retains its finish very well. Redwood is also naturally insect resistant, not just on the face but throughout the wood. Because it is very region specific, it can be difficult to come by in all parts of the county.

While not the top siding choice amongst homeowners, there are several benefits to aluminum siding. Aluminum is durable and requires little maintenance meaning your siding could be worry free for the majority of its life. Aluminum is also fire resistant so it protects from the additional dangers that could be placed on your home.

Another one of the advantages that Aluminum Siding holds over other types of siding is that it can be painted to match the color of your home. Should you choose to go with a vinyl siding, the color that you pick today is the color that you will have to live with for the duration of your time in that home. Not all Aluminum Siding is created equally, so it is important to shop around when selecting which siding you are going to buy and who are intrusting to install it.

Although there are several benefits to installing aluminum siding on your home, there are also some drawbacks. Metal siding is very energy intensive to manufacture and it is not a renewable source, although it can be recycled. Metal siding does not provide insulation for the structure therefore it is not as energy efficient as other types of siding. Not only does aluminum often have to be shipped long distances from point of manufacture to point of use, once it arrives it is relatively difficult to install because it is so heavy.

For more questions or if you’re looking for a contractor to install aluminum siding at your home, please contact one of our local Dallas Fort Worth contractors in the contractor directory.

Faux rock siding

So what exactly is faux rock? Faux rock panels consist of composite synthetic materials which combine to create the look and feel of actual rock or stone. There are countless variations of faux rock products on the market, and a many different application methods available. Faux rock can be formed and colored to match almost any stone type imaginable.

The explosion in faux rock technology has allowed the use and application of this material to be one of the top choices amongst contractors, businesses and homeowners. Places like amusement parks and zoos are able to create more authentic attractions with the use of faux stone materials. Other medium sized applications can include country clubs, golf courses, spas and other high-class uses which give a rich and elegant feel.

We are also seeing a huge increase in the number of homes with faux rock siding. From round stone to limestone, a number of homes have faux stone accents with an increase in completely covered homes as well. Another popular application for faux siding can be found in the form of outdoor kitchens and patios. Contractors are able to use the different stone types to blend in with the natural surroundings outside.

Other benefits to faux stone siding include its light weight, identical look to stone and they are designed to last a lifetime. These rock panels are durable and able to withstand different climates, extreme heat and freezing conditions. Faux rocks keep their color and shape and are stain proof. Faux rocks are also natural fire retardants, which is important when using them in outdoor kitchens and barbeques and other high heat applications.

For more information on faux rock siding in Dallas-Fort Worth please see one of our trusted contractors.

Good Looks

The attraction to vinyl siding’s curbside appeal has never been stronger, with key advances in its decorative textures and color options. In the past, homeowners have been limited to little more than a dozen colors. Today, manufacturers offer vinyl siding in a baseline color palette of 700 colors. Some of the options include colored siding, soffit, fascia and designer accents.

New textures mimic the look of real wood in both traditional panel styles, such as clapboard or Dutch lap, as well as newer cedar shake-style polypropylene siding. Most vinyl siding panels are extruded from a machine.

Weather Resistance

Like with any siding product there are different types, styles and sizes of vinyl siding. For weather resistant purposes, the thicker panels resist sagging that can occur with the more thing panels and tend to better retain their shape. Also, panels with narrow clapboards and folded, doubled nailing hems also resist bending. The more bends in the siding profile, the more rigid the panel. This means the thick panels will do a better job protecting your house from strong winds, while “wimpier” panels might get blown off during a severe storm. If you’re not sure how strong the siding is you’re looking at buying, take a look at the manufacturers warranty, it should give you an idea.

As far as rain goes, the good news is that vinyl is less likely than wood to trap moisture. Tiny weep holes on the lower edges of the panels allow water to escape, and the panels’ “loose” installation provides good ventilation to the sheathing. However, it is critical that some type of house wrap or felt paper covers the sheathing beneath the siding.

Insulated Siding

Insulated siding features panels backed with extruded polystyrene or polypropylene foam, which is designed to increase the siding’s R-value by as much as five times that of conventional siding.

the insulated cladding helps to reduce a homeowner’s energy bills. The insulation makes the panels more rigid and stable and less susceptible to dents and cracks. Another benefit to insulated siding is noise reduction. The insulation around the home acts as a barrier to the noises that frequent your neighborhood.

Today, fiber cement siding can be found shaped as shingles, octagons, half rounds and shakes. No longer are homeowners limited to horizontal styles, but vertical fiber cement siding in the appearance of stucco, smooth and cedar siding can be purchased. Advances in soffit and trim materials have also become available with the options in those areas continuing to expand. The good news about all of the different styles is that siding manufactures continue to perfect their molds to create fiber cement siding that matches the look of traditional forms of siding even closer than they do now.

Fiber cement colors vary by manufacturer and by region. What used to be a limited color palette is now a wide variety of earth tones. The color palette is virtually unlimited, however, fiber cement siding companies will be able to direct you to the colors that will allow you to get the most out of your product.  Some of the fiber cement product types also accept stains if you wanted a different look. New technology has allowed manufactures to enhance their paint applying process that allows paint to hold its color up to 2x longer than when the product was first revealed.

A few other options that have developed with fiber cement siding are texture options. Earlier we discussed the advances in technology that have allowed siding manufacturers to mimic the look of other forms of siding. While there are still differences in appearance, from a distance, the differences are beginning to be extremely difficult to see. Homeowners have the option to purchase fiber cement products with a number of textures, or if they prefer, siding that is smooth, not mimicking another siding type.

If you’re a homeowner that’s interested in purchasing fiber cement siding or any other type of siding, we have professionals listed in our directory who are willing to assist! If you would like a siding bid, you are also able to request a quote through the link in the right column of the page.

Red Brick Home

Brick is one of the most, if not the most, popular choice when it comes to siding for your home. Why is brick so popular? Brick siding is very easy to maintain, only needing to be washed with a water hose every now and then. Brick should hold up very well only needing a little maintenance after the first 25 years. Additionally, brick should last the lifetime of the home.

When deciding on brick siding options, you aren’t stuck with one color (brick red) like you used to be. There are many options to choose from when it comes to brick including color, size, textures and more. Let’s take a look at some of the options:

Colors:

There are literally hundreds of different color options for a brick home. The different color categories include: red brick, white/gray brick, tan/brown brick, dark brick, pink/rose brick and bold/blend brick. From reading that list you can see that homeowners have to option to use one color or a blend of several colors.

Mortar:

Like the brick itself, the mortar used to hold the bricks in place can also add variety. There are nine different textures or shapes of brick mortar that can be used to get different looks. The use of mortar in different ways can give brick a modern look or make it look fifty years old. Different mortar colors are also available which can give your brick a drastically different look.

This homeowner matched texture instead of color.

Size:

The standard brick size is 2-1/4 x 3-3/4 x 8 inches, but there are several other brick sizes to choose from. Brick sizes vary according to manufacturer and country of origin. There are also many ways to lay the brick, so brick can look different sizes depending on which side is facing out.

Textures:

Brick texture can also vary although it is not too noticeable from a distance. Sometimes brick manufacturers go out of business and it’s hard to find a brick that matches exactly to what is currently on your home. If you have to choose between matching color and texture, match the color. You’ll be able to notice the difference up close, but you won’t be able to notice from 50 – 100 feet away. The same cannot be said for color as that discrepancy can be seen from any distance.

Now that you’re aware of some of the different options, you’ll probably have a difficult time deciding exactly what you want. If you live in a neighborhood, you might want to stick with a color that will fit in nicely with the other homes around you. Also take into consideration that your homeowners association might not allow for you to choose just any color of brick.

If you do not have a brick layer of choice, feel free to browse through our Dallas-Fort Worth contractor list for the information of brick and siding experts in the area.

Cedar siding

With the good, comes the bad. The most common problem homeowners with cedar siding face is moisture. Moisture has a tendency to find its way through the siding even through the tiniest cracks and openings. If you’re a homeowner with cedar siding, this is your lucky day. Here are a few tips on how to maintain the traditional look of your siding.

• Because moisture can easily creep in, you want to ensure that all the caulking and flashing around all your openings is in good condition.
• Sustain an interior humidity of approximately 40%.
• Take the time to install heating wires, especially if you live in a region that gets any snow or ice. They help to melt any ice accumulation before water can back up under your shingles.
• Ensure that your attic is insulated correctly and that the air is being circulated.
• Make sure that your downspout runs completely to the ground and that they are free of any obstructions, in order to avert moisture from your shakes.
• Because moisture can build up, mold can be a problem. Make sure to treat your siding at least once with an anti fungal treatment.
• Cedar siding can be painted or re-stained, so be sure to do that every few years. This really puts and extra sparkle on your home!

If any of these steps seem a bit beyond your home repair skill level, hire a professional who can help you out. It’s a small investment that will make a big difference! Check out our list of Dallas-Fort Worth Contractors to get the job done!

Let’s look at some advantages of faux stone siding

Faux stone use has grown dramatically over the years because of the ease of installation, cost, and it’s amazingly close appearance to real stone.

Cost

Installed faux stone costs from $20 to $50 per square foot, which is roughly half the cost of traditional stone. This is attractive for both builders and homeowners who like the upscale look, but prefer the lower price.

Appearance

As previously mentioned, unless you had a trained eye, you would not be able to see the difference between faux stone siding and real stone siding. The better made faux stone will use cement with a very fine aggregate and high-density iron oxide pigments to create the proper texture and appearance. Because this stone is manmade, it can come in colors not found in nature to fit a specific look of the desired user.

Installation

Unlike real stone, faux stone can be added after the house is built without having to make too many changes. It also requires far less skill to install than real stone, making it possible to build a house with a faux stone exterior using a less experienced work crew. Faux stone is also far lighter than real stone, making it faster to install and easier to transport.

However, like anything else, there are some disadvantages to using faux stone. While some builders prefer faux stone siding, many architects remain skeptical and don’t like using it in their designs. They prefer real stone for its appearance and authenticity.

Authenticity

Some architects and designers dislike faux stone because they believe that it undermines the material integrity of stone and decreases the value of their design. Many architects argue that faux stone should only be used when it is clear to the viewer of the building that the material is an imitation of stone.

Appearance

Faux stone varies greatly in quality and its ability to mimic real stone. There are some faux stone makers that use iron oxide pigments to produce color which is the same material found in normal stone. However, this type of stone can get expensive and rapidly approach the cost of real stone.

On the other hand, less expensive varieties use a mixture of different aggregates and lower quality pigments made of small rocks instead of fine sand to form the rock. This makes the appearance look less authentic and can wear unevenly over time.