4 Siding Options for Your Custom Home

February 2, 2018

Designing a custom home is an enthralling journey into individuality. After picking everything from flooring to faucets, however, the process can begin to feel a bit overwhelming for some. Especially when it comes to choosing the exterior. The siding you choose will reflect your style to the outside world, and the pressure can make it less enjoyable overall. To help relieve some anxiety, here is a brief overview of some of the most popular siding options for your custom home:

1. Vinyl

Invented as an alternative to aluminum, Vinyl siding has become a staple in the exterior market. In fact, it’s the most commonly installed siding type in residential housing today. Vinyl siding mostly consists of PVC resin and has over 400 colors available.

Its components are inherently flame resistant and many companies even add a UV protection coating to their vinyl. When installed correctly, it offers excellent water damage protection and prevents problems like rot. Not only that, but vinyl siding requires significantly less maintenance than other types of siding out there.

Vinyl siding is available in a number of different settings, including shingle, vertical, horizontal, and more. As an added bonus, when combined with foam insulation or energy-efficient cores, vinyl siding rapidly reduces home energy loss.

2. Wood

Wood siding appears in many popular architectural styles across time, such as Queen Anne, early New England, and Carpenter Gothic. Staining allows for an infinite array of color options despite its frequent re-application rate. With proper treatment, however, the color can stay strong for years.

Using real wood siding is less common nowadays since the advent of faux materials. It’s just easier to maintain than real wood and eliminates the threat of nasty termites. The clapboard, board and batten, and shake shingle techniques can all be successfully represented with faux wood, so many homeowners are drawn by the appeal. That being said, genuine wood has nice staying power – as long as it’s maintained properly.

3. Stone

You don’t have to be a King to own a castle – stone siding is the most downright regal siding option available. Manufactured stone, natural stone, and faux stone all offer exceptionally elegant appearances; however, they differ in structural delivery.

Natural stone is heavy, but offers individuality for each separate piece. No two stones will be identical in size, shape, or hue. Its heft adds a very thick additional layer to any home.
Manufactured stone is more lightweight. It is often molded into stone shapes and affixed with mortar on the property. Faux stone is the lightest of the three, with the simplest installation in panels similar to vinyl siding. The appearance is similar to stone, but retains most of vinyl’s functionality.

4. Brick

Brick structures have been found as far back as 7000 B.C. – with good reason! Bricks are unrivaled when it comes to durability. Where vinyl will dent, brick will hold strong. Its natural resistance to damage and “breathability” with moisture allow brick facades to remain virtually unaffected by the elements for decades.

Any supremely-built modern Tudor or Colonial home is stacked with brick veneer. It’s a classic look with a lot to offer. In fact, having a brick facade automatically increases property value. In addition, it controls noise transfer, as well as temperature – provided that the contractor has included the proper membrane. With regular repointing and cleaning, a brick veneer will last a very long time.

Hopefully, this quick guide has narrowed down your siding options. If you’d still like some assistance, give us a call at (717) 284-4090 or contact us today! At Custom Home Group, siding with us means siding with quality.