8 Best Siding Brands of 2021

Obviously, there are times when the need for new siding makes itself blatantly clear– for instance, when your siding looks dated and you are looking to improve curb appeal for resale value. However, if that’s not the case with your home, you may have to get a closer inspection in order to make the call. Extensive mildew, warping, rotting, cracks, and holes are all signs that it's time to replace. You can also perform a quick test to check the siding's brittleness. Take an edge and gingerly pull it away from your home. If it comes away easily, cracks, or warps, it is time to replace. Other signs of damage include bubbles in the siding exterior and the need to repaint frequently.

Of course, there are multiple types of siding available to homeowners today. Homeowners tend to look at three main factors when deciding on the best type of siding for their needs - appearance, weather-resistance and durability, and maintenance needs. The material you choose for your siding may also help inform your brand selection. Siding companies are generally specialists that focus on one particular surface or another. Amongst homeowners, vinyl is overwhelmingly the most popular siding material, as it’s installed on about 30 percent of houses. Homeowners looking for a more natural look than vinyl may opt for natural wood siding , or instead opt for fiber cement , especially if they’re looking to take advantage of this material’s easy maintenance and high ROI.

The cost of new siding boils down to material cost and installation cost. The price per square foot for siding varies depending on the material and the contractor you use. Even the location of your home can affect the cost. With that being said, vinyl manufacturers will tend to offer more affordable material prices compared to other types of siding. Generally, vinyl siding ranges from $2 to $9 per square foot, and slightly higher prices for fiber cement. This equates to anywhere between $6,000 to $8,500 for an average-sized home. You will also need to add in an additional $1,000 to $2,000 to tear down the existing siding and you may need to budget for soffit, fascia, trim, and molding, all of which can usually be purchased from the siding manufacturer you choose. Those aren’t just extras either– soffit, for example, protects your rafters from weather exposure, prevents rot and mildew, and increases energy efficiency. While it’s possible your contractor may be able to get you a deal on extras like these, if cost is an issue, wise brand selection will make all the difference.

If you live in an area that experiences high winds from hurricanes or where hail damage is a threat, your cladding’s toughness should influence your selection, especially if you decide to go with vinyl, which is historically a more fragile type of siding. There are several vinyl siding manufacturers that provide specific hail damage clauses in their warranty policies, covering you in the event of damage. Also be wary of the possibility of sun damage and fading in warranty policies, since vinyl generally isn’t repainted. Fortunately, most brands will allow you to review the details of a sample policy online before you even talk to a salesperson.

Vinyl is technically made from Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, which means it’s not biodegradable. Due to its durability issues, it needs to be replaced more often than others, like fiber cement. On the other hand, it can be recycled, unlike its cement counterpart. Additionally, since vinyl contains no organic products, it does not contribute to deforestation, unlike fiber cement and wood. While vinyl may lose points for being made of unnatural materials, it regains some of those for having high energy-efficiency, especially when you select an insulated variety. Insulated vinyl can increase a home’s efficiency by 3-R and many varieties add points to a building’s LEED certification. This is where distinctions between brands can really come into play. Some companies really perform their due diligence when it comes to building green, boasting zero-emissions goals and revamped facilities to reduce materials waste and carbon offsets. Whether your goal is getting your home LEED certified or just buying green, it pays to look beyond materials and into a brand’s reputation for sustainability.