SIDING

Siding is the outer covering or cladding of a house meant to shed water and protect from the effects of weather. Additionally, the siding on a building is a key element in the aesthetic beauty of the structure--a feature that directly impacts the property value.

Wood Siding

Wood is a perennial favorite choice for siding throughout the United States and Canada. Whether it is vertical siding like board and batten, or horizontal siding like clapboards, shakes, and shingles, there are a few species and grades that are commonly used for all applications. Choices and prices vary depending on wheather the material used is grown locally or imported.

Pine (Pine has long been a standard for exterior siding)
Redwood
Cedar
Fir (Like pine and spruce, fir is used as an economical siding option)
Spruce (A member of the pine family)

Plastic Siding

In today's world, builders, architects and homeowners want materials, such as plastic siding, that need little or no maintenance. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the dominant plastic siding material in use. Siding materials made from polypropylene, which allows for darker and more vivid colors, are finding wider market acceptance and siding made from wood plastic composites are being considered for their attractive balance of economics, performance and positive environmental impact.

Vinyl Siding
Polypropylene Siding
Wood Plastics Composites Sidings

Metal Siding

Metal siding comes in a variety of materials, styles and several colors--but it is most often associated with modern, industrial and retro buildings. Utilitarian buildings often use corrugated galvanized steel sheet siding or cladding, which often has a coloured vinyl finish. Corrugated aluminium cladding is also common where a more durable finish is required.

Formerly, imitation wood clapboard was made of aluminum: 'aluminum siding'.

Masonry siding

Masonry sidings are varied (brick, stone, stucco) and can accommodate a variety of styles--from formal to rustic. Though masonry can be painted or tinted to match many color palettes, it is most suited to neutral earth tones. Masonry has excellent durability (100+ years), and minimal maintenance is required. The primary drawback to masonry siding is cost, though some stucco options can be similar to wood siding costs.