Siding is one of the most defining features of a home. But it affects more than just appearances. The type of siding you choose plays a major in role in how well your home can withstand the elements. Some materials are well insulated, which makes them great for cold environments, while others provide the advantage of durability, which is useful for areas that get a lot of hail.
But material isn’t the only aspect to consider. There are also many different brands of siding you can choose from. Manufacturing processes, color options, and warranties all vary from one brand to the next. Like any major renovation, residing your home requires a considerable amount of money. It’s important to consider all of the factors that can affect your investment.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best rated siding brands for different types of siding.
Top Vinyl Siding Brands
Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is basically a durable plastic material. This makes it lightweight and easy to clean. The only downside is, there are some durability issues. But if you’re working with a tight budget, it’s a great choice. Here are some of the best rated vinyl siding brands.
Alside Siding
Alside is one of the oldest vinyl siding manufacturers. They’ve been around since 1947, which means they’ve had quite a bit of time to perfect their products. Not only is Alside siding beautiful, but many of the products come with a Lifetime Transferable Warranty.
CertainTeed Siding
No vinyl siding looks exactly like real wood, but CertainTeed comes pretty close. Their manufacturing process ensures extra long board lengths and deep groves, which make the panels look more like actual wood. Furthermore, they do a lot to make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. For example, their take-back program allows old siding and scraps to be recycled and reused for creating new products.
Best Fiber Cement Siding Brands
When it comes to durability, fiber cement siding takes the cake. It’s made from a mixture of sand, cement, and wood fibers, which means that it’s not only very strong, but also well-insulated. Here are some of the highest rated and best known fiber cement siding brands.
James Hardie
James Hardie is basically the Louis Vuitton of fiber cement siding. The brand name holds considerable weight because the products are such high quality. Homeowners can choose from a huge selection of stunning color options to create a designer look. James Hardie also uses a painting process called ColorPlus Technology to ensure that colors last by baking them into the siding material itself.
GAF
GAF is primarily known for their roofing products, but they also create an incredible fiber cement siding shingle. Shingles are a common feature of historic architecture. So if you’re renovating an older home, GAF siding is a great way to preserve its historic character. Plus, you get all the advantages of fiber cement, including fire resistance, moisture-proofing, and impact resistance.
Top Engineered Wood Siding Brands
Engineered wood siding is a great alternative to both fiber cement and cedar. It looks like real wood, but has the strength of fiber cement. Wood planks are treated with a special protective coating that make them tougher and stronger than wood, so you don’t have to worry about dents, rotting, or constant maintenance. Here are some of the best engineered wood siding brands.
LP SmartSide
LP SmartSide has basically cornered the market on engineered wood siding. LP uses a process called SmartGuard to strengthen and reinforce all of their lap, vertical, and shingle siding. This moisture-proofs the wood so that when snow or rain hit and then dissipate, it won’t warp, swell, or rot.
Diamond Kote
Diamond Kote siding is the high end version of engineered wood. This siding brand uses products from LP, but treats them with Diamond Kote finish, an advanced paint technology made from rocks. This results in a product that’s not only durable, but also beautiful. And with a 30 year fade warranty, you can rest assured that your money will be well spent.
Get More Information
The type and brand of siding you choose makes a huge difference for your home. The great news is, you have tons of options to choose from, but if you aren’t sure where to start, we can help. For more information on siding brands and options, please contact our office.
About The Author: Martin Faith
Martin Faith is the founder and owner of Scottish Home Improvements. In 2002, Martin became inspired to start his own siding company after he had a negative experience with a local contractor. His goal was to set a new standard for the industry by providing excellent customer service. Today, Scottish Home Improvements is the top Elite Preferred James Hardie contractor in the state of Colorado. Over the years, Martin's company has received numerous awards and recognitions including 12 consecutive gold stars and an A+ Rating from the BBB as well as the James Hardie President's Club Award.
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