Choosing Your Siding Installation Materials

Siding Installations Services, Monticello, MN

Siding installation and home repair don’t have to be scary. The amount of options for siding materials can often intimidate homeowners. Here at Elk River Exteriors, we try to make the exterior remodeling process as simple for you as possible. As certified siding contractors in Zimmerman, MN, and Monticello, MN, we are qualified to help you find the right materials at the right price for your budget.

Most homeowners choose between four types of siding material: vinyl (most common), fiber cement, LP SmartSide, and steel. There are others of course, like wood or stucco, but those tend to have shorter lives due to rot and cracking. So, we will focus on the four main types.

Vinyl Siding Installation

Vinyl is the most common type of siding for residential property. Usually between $3 and $7 dollars per square foot, it’s the least expensive of the four options. Fairly lightweight and easy to install, vinyl siding has been a go-to option for homeowners for years. Although it’s less expensive, the durability and quality are not as good as fiber cement, LP and steel, which are built to last. Over time, vinyl siding can warp and bow, crack and fade. It’s a good low-cost option to get started, but does not last as long and will need to repaired or replaced long before the other three. It’s wise to check the warranties of each brand before choosing one.

Another drawback to vinyl is that it is petroleum based and therefore is quite flammable in the case that a house fire occurs. Fiber cement, LP and steel are more fire resistant due to the nature of materials.

Cement Board Siding Installation

Siding contractors in MN often prefer the fiber cement siding due to its durability and resistance to weather, even hail. Most fiber cement siding brands, like James Hardie, warranty their products for extended periods, like 30 to 50 years. At a cost of $6 to $10 per square foot, cement board siding is a larger upfront investment than that of vinyl, but it is built to be little to no maintenance for you for years to come. Cement board is also termite resistant, due to the fact that termites don’t eat concrete, and is more fire resistant than vinyl.

There are a variety of styles to choose from, like horizontal siding, shakes, or board and batten. The range of features ensures a custom fit for your home and lifestyle.

Steel Siding Installation

Steel siding has long been a popular choice for homeowners due to the durability of the material. There are quite a few more style options than you might expect, making it not only a great option for pole barns and garages, but also for home. With companies like Edco, you can choose from lap or dutchlap, shakes, panels and much more. The range of features ensures you get the right look for your home.

Typically between $4 and $8 per square foot, steel is a mid-range option on the price scale. It’s a little more expensive than vinyl, but much more durable, and is a little less than cement board, which provides a clean and luxurious low maintenance exterior.

LP SmartSide Installation

LP SmartSide siding is a treated engineered wood siding. With this processing system, it is a product that is strong against harsh weather and termites. LP also comes in a variety of profiles such as lap, vertical, panel and shakes.

This product usually runs a little higher in cost than fiber cement siding.

Choosing Siding for Your Home

For most people, the balance between price, durability and style will dictate your choice. For some, vinyl is the only option due to budgetary constraint, while others prefer long-term low maintenance and will opt for fiber cement, LP or steel. The style is also a factor in choosing a material. Which one provides the look that works with the features of your home? Whatever your specific goals are, we can help you choose the right fit for your home and budget.

For more information about siding installation in the Monticello, MN, or Zimmerman, MN, area, please give us a call. We can give you an estimate for the cost of siding for your home based on the size and features of your home, as well as the style of siding you choose. Let us help you choose the best material to fit your home and budget.

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