Select Your Quote Type Below to Begin! 
Types of Siding
Types of Materials used in Siding | Siding maintenance
Aluminum
Aluminum is by far the most popular type of metal siding and one of the most popular sidings period. Its resistance to rust is one of the reasons for its popularity, as well as its light weight. Aluminum is also an excellent heat insulator and waterproofing. There is no painting necessary, since it comes with enamel (both for protection and color) baked on. It often has a grain or pattern baked in so that it will resemble wood. However, it is susceptible to denting. If this happens and you want to repair or replace panels, be warned that it can be a difficult and time-consuming task.
Rectangular Planks
There are many types of wooden siding, and one that is simpler than the rest is Rectangular Planking. Perfectly flat and smooth planks are applied vertically to the house, flush with one another. This makes it an excellent insulator and protection from moisture, but it might need weather treating every year or so.
Clapboard
Clapboard is probably the most common type of wood siding. It consists simply of long, horizontal boards overlapping each other. It will not have the smooth look of planks, but the boards can be beveled to create evenness and balance.
Shingles
Redwood, cypress, or cedar usually makes up most shingles. Smoothly cut, they are as uniform as possible. Like clapboard, they form rows that overlap the next. You can use a stain or treatment to protect them from the weather, but many prefer to expose them to the elements. This will decrease their lifespan, and you might have to replace them sooner. Even if you do treat them, however, they will begin to warp after a few years.
Shakes
Shakes are just like shingles except for the fact that they are hand-split or rough hewn rather than cleanly cut by a machine. They attempt to achieve a more rustic look. Like shingles they can be treated or stained to lengthen their lifespan. They will also warp after a number of years.
Stucco
Stucco is very close in composition to plaster that might be found on the interior of your home. Made of sand, water, and cement, it is laid over a wire mesh in a wooden frame before being set onto your house. It can have an acrylic finish for protection but in general is not recommended for very cold climates.
Veneer
A veneer is a thin wall composed of bricks or stone that can be laid over your walls and provide excellent protection from moisture and temperature. Originally very expensive, recent developments in motarless brick have made veneers accessible to the average homeowner. Backed by metal tiers and equipped with special rivulets for moisture to escape through, veneers are very strong but might begin to crack or spall (lose small flakes and chips) after many years.
Vinyl Siding
Like Aluminum was a step-up from wood when it was first developed, vinyl is the answer to aluminum. While aluminum solved the shortcomings of wood by being a better insulator and needing less care, vinyl surpasses aluminum by being resistant to dents and other damage. Also, while aluminum siding occasionally needs to be repainted and creates a powdery residue after a few years, vinyl (polyvinyl chloride/PVC) is a solid color throughout. It never needs repainting and doesn’t show scratches very clearly. Most superficial damage can be buffed out.
Wood Planks
Wood planks are much like rectangular planks. However, they have special cuts and shapes that allow them to interlock and seal tightly together. It provides added protection from moisture.
Plywood
Plywood siding is simply two pieces of plywood sealed together, be it with nails or an adhesive. Plywood is very inexpensive and easy to install.