Your Complete Guide to Exterior Siding

Homeowners in tropical environments have a lot to consider when choosing exterior siding for their homes.  Homes in coastal and tropical environments have to be able to weather humid summers, tropical storms, and hurricanes, all of which can be very tough on the exterior.

Exterior home siding not only adds curb appeal to your residence but also keeps it sturdy, allowing it to withstand sometimes harsh, ever-changing weather.

An extremely durable and energy-efficient exterior siding can save you money over time. If you choose to design your home with exterior siding, your resale value can also increase.

According to the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors, fiber cement siding can recoup up to 76% of its upfront cost.

Whether you are remodeling your home or simply curious about what types of exterior siding are available, here is your complete guide to exterior siding.

Different Types Of Exterior Siding

The sky’s the limit for all the different ways you can design your home siding. From shingles to metal siding, and various colors and textures, you can design your home exterior according to your unique style.

Harbor Exports supplies sidings for all of your remodeling or new exterior siding projects. We provide siding panels in a variety of styles such as stone veneer siding, wood shingles, steel sidings, James Hardie fiber cement, and more.

Here are some popular siding options that you can consider for your upcoming exterior siding project.

Wood Siding

Wood board and batten siding come in various traditional and modern styles. It’s a highly durable material that can last for decades with proper maintenance such as painting and staining annually.

Wood siding is also a good insulator, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, if you are in a particularly humid area, wood siding is not recommended. The moist environment can lead to decay and termites, regardless of whether you choose white oak, pine, engineered wood, or other wood siding options.

Cement Fiber Siding

Cement fiber siding is a newer option on the exterior siding market that has many of the same benefits as wood siding. It’s also durable, low maintenance, and rotting will not be an issue with cement fiber siding.

Cement fiber siding is a good insulator that combats dents, and extreme weather conditions, and keeps insects away.  It is also possible to choose cement fiber siding in various colors.

If you own a home in a tropical environment, you will not have to worry about humidity-related damage, and cement fiber siding will help you save on energy costs.

Beveled Cedar Siding

Beveled cedar siding – also known as clapboard siding – is a beautiful classic look that adds curb appeal to your home. This exterior siding has a lifespan of 10-15 years if properly maintained.

The maintenance required for beveled cedar siding is a bit more time-consuming than other siding options. You are required to clean, provide sealing, and remove debris from beveled cedar siding.

Beveled cedar siding is a good choice for cabin and cottage-designed homes with horizontal siding, and cedar shingles, to achieve a rustic look and feel. Cedar wood siding will prevent fungi, bug infestations, and algae from damaging your home.

Stone Veneer Siding

Stone homes look so traditional and can bring a real sense of permanence and durability to your residence.  Unfortunately, real stone siding is expensive. The main benefit of stone veneer siding made from synthetic materials is that it gives you the look of real stone, but it is less expensive. 

Stone veneer, sometimes referred to as faux stone siding, can be made from real stone. However, it is often made from extremely dense polyurethane, or Portland cement, and natural or artificial pigments that are poured into prepared molds.

Because stone veneer comes in panels that are more lightweight than actual stone, any reputable contractor can usually install them. This type of siding is often installed as a “highlight” on specific sections of a home’s exterior, rather than covering the entire structure.

How To Choose A Suitable Exterior Siding For Your Home

When choosing exterior siding for your home, there are several factors to consider. You’ll need to decide among types of siding such as stucco, brick siding, and other options.

Most home sidings are low maintenance.  Wood sidings require painting and staining. For cement fiber siding, homeowners can use their garden hose or power washer to keep it clean.

It’s also important to consider the climate in your area and whether you want to install the siding as a DIY project or hire a professional. It is always a good idea to choose an eco-friendly siding option with a warranty that best suits your home.

Which Type Of Siding Lasts The Longest?

When it comes to home siding, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The type of siding that lasts the longest for one home may not be the best choice for another. 

It all depends on the climate, the level of maintenance, how the siding was installed, and the thickness of the siding material. The quality of materials varies depending on the manufacturer.

In spite of the fact that stucco and fiber cement siding last the longest – sometimes over 50 years – the maintenance routine and warranty are the most important factors.

Which Exterior Siding Is Best For Tropical Climates?

Humidity, UV rays from the sun, tropical storms, and hurricanes are all part of living in tropical environments. To prevent cracking and termite infestations, your house siding needs to have strong durability and be well insulated.

Aluminum siding may eventually show dents from windblown or falling debris. Traditional natural wood sidings typically do not support tropical humidity and a moist climate.

Stucco siding and fiber cement siding has been the most popular choice for exterior siding in these areas. Made from cement, sand, water, and lime, stucco siding has been known to stand strong against hurricanes.

Fiber cement siding is made of cellulose fiber, Portland cement, sand, and water. A popular choice, fiber cement siding is water-resistant and fire-resistant.

Which Siding Is The Most Budget-Friendly?

There are many exterior siding options available at many different price points. The experts at Harbor Exports can help you find an exterior siding option that fits your budget. 

Aside from your budget, the most important consideration is your year-round local weather conditions and the quality of materials needed to ensure your exterior siding is durable and looks good.

Brands We Carry

We are your one-stop shop for all of your exterior siding needs at Harbor Exports. We carry various brands such as James Hardie and more. We have a variety of styles and long-lasting siding options to fit your desired exterior design needs.

Your Exterior Siding Experts

Now that you have read the complete guide to exterior siding, you can make an informed decision about choosing the siding material that fits your budget and lifestyle, and is right for your home. The versatility and variety of colors available across different types of exterior siding will allow you to create your own unique or classic look.

With low-cost siding selections – compared to other more expensive remodel options – you have the freedom to express yourself through the many types of siding available to you. The experts at Harbor Exports can help you decide which type is right for you and your home.Get in touch with us today and we will be happy to help you!