Sooner or later, most houses need new siding, either because the old siding has deteriorated or because you want something that's easier to maintain. While you can choose nearly anything that sheds water and blocks drafts, vinyl siding is by far the most popular option, accounting for about half of all siding sold. In fact, it has virtually eliminated aluminum as an option.

Stanley - Bostitch Vinyl Siding Adapter Kit - VSA2

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Siding materials are sold at lumberyards and, increasingly, home centers. Here are the most common choices:

Vinyl. Universal quality standards that require consistent thickness and industry-standard levels of resistance to fading and wind have helped raise the bar for this popular material. Vinyl is easy to work with and requires little maintenance. It generally holds color well and comes in many colors, textures, and profiles. It can't match wood, however, for showing fine trim details. And vinyl siding may crack in extreme cold if struck by a hard object.

Leading brands include Alcoa, Alside, CertainTeed (which also makes Wolverine and Ashland-Davis products), Georgia-Pacific, Jannock (maker of Armorbond, Bird, Heartland, and Mastershield), LP Vinyl Siding, Norandex, and Royal Building Products. Price per square foot uninstalled: about $0.45 to $1.90.

Wood shingles/clapboard. Both of these materials offer the appeal of real wood (usually cedar or pine) and traditional styling, and can be stained, painted, or left natural. They are also available already primed or painted, which can be a real convenience. Both shingles and clapboard are durable and tend to resist impacts, even in cold weather. One downside is the amount of maintenance these choices require if painted or stained, plus they can be damaged by water and insects. Price per square foot uninstalled: about $0.70 to $3.45.

Fiber cement. Providing the look of wood but requiring less maintenance, fiber-cement siding is starting to supplant the natural stuff. This cement-based product with reinforcing fibers doesn't need to be repainted as frequently as wood and resists impacts and insects. Because it's relatively brittle, it can be damaged if water gets between shingles and then freezes. Price per square foot uninstalled: about $0.85 to $2.55.

Masonry. This classic siding option includes brick, stucco, and stone. Pluses include low maintenance and resistance to impacts and insects. On the downside, it's pricey, requires periodic refinishing if painted, and may, like fiber cement, be damaged by freezing water. Brick veneers require periodic repointing (removing and replacing old, crumbling mortar), while cracks in stucco will also need to be repaired. Price per square foot uninstalled: about $2.45 to $10 or more.

Simulated stucco. An alternative to cement-based stucco, this petroleum-based product resists insects and creates a waterproof barrier when properly applied. Simulated stucco can trap moisture, however--a problem that has resulted in litigation by some homeowners. What's more, it may fade or require refinishing, can be damaged by impacts, and is expensive to install. Price per square foot uninstalled: about $1.80 to $2.40.

Vinyl Aluminum Siding Installation Contract

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Vinyl siding offers a variety of colors and trim accessories, along with surface textures that include wood-grain, smooth, and simulated brush strokes. Shapes or profiles include a single 8-inch "lap" board per strip, along with double and triple laps and deeper, dutchlap styles. Double-hem mounting areas tend to provide more attachment strength than single-hem systems.

Wood shingles and clapboard come in a variety of widths and thicknesses, and in rough or smooth surface textures.

Fiber-cement siding includes different surface textures, while masonry includes a variety of brick, stone, and stucco styles.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Performance differences. While vinyl-siding manufacturers often tout thickness as an attribute, Consumer Reports tests have shown that added color retention and rigidity are more important in helping some vinyl siding look better than others.

Wood shingles and clapboard provide a traditional look many people like, but require considerable upkeep.

Fiber-cement siding is a lower-cost, easier-maintenance option, while masonry and simulated stucco provide classic good looks and little upkeep--but are costly to install.

Professional installation adds about as much to the project cost as the materials, though rates vary enough to warrant getting several estimates.

Recommendations. Consider vinyl first if, like many people, you want a moderately priced, low-maintenance siding. And choose the color from actual siding samples, since colors in catalogs may not be accurate.

Be sure the contractor who installs the siding is properly licensed, if applicable, and is insured for workers' compensation and liability. And have the contractor fix uneven or rotting sections of wall before putting up the new siding. If existing siding is covering older asbestos siding, consult an asbestos-abatement contractor.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org. Click here to try ConsumerReports.org FREE for 30 days.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All of the above text is provided by Consumers Union. GuideBuy disclaims any liability for the content provided above.