alternative-to-wood-sidingWhen it’s time to improve on your home, you can do much more than wood siding. You have several options to remodel your home at different costs advantages. Here are some options to replace wood siding. Aluminum is the first option, but it’s not predominantly used in areas where hail is common. The aluminum can dent and damage from large hail, but it’s also won’t deteriorate, rust and has a long life expectancy. It’s used mostly in Eastern states and the Midwest. Steel siding is an alternative to wood and aluminum. It also has longevity for decades since it’s rigid and strong. It also won’t damage from hail or other environmental hazards. Steel can rust, but current manufacturing reduces the chance that steel siding will rust. LP Smart Siding has mold inhibitors added to it, so it’s good for wet climates. It also has added elements that are used as an insect repellant. It’s strong and does not crack easily. LP Smart Siding replaced old fiber boards with layers that would separate when moisture was present. It’s made of wood chips, so one limitation is that it cannot go underground. It’s more economical and a good choice if you choose to change colors from time to time. Cement fiber is a combination of wood and cement. Like LP Smart Siding, because it has wood elements, it can’t be placed in the ground. It doesn’t deteriorate easily, but it can if it’s left in water for long periods of time. It also easily cracks under stress so it must be carefully carried. This means that the areas of the home with cement fiber can also easily crack. Vinyl is the most affordable option possible. James Hardie (ColorPlus) is similar to vinyl as well as LP Smart Siding. All three come with different trimmings, so they are comparable. Brick is most expensive option for siding. It is attractive and maintenance free. Typically, it is used as an accent, so it’s not usually a part of the entire siding section. It can be blended with stucco, James Hardie or LP Smart Siding. The downside to brick is that the mortar between the bricks begins to wear, but you can have them repaired and fill in the deteriorated gaps. It’s also very expensive to install because it requires a foundation or lintel. For this reason, it’s usually reserved for new home construction. Stucco is the main alternative to brick. It’s less expensive, and it does not have the cement foundation requirements. If Styrofoam is used, it can chip and cause moisture buildup and mildew. The right installation uses coated layers instead of Styrofoam to stop chipping and mildew. With these options, you can choose the most efficient, durable, water resistant and affordable option. Work with your home improvement contractor to figure out the best option for your remodeling project. Your current home construction and environment will determine the right option for you. If you’re looking to replace your siding check out our available siding brands and contact us for a free estimate.