One home improvement project that can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your house is updating the siding. Today, there are more styles, colors, and material options than ever before, which can help modernize your house or preserve a classic look. Here are a few of the best options to consider when choosing your new material.

What Are Some Types of Siding That Are Best for Your Home?

1. Vinyl

If you want the look of wood or other upscale materials for your next home improvement project, but want to keep your materials durable and inexpensive, vinyl is the way to go. It comes molded into many shapes and textures to simulate your favorite siding material. This is another synthetic product with a lifespan of up to a century, as long as it gets regular cleaning and there’s no unusual wear and tear. You can clean it with a cloth or soft-bristled brush using a vinegar and water mixture, or use a pressure washer on a low setting. Vinyl comes in a wide range of colors that don’t fade with sun exposure. While it isn’t as strong as steel, it’s still resistant to weather, rot, and insects.

2. Fiberglass & Fiber Cement

Both of these modern materials are synthetics created from a composite of materials. Fiberglass is a plastic material reinforced by glass fibers, and fiber cement is made of Portland cement, sand, and plant or wood fibers. They’re both highly fire-resistant, weather-resistant, insect-resistant, and won’t rot or fade. They’re low maintenance and won’t need painting or refinishing for about 15 years unless you want to change the color. Their total lifespan is around 50 years.

3. Steel

This is another extremely durable option. In addition to being fire-resistant and impervious to insects and rot, it’s also very difficult to crack or dent steel siding. It does need some maintenance to ensure it stays correctly waterproofed in order to prevent rust. You should clean it with a power washer using either plain water or a small amount of laundry detergent, and repaint it any time the exterior waterproof coating is worn out or damaged. With regular maintenance, it can last 40 years or more, and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan.

For your next home improvement project, choose Gateway Exteriors in Wentzville, MO. Serving St. Charles County since 1982, this licensed and insured company is known for going above and beyond. Their experienced team members are attentive and thorough, and they offer a one-year warranty on their labor so you can be sure their work holds up. They offer quality siding, including James Hardie and Mastick vinyl siding. For a free estimate, call (636) 327-8609 or visit the website.