Choosing siding for your house is the most important aesthetic choice you can make. It dominates over your landscaping, and will last for years. That being said, it is important that you absolutely love the material and color before you pull the trigger. Here are the most important things to know before you start shopping.
Material
Almost as much as the color, the material is pivotal to your house’s aesthetic appeal. But aesthetics aren’t the only thing to worry about. Siding materials vary significantly and they might not all be suited to your needs.
Vinyl: Vinyl is one of the most popular siding materials available on the market. Vinyl is so common because it lasts longer than other options, sometimes as long as forty years. It’s also easy to maintain and relatively cheap. To keep your vinyl siding looking nice, you’ll only have to wash it occasionally. Vinyl also comes in a multitude of colors and patterns, making it perfect for homeowners who want a specific look for their house.
Wood: Once a staple of many American homes, wood has fallen out of style. However, that’s perfect for those who want their house to look quaint and historic. Many agree that there is simply no beating the beauty of real wood. Many companies try to mimic the natural wood patterns, but rarely do so successfully. There is a downside to its beauty however. Wood will have to be painted or refinished every three to four years, which can become expensive.
Composite Wood: Composite wood is a mix of plastic and wood that is formed to create a wood-like, long lasting material. Composite wood has a different texture and sheen than real wood, but still retains much of the same beauty. The main selling point, however, is that it lasts much longer than real wood and doesn’t need the same maintenance every few years.
Things to Consider when Choosing Color
Choosing new siding is a big decision. It’s hard to visualize colors and materials on your house from a small sample. There are phone apps available to help you do this, or a professional can help you pick the right color. Either way, it’s an exciting decision that will make you fall in love with you home all over again.
Amount of Siding on Your House: First, consider how much of your house the siding will cover. The more the coverage, the more neutral color you should choose. If it’s a small area, flashy and bright colors may be okay. On the other hand, if it’s a large area, a dark color may make your home look gloomy.
Color of your Roof: Just like choosing a shirt and pant color, a dark roof goes best with light siding, and vice versa. If the roof and siding are similar colors, it will take away from the natural breaking point in your home.
Door Color and Size: While a door is much easier to change than the siding, perhaps you’ll want to change both at the same time. A light siding may allow you to get a little flashy with your front door, while a dark wood door might not go well with wood siding.
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