If you are building a house from scratch or even remodelling it to improve its structure and design, there is a complete thought process behind choosing the right exterior for your house. It not only gives your house a nice finish and definition but also improves the performance of your house especially if you are living in a climate zone where weather conditions can get harsh. Here in this blog, we have pinned down some of the best siding materials that will give your house the desired look and better protection from a functional point of view.
Best Siding Materials For Your House Exterior
A house takes months to build and weeks to remodel before you have all the workers successfully complete their work and it can get expensive depending upon the kind of finishing materials you have used. The kind of exterior finishing you choose will determine the frequency of maintenance it will require and the expenses you will be incurring. To choose the best siding material for the exterior walls of your house, you first need to know:
- How frequently does it require maintenance
- Its durability
- Its installation cost
- It enhances the aesthetics of your house
From an architectural standpoint, the siding material used should not affect the architectural style of your house rather it should add more definition to it. If picked rightly, your house will stand out in your neighbourhood and fascinate others.
The uniqueness in the design and facade of a house will always be noticed by the by-passers. So, if you want your house to be accentuated in your street, we have compiled a list of siding materials that are popular and have high functionality.
- Stucco Siding
- Brick Siding
- Wood Clapboard Siding
- Stone Veneer Siding
- Vinyl Siding
Stucco Siding
Stucco siding for exterior walls tops our list because it is one of the most popular in Pakistan because of its high durability and ability to withstand climate variations. The process of installing stucco siding is more complex as compared to other options and requires skilled labour but if done properly, it can last a lifetime.
Stucco is a mixture of water, cement, lime and sand which can be applied directly on bricks as well as stoned surfaces. The classic look and long-lasting durability are achieved if the mixture has been carefully applied to the surface to minimize the risk of cracks. Its low maintenance, matt finishing and availability in different colours make it one of the best siding materials.
Brick Siding
Have you seen the construction of old temples, forts and tombs? These buildings have survived the climate and environmental changes because of the material used in their construction, bricks made up of fired clay, that has the ability to last for even centuries. Bricks are resistant to fire, improve the structural foundation of a house and are always in demand. People are often concerned about choosing brick sidings because of water seepage through walls but there are ways to counter that too. Water pouring and seepage can be resisted by installing a membrane of plastic sheet between bricks and the wall or any other insulation.
You can pick a colour of your choice but brick siding is expensive because it is labour intensive. Every brick has to be installed carefully to get the anticipated results and lasting finishing. If installed properly, you don’t need to worry about patching and maintaining it for decades.
Wood Clapboard Siding
Wood sidings are also in fashion because of the aesthetic look it gives to your house. But unlike brick, wood requires maintenance and specific weather conditions for a lasting finishing. Wood does not rot but it is susceptible to rodents and insects which can damage the entire structure. Wood is usually used in bungalows and cottages to give them a luxurious look.
If you want to give your house an antique yet stylish look, wood is the choice you can go with. It requires periodic maintenance which involves using primers and paint or stains on its surface to give it a refreshing new look and sustain its strength and durability.
Stone Veneer Siding
Natural stones like lime, granite and marble have high strength and durability because of their natural composition. This is the reason you will find sidings of stones in mansions and expensive properties. It is because of the strength, resistance to changes in temperature and environment, high resilience, style and huge demand, these natural stones are highly expensive. If you can afford stone sidings, you will not find anything long-lasting than these which are also low-maintenance.
Since stone sidings are extremely expensive and out of reach for most people, stone veneers are a relatively affordable choice. Stone veneers are artificial stone sidings that resemble stones and some of these are hard to identify from genuine stones.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is one of the low-cost and low-maintenance siding for your house that you can install. It comes in different styles and colours that can give the exterior of your house an aesthetic boost. The panels of vinyl siding are often installed over old wood sidings to give the house a textured look. These are low cost but there is a downside to these too. Vinyl sidings are made up of plastic so these panels won’t rot but if exposed to high heat, these will melt. Another disadvantage of using vinyl sidings is that it expands in summer and contracts in winter due to changes in temperature so it is not ideal for areas where weather conditions throughout the year are not the same.
So, this is our comprehensive guide on the best siding materials for your house. If you live in warmer areas of Pakistan, you can also check our guide on how to keep your house cool during summer and paint colours to keep your house cool.
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