5 Popular Siding Options

Just like a nice roof, siding can either make or break an entire home’s curb appeal. Let’s take a look at the most popular siding materials to see how home and business owners make a decision.

Vinyl Siding: The Economical Choice

Vinyl siding started being used as a home siding material in the 1950s. Before then, wood, aluminum, and steel were the most common materials. Vinyl made its debut as an affordable, low-maintenance material.


Vinyl allows for creative exterior color choices – or just smooth, classic neutral tones.

Vinyl comes with interlocking edges, making it one of the easier types of siding to install. However, improper installation can result in serious issues like cracking and buckling. Low-quality materials and too-tight nailing may contribute to these defects.


Image credit: Inspectopedia
Vinyl “buckling” presents a disheveled rippled effect.

While vinyl serves many homeowners well, a well-established contractor is needed to ensure its longevity for years to come.

Wood Siding: The Fancy Option

Wood siding comes in the form of planks, panels, and shingles. Real wood is a beautiful choice for the exterior of your home. The siding can be placed either vertically or horizontally, depending on what type you choose. Wood siding will come with higher maintenance needs, and may be significantly more expensive than vinyl. Cedar shingles are one of the more expensive options.

The major downsides to wood siding are rot, insects, and a higher sensitivity to sun exposure. Improper ventilation may cause problems with painted wood siding. But with proper installation and upkeep, wood is a great option for an upscale look.

Hardie Plank Siding: Best of Both Worlds

Hardie siding strikes a perfect balance between a natural wood aesthetic and vinyl’s durability. Going back to the 1980’s James Hardie invented fiber cement technology. His company made its way from Scotland to North America in the 90’s. Since then, Hardie’s fiber cement siding material has proven to be the most durable option on the market.

With long-term durability as a major factor, Hardie siding can be one of the more economical options for home siding material.

Image credit: James Hardie

Hardie’s “ColorPlus” technology was a key innovation in the mid-2000’s. The finish is literally baked on. It resists fading and won’t need to be repainted for much longer than vinyl or wood could offer alone. Hardie siding also resists hail, termites, and fire at higher intensities.

Plus, it’s green and sustainable. It’s made from sustainable raw materials which are recycled up to four times before reaching your home. Their ColorPlus technology also reduces liquid waste and contributes less to air pollution.

RoofCrafters is proud to be named a James Hardie Preferred Remodeler. We’re prepared to take on any framing task, including siding that has experienced significant structural damage.

Metal Siding: Modern Looks & Custom Cuts

Metal siding is not only popular due to its easy maintainability compared to wood, but also because of a super clean, modern look. It’s not as expensive as natural wood, but may cost more than vinyl.


Image credit: Absolute Steel

Metal siding can be left in its more natural state, showing off a slightly reflective sheen. Or, it can be colored – and you usually can’t even tell the difference between colored metal and wood. Metal siding comes in a broad array of styles:

• Horizontal or vertical panels
• Corrugated metal (wavy and reflective, like on a modern coffee shop)
• Rustic steel
• Copper
• Exposed or hidden fasteners

Custom Metal Siding with RoofCrafters

RoofCrafters actually custom-crafts metal panels for you on-site in Central Texas. We can match any accessories you already have on the home with no seams or warping. Our computerized sheet metal equipment is some of the best in the industry. It ensures a clean look each and every time.

Central Texas Siding Pros Since 1981

RoofCrafters serves Central Texans with high quality materials, installation, and service. As a James Hardie Preferred Remodeler and a GAF MasterElite contractor, you can hire with confidence.

Let’s see how we can help. Get started with a project planner today!