A home’s siding is its skin—visible to the outside world, but also protective against nature and the outside elements. Luckily, there is a wide variety of siding choices available on the market offering an array of colors, textures, and longevity.
Siding can boost the appearance of a home or it can detract from it, and curb appeal is important to the value of the property. The strength and maintenance requirements are just as important, however. The great news is, all of these features can be found in the siding choices available in today’s home improvement marketplace.
From wood to stone, from vinyl to metal, the siding choices are endless. But with such a variety of choice, the pros and cons of each can get confusing. Our 30-year experience with house siding installation has provided us with a unique perspective as to which siding choices provide the best benefits with regard to environmental factors and the state’s climate. Fiber cement lap siding and seamless steel siding in Woodbury, MN, are excellent siding choices.
We’ve provided some comparisons of the two in several areas from aesthetic appeal to longevity.
Durability
Both types of siding are extremely durable choices. Teflon-coated steel siding is scratch, dent, and stain-resistant, insect-proof, and repels oil and water. Fiber cement siding is manufactured using a mix of wood pulp and cement, and then formed into long boards. It won’t warp or bend, is more durable than wood, and is termite-proof. Generally, most professionals agree that seamless steel siding has a longer life, depending on the manufacturer. Higher quality steel siding will last up to 50 years, but higher quality fiber cement siding will last between 30 to 50 years.
Maintenance Requirements
Seamless steel siding and fiber cement siding are virtually maintenance-free, requiring periodic washings with the water hose. Quality fiber cement siding brands generally carry a guarantee against fading or chipping for at least 30 years. Fading is usually not an issue for steel siding, especially if it has been treated with a protective coating like Teflon.
Seamless steel siding is generally less expensive than fiber cement siding, but the cost depends on the manufacturer and the contractor’s fees for installing it. Fiber cement siding has a higher production cost because it requires high embedded energy. That means it takes more energy to fire up the kilns that heat its raw materials, and therefore may have a higher cost. If you are trying to decide between the two and cost is a factor, ask the contractor for a comparison estimate for each type.
Aesthetic Value
Lapped siding gets rid of unattractive seams present in cheaper siding options, and both seamless steel siding and fiber cement siding use lapped versions. Both offer a variety of color options, and replicate the look of natural wood. Accent modifications, like shutters, or rainware systems are also available.
Energy Efficiency
Steel siding with an Energy Star-rated finish are more efficient than those which do not. Coatings containing Cool Paint Technology, which uses reflective pigments, offer additional protection and energy efficiency. Steel siding is recyclable, and is considered better for the environment. It has a higher energy efficiency rating than fiber cement siding.
Regardless of which type of siding best meets your needs, we suggest choosing a reputable, established contractor who has experience installing both fiber cement siding and seamless steel siding in the Woodbury, MN, area.
