Which Siding is Best?

Choose siding that fits in with the general siding style in your community. (Photo by Katelin Kinney)

It often reminds me of the 1987 movie “Tin Men,” starring Richard Dreyfuss and Danny DeVito, where the two men peddle their aluminum siding wares while personally feuding with each other.

Our company installs most siding products available on the market today, but the No. 1 thing we try to do is to educate our customers to not only the choices they have, but what makes sense for the neighborhood they live in.

If your home is in an all vinyl siding community, it’s probably a good idea to stay with some version of a vinyl product.

Types of Siding

Just like every product made, vinyl siding is available in various mil grades, or thickness, and in various designs. The most common vinyl siding product is lap siding, which is your typical horizontal style.

Board and batten, shake and scallop siding is often nice for accents, such as dormers or upper sections on gable ends.

Insulated CraneBoard siding comes with a lifetime warranty against fading and hail, which transfers over to every new owner. CraneBoard products probably have the best warranty available.

James Hardie fiber cement is another product that has taken a major foothold in the market and offers a 30-year non-prorated warranty. The fiber cement board comes in many different styles and is available primed or painted. The painted version offers a 15-year warranty against chipping and peeling.

Benefits of Hiring a Siding Pro

There are several reasons to work with a contractor who will help guide you to which type and style of siding is best for your home. The most important reason is the installation process itself. The siding product you have installed on your home doesn’t matter in the end, as long as you find a company that will follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

Research with Angi to make sure the contractor you hire has great reviews. Proper installation means your warranty and the buyer of your home will be covered if something goes wrong long after the contractor finishes.