Choosing siding options for a new home or replacing an outdated product can be daunting – a seemingly simple exterior improvement has the potential to improve your curb appeal and home value, while also weatherproofing your home. Choosing which siding product is best for your home depends on your location and climate, desired style and of course, cost.
At Leo Distributors, our building material suppliers offer a selection of some of the most popular brand name products, including vinyl siding, aluminum soffits and fascia, and fiber cement siding. Vinyl and other options are most popular, as aluminum has begun to be phased out. We do still offer repair of previously installed aluminum siding, as well as installation to match pre-existing aluminum siding for additions. Visit our showroom and take a look at select speciality siding pieces and products, like stone, brick, scallops, trims and other decorative pieces.
Vinyl Siding
The U.S. Census Bureau releases an annual report, Characteristics of New Single-Family Houses Completed, with most recent data from 2013 ranking vinyl as #1 for siding – for the last 20 years. Builders and homeowners alike love vinyl siding because of its reliability, durability, growing variety of style options, low maintenance, and low cost.
Vinyl siding is somewhat susceptible to expanding or shrinking and cracking with changing weather extremes, but many homeowners find it easy to maintain, and effortlessly dependable, no matter where you live. With vinyl’s consistent popularity, newer vinyl products and trims are available in an even wider range of bold colors, unique styles mimicking wood or more expensive materials, and some are treated for added water-protection and UV-resistance.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding products are available in sheets of varying thicknesses, meaning the cost and durability of your home siding will depend on the “gauge” of metal you choose – thicker gauged aluminum is more expensive.
Depending on climate and region, aluminum siding offers great insulation and waterproof protection. Aluminum is less likely to crack in extreme cold, and will not rust while repelling water. However, some tend to stay away from aluminum in extreme heat and windy areas, as aluminum has a tendency to “ping” and make noises as metal expands.
It is worth considering that many homeowners and distributors feel like aluminum is becoming a bit “outdated” – aluminum soffit and fascia is still used because of its strength, while in some places, full aluminum siding had begun being phased out.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is an option for those looking for a bit more refined style than vinyl, while still remaining more cost effective than top-tier options. In the last 2 decades, fiber cement’s popularity has taken off, becoming a favorite choice for architects, designers, and homeowners alike.
It’s one of the only siding products that combines performance, minimal upkeep, and weather resistance (it’s also rot, fire, and termite-proof! And resistant to extreme wind or cold!) with the look of expensive painted wood clapboards, shingles, even stone or brick. Warranties for fiber cement siding range anywhere from 25–50 years, even some limited lifetime warranties.
Ready to get started? Contact us at Leo Distributers in Fort Wayne, IN today!
