The kind of exterior siding you choose for your house will depend on cost, decorative style and ease of maintenance. There are a number of outside sidings to choose from, and most can be fixed to insulation boards for maximum energy saving.
Wooden Clapboard
This gives a traditional effect, and is usually made from a durable hardwood like cedar or redwood. Wooden clapboard is straightforward but time consuming to install, and high maintenance, as it needs to be painted or stained.
Stucco Siding
Stucco is a mixture of cement, water and sand or lime. You can either apply it to prepared masonry or chicken wire. Alternatively, you can purchase synthetic stucco in panels which is made of foam insulation. However, while this is easy to install, it is porous and can become damaged by water.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is made of polyvinylchloride (PVC), which is probably the easiest exterior siding to install as it comes in sheets which can be fixed to the existing structure. It is cheap and requires little to no maintenance. However, it can crack and is arguably harmful to the environment because it is derived from fossil fuels.
Aluminium Siding
Aluminium siding has the advantage of being easy to install and maintenance free. Its cost is comparable to vinyl, although metal siding is not as popular as it used to be, as it can present difficulties with insulation if it is not properly fitted.
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