Preferences for siding materials change as home owners learn about the expense, maintenance and aesthetic appeal of each type. Preferences for siding materials change as home owners learn about the expense, maintenance and aesthetic appeal of each type. Traditional brick and stone covered homes for many years, but technology has developed alternatives that are easier to install and less expensive while performing equally well.

Wood and aluminum continue as perennial favorites, but the popularity of fiberglass and wood composites has diminished. The entry of fiber cement house siding into the market offers home owners the opportunity to use a product that combines the best attributes of others and quality improvements as well.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is no longer an innovation in the siding market, so home owners can view homes that use it and evaluate how well it looks. While it does not rot like wood, some of the less expensive vinyl tends toward brittleness when exposed to cold temperatures, and it can fade in the sun. It serves a useful purpose by presenting a pretty appearance until it turns dull, and it has a long lifespan that makes a small investment even more worthwhile.

Some of vinyl siding's better attributes include energy savings, a wide choice of colors and resistance to termites. Disposal of the product when home owners are no longer satisfied with it presents environment problems. Polyvinyl chloride releases chemicals that are toxic when burned, and the Environmental Protection Agency lists other concerns as well.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is an affordable material that resembles vinyl siding in appearance, but it is harder to maintain. It prevents heat loss when a proper amount of insulation is installed underneath, and it is more effective than vinyl. A downside of the product is that it dents easily, and the enamel finish is susceptible to damage from scratches. The cost of repair by an aluminum contractor diminishes the savings afforded by a less expensive type of siding. Recycling of aluminum siding is an option for home owners who want to discard it.

Wood Siding

Wood is a familiar product that is preferred by many home owners for its warmth and beauty. The maintenance required to keep it looking nice is greater than for other types of siding, but it provides a traditional look that is aesthetically pleasing. Treatment with chemicals can deter invasion by wood-eating pests, and an application of paint every few years provides protection from the sun and the elements. Wood siding can deteriorate, and rot can occur. Many home owners enjoy the appearance of wood enough to accept higher costs of maintenance and repair.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement house siding offers home owners some of the most desired qualities of cladding materials, including an aesthetic look in a product that is highly durable and nearly maintenance free. Giving the appearance of traditional wood grains, stucco or masonry, it resists many of the destructive forces that affect other materials. Additionally, it is termite proof and far less flammable than other siding products. Manufactured to the highest standards, the product is a combination of cement, a fibrous material and additives that creates an aesthetically pleasing covering for a home. Warranties of 50 years are common for the product, confirming the durability of the manufactured siding.