Before selecting the ideal exterior material for your home, it’s important to start with a clear understanding of your budget. While there are cost-effective, low-maintenance options on the market, they may not deliver the same level of visual impact or long-term durability as higher-end materials.
That’s why we encourage homeowners to weigh all three factors—cost, aesthetic value, and upkeep—when making their choice. And keep in mind: low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. Even the most resilient materials require occasional care to maintain your home's appearance at its best.
Consider the Costs of Building Materials AND Application
When determining the budget for your home’s exterior, consider the cost of materials, labor to install your selections, and the installation method. There are often multiple application methods for the same product. For example, fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie siding, can be applied directly to the sheathing over a vapor barrier or used in a rain screen application. Applying the material over the standard vapor barrier is likely a more cost-effective approach.
The additional application of the rain screen before the fiber cement siding increases the cost of materials and labor for installation. Although the rain screen application comes with a higher price tag, it may be considered the 'better’ choice, particularly in the ever-damp Seattle region, as it has a longer lifespan. You must decide between paying more initially for a longer-lasting product or saving money in the present and potentially having to repair or replace your siding sooner.
Low-Maintenance Exterior Materials: Pros & Cons
1. Brick, Stone Veneer, and Masonry Siding
Pros
- These materials come in all shapes and sizes for siding options.
- Home siding made of brick, stone veneer, and masonry is exceptionally durable and requires little maintenance.
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Combining brick siding with insulation can increase energy efficiency by stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing heat transfer through the wall. As a result, the heat remains outside in the summer, and in winter, it stays inside, leading to reduced utility costs.
- Most brick siding, brick veneer, and stone veneer are fire-resistant.
- Brick and natural stone are typically eco-friendly because they’re made of plentiful natural materials.
- These materials can reduce the risk of mold, mildew, and termites.
- Because of its thickness, brick can be a more effective sound barrier than other siding materials.
Cons
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Installing brick is labor-intensive, which would increase the cost of this choice.
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These options are somewhat limited in colors compared to other materials. If you want to change it later, you will need to paint it, which is a time-consuming and challenging process.
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If you add on to your home later or change part of it, having a brick exterior can make home additions more challenging and costly.
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If you're considering brick siding for your home, keep in mind that it requires additional structural support compared to lighter-weight materials. For instance, if brick siding covers most of your home's exterior, any second-floor gables above the roof will need secondary cladding. This is because brick is heavier and needs more support to withstand its weight.
2. Steel Siding
Pros
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The cost is comparable to that of other high-quality materials, such as wood siding or cedar shake.
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Steel siding is low maintenance, verging on no maintenance required - steel siding doesn’t require painting or regular washing.
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It can be formed into a large variety of shapes and sizes.
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Over time, steel siding will develop a patina and may rust, which can be a unique design element to some but not to others. Steel siding can be painted or coated to prevent this from happening if you desire.
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Steel siding is fireproof.
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This exterior material choice is considered eco-friendly because it’s a recyclable material, and steel production requires relatively little energy.
Cons
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The installation cost is higher because steel siding needs to be installed over a rain screen (this method is recommended for wet climates like the PNW). Steel is also more challenging to cut and machine into specific lengths and shapes.
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Steel has a distinct aesthetic and is typically used in more contemporary, modern, or rustic styles of homes. This means the material needs to match the homeowner’s aesthetic and is only a good fit for some styles.
Farwell New Construction, Better Builders
3. Vinyl Siding
Pros
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Vinyl house siding is inexpensive to purchase and install.
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With its wide range of colors, vinyl siding eliminates the need for painting. Unlike natural wood, which requires scraping, prepping, and priming, vinyl doesn't peel, making it a low-maintenance option for your home's exterior.
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This type of material is known to be low-maintenance in terms of cleaning due to its smooth texture. Dirt, dust, and other debris can be easily removed by simply using a garden hose.
Cons
- If you prioritize aesthetics, it's worth noting that vinyl may not be the most durable material, and its color may fade over time. Its lifespan is approximately one-third that of fiber cement.
- Vinyl can be vulnerable to melting or warping when exposed to direct heat, and it poses challenges for disposal due to its non-recyclable nature. Additionally, it lacks fire resistance, further complicating its suitability for certain applications.
- Vinyl offers a limited range of styles despite its multitude of colors. In cases of dullness, replacement is required rather than painting. Moreover, darker shades are more susceptible to fading in direct sunlight.
- High wind events can pull vinyl siding off the exterior of your home.
- Vinyl lengths may split and separate due to extreme temperature swings, and vinyl siding can be easily punctured. For instance, a rock may hit the siding while mowing the lawn, causing a hole.
- Vinyl siding can trap moisture underneath, leading to mold, mildew, wood rot, and potentially even structural failure.
- The production of vinyl is bad for the environment.
4. Fiber Cement Siding
Pros
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Fiber cement siding is a highly durable building material suitable for a wide range of climates. Its exceptional toughness makes it an ideal choice for salty environments, as it can endure harsh conditions if given a proper finish.
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This siding material is highly customizable and available in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. It can mimic the look of wood grain and can be installed vertically or horizontally. Additionally, it can be pre-finished or pre-painted to save installation time and effort.
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Fiber cement exterior siding is fairly eco-friendly because it’s made of recycled materials. It’s not currently post-consumer recyclable, but since it has a long lifespan, it’s not a huge concern (yet).
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Fiber cement siding's high durability is enhanced by its ability to be installed with minimally exposed fasteners, resulting in fewer penetrations and areas prone to deterioration.
Cons
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Fiber cement siding needs to be painted or sealed, which increases the cost and maintenance.
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The raw material (unpainted or sealed) can’t come into direct contact with the ground or wet surfaces, as it’ll deteriorate. This means installation may take longer because crews have to be more careful with the material.
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Due to its weight, fiber cement siding poses a greater installation challenge, resulting in higher labor costs and requiring more time for handling and management.
5. Natural Wood, Engineered Wood, and Cedar Shake Siding
Pros
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There are many species of natural wood to choose from, each with its unique look. Common wood species for siding include cedar, pine, spruce, fir, and more.
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Natural wood siding and engineered wood siding can be painted or stained in practically any color or finish you desire.
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Natural wood is an environmentally friendly choice because it’s biodegradable, produced through clean manufacturing, and is considered a renewable resource.
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Both natural and engineered wood are available in a variety of styles, including lap, tongue and groove, shake, shingles, board and batten, beveled, and more.
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Since wood siding is considered a classic look and a more high-end selection, it may add curb appeal and value when it’s time for resale.
Cons
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Wood siding requires more maintenance than other common siding materials. Some species even need to be restained every 2-3 years to keep moisture out of the wood. Painting typically needs to be redone every 4 to 5 years. Wood siding must also be thoroughly cleaned at least once per year to remove dirt and mildew buildup.
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While the price varies depending on the wood species you choose, wood siding is more expensive than other common siding materials.
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Wood attracts termites. You’ll want to factor in annual pest control inspections as part of your maintenance plan to prevent infestations.
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Many wood siding products have poor flame-spread fire ratings. Sometimes this may even increase the cost of your home insurance.
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If the wood becomes split, cracked, or rotted, it must be replaced immediately. Damaged wood siding can trap water, leading to mold and mildew problems. Smaller wood pieces, such as shakes or shingles, are also more prone to being ripped off in severe weather conditions.
6. Stucco Siding
Pros
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Stucco siding comes in many different colors and finishes.
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The Stucco application is a relatively seamless process, leading to a consistent, uninterrupted look.
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If you appreciate the distinctive stucco exterior look, there are no substitutes that can replicate it. Stucco offers a one-of-a-kind texture that is unparalleled by any other exterior finish, making it the ideal choice for those who admire this appearance.
Cons
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Because stucco is commonly applied over wood structures, the wood will expand and contract with the seasons due to changes in moisture and temperature. This expansion will create hairline cracks in the stucco facade that, left unmaintained, will allow moisture in between the stucco and wood and will damage both materials.
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Most stucco is at its best when placed over a masonry or concrete substructure - look at it more as a decorative finish rather than a structural material.
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The paint required to maintain stucco can be expensive, as it must be specifically formulated for this material application. The painting also takes a considerable amount of time and is labor-intensive due to the texture that stucco creates.
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The quality application of stucco is a specialized craft, which means not all siding contractors are qualified to do it. Installation can be very time-consuming.
Balancing Aesthetic, Care, and Cost
There are many different types of siding to choose from. Narrowing down your choices will depend on your desired aesthetic and the architectural style of your home. You also need to consider the climate in which you’re building your home and your ideal budget. Reach out to an experienced general contractor or architect who can provide you with information and guidance on which product is best suited for your budget and style.
For more insights on keeping your home in top shape, download our eBook, “Redefining Home Maintenance: The Proactive & Essential Guide for Homeowners.”
