Wood Siding

• Wood siding made from insect- and rot-resistant wood, such as red cedar or redwood, weathers much better than nonresistant woods like fir or pine. The resistant woods do not need to be painted, stained, finished or treated with water preservatives to stand up against wet weather conditions. Siding made from nonresistant wood, however, does need these treatments. To establish and maintain weather resistance for these nonresistant woods, apply two coats of semitransparent oil stain upon installation and then another coat every three to four years. Both nonresistant and naturally resistant wood sidings stand up to hail damage and are unlikely to dent. Wood siding is expected to last 25 to 75 years, depending on the product. Resistant woods last longer than nonresistant varieties.
  
  

Metal Siding

• Aluminum and steel siding are often comparable in price but have different characteristics. Aluminum dents easily -- such as in hail storms -- but does not rust if scratched or torn. It expands and contracts with temperature changes. Steel, on the other hand, resists dents better than aluminum but will rust if not promptly repaired after being dented or scratched. Paint on steel siding will weather over time, but, unlike aluminum, it can be repainted. While backer boards for both aluminum and metal siding help buffer against outside noise, they are noisy in high wind conditions or during driving storms. Metal siding is expected to last between 20 and 50 years, depending on the product. Products with vinyl-clad finishes last longer than those with baked enamel finishes.
  
  

Vinyl Siding

• Vinyl is an inexpensive siding option with a limited life. It tends to melt or warp in high temperatures and crack in cold conditions. If the siding suffers a hard blow in frigid conditions, it might shatter. It also dents easily in hail or driving storms. However, it does not rust, is easy to install and is low-maintenance. Vinyl siding is expected to last approximately 25 years, though some manufacturers offer extended warranties.
  
  

Brick and Stone Siding

• Brick and stone siding are the most durable types of siding on the market. They do not dent, rust, rot, burn or experience termite damage. When installed correctly, stone and brick are virtually impervious to adverse weather conditions. They are also expensive; brick and stone have the highest initial installation, labor and material costs when compared with wood, vinyl or metal options. However, their lifetime costs are lower than the others due to their low maintenance requirements and ability to remain viable for 100 years or more.