The Many Different Types of Siding by Alice Lane

If you have an older home built from house design plans and are thinking that it is time to replace the worn out siding on your home, it is a good idea to know what different types are available in today's marketplace. Before you run out and buy your siding you should have a good idea about what to expect in the stores.

The first type of siding that we will start with is vinyl siding. Most of the new homes that are being built out there are made from vinyl. Vinyl requires little effort to keep it looking good. A quick rinse of your garden hose or pressure washer will easily remove dirt or bird droppings that have begun to wear on your nerves. Vinyl is rather thin, so it offers little in the way of insulation. If you are going to this route you will need to make sure that you have other forms of insulation on the inside of your walls to keep the weather conditions outside. The only maintenance you really need to worry about with vinyl is that it will need to be painted regularly.

Another popular type of siding in house designs plans is that of brick. Not only does brick look great on the side of a house, but it is also durable. Brick is practically indestructible and requires very little in the form of maintenance. If you live in a wetter climate you may, in time, need to keep an eye on the mortar that holds the brick in place. There may come a time when part of the mortar was worn away and needs to be replaced. Other than that one simple problem and the fact that it usually costs more than the rest, brick is an excellent choice all around.

If you live in the southwest, you probably have stucco as your current form of siding on your house made from ranch floor plans. Stucco is made with cement and lends itself to be a very solid siding. This form of siding comes in a large variety of colors and textures. The beauty of stucco is that it never has to be painted. While stucco can be quite expensive, it will last you many, many years. Stucco has also formed a name for itself as being moisture proof and long lasting. If you live in an area of the country that sees warm temperatures and perhaps some hurricanes, stucco is a great option as it keeps maintenance in those areas to a minimum. Stucco also helps to keep houses cooler during the summer months than traditional siding.