Exterior siding provides a great way to add color and definition to your home in Calgary. There are lots of options to choose from and help you create the perfect façade. While aesthetics are important, homeowners also want to consider the material’s durability, ability to resist water, ease of installation and versatility. If you’re in the market for, or need repairs on your siding, we recommend working with an experienced home contractor to help you choose the right siding for your home.

Vinyl Siding

This low-cost option is very versatile, and the easy maintenance of vinyl siding has helped it become the most common siding choice for homeowners and builders alike. While design professionals are turned off by the plastic look, the variety of colors and styles available helps explain vinyl siding’s popularity. Unlike metal, it won’t rust, conduct electricity or dent; the plastic simply bounces back. Unlike wood siding, it won’t warp, rot or chip. It will also hold up well against the elements since it’s rain, sun and wind-resistant. Vinyl siding is long-lasting and will often come with a manufacturer’s guarantee. While vinyl siding is durable, it is not impenetrable. If it is grazed by a lawn mower or snow blower, it will get chewed up and crack easily. If there are high winds or chinooks in Calgary and the paneling isn’t fully secured, it could blow off. Also, if not properly installed, it can leak, which then makes it vulnerable to all the elements.

Aluminum Siding

For homeowners who live in colder climates like Calgary, aluminum is a better choice than vinyl since aluminum is not affected by cold, whereas vinyl can become brittle during cold snaps and can crack. Once a crack appears, water can get under the siding and can cause water damage. Did you know that aluminum is also fire-resistant? This fact may save the homeowner a considerable amount on homeowner insurance. It does however, tend to dent and scratch easily, and replacing a single panel can prove difficult both from a construction standpoint as well as from the point of view of matching existing colours. The reason for this is that the colours baked onto aluminum siding tend to fade, preventing an easy match-up. Also, exposure to the elements often causes aluminum to become chalky and dull in color.

Wood Siding

While Wood siding offers a rich look and is durable if maintained properly. Keep in mind that it requires periodic maintenance and is susceptible to insect or rodent attacks. Wood siding has a timeless, classic look, is easy to paint and can be painted or stained almost any color imaginable. Many types of exterior siding make repair difficult if not virtually impossible. With wood exterior siding, pieces can be easily removed and replaced, and when it comes to exterior siding, wood is one of the most eco-conscious materials available. Although it is attractive, wood siding is also one of the most expensive types of siding available on the market. You will need to repaint or re-stain your wood siding every 3-7 years and inspect your siding regularly to locate any problems (including mold and mildew).

Fiber-cement Siding

Fiber-cement siding sometimes cannot be distinguished from wood siding. This makes it a very cost-effective alternative to wood siding if you want the same look. This siding offers several advantages over other types of exterior siding and is sure to add value and elegance to your home. Fiber-cement can withstand variations in weather conditions, such as snow, ice, heat and freezing temperature without decaying while providing fire protection. One of the greatest advantages of fiber-cement siding is that unlike wood or vinyl siding, it requires little-to-no maintenance, so there is no need to clean and wash it on a regular basis. While fiber-cement siding has many advantages, it does have one drawback: installation and handling costs are higher when compared to vinyl siding and you will need at least twice the number of hands available when installing fiber-cement siding.

In Conclusion…

The exterior of your home in Calgary establishes the style of your house. First impressions are always important, and you can set the tone for the rest of your property by carefully selecting the right exterior components. Your finished roof, your home’s siding, well-chosen architectural details, the chosen material’s durability and ability to resist water all add curb appeal and value to your home. If you’re in the market for new siding but are still unsure what types of exterior Siding to use, give us a call at 403-719-4271 or submit this form for a free estimate today!