You don’t tear your home’s face off every day. When you do, you want to make sure you do it right. Details matter, and choosing the right materials for your project will make or break your results. We’re happy to use our years of SmardBuild experience to walk you around siding basics for 2022 so that you can be sure you are choosing the perfect siding for your exterior remodel project.
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What Type of House Siding is Best?
Fiber Cement- This relative newcomer to the siding game leads in many remodelers’ books because of its best in class showing in so many important categories. Fiber cement is durable, pest and weather-resistant, and mimics the look of timeless wood. It lasts for up to 50 years, with minimal upkeep needs.
Vinyl- Vinyl is an excellent choice for a mid-range siding project. It is still the most popular kind of siding in America by far. It is durable, light, and easy to install. Vinyl comes in a vast range of colors allowing you to find exactly the right shade for your home.
Stone Veneer- Consider stone veneer in addition to any of these other options. Stone veneers are a thin product that looks like solid stone. They are relatively easy to install, pack massive curb appeal, and provide an ROI above 90% in many housing markets.
Cedar/Pine- Wood siding is gorgeous and classic. It can last up to thirty years but has high maintenance needs like restaining and replacing rotting boards to last. It is truly a labor of love to own a home with natural wood siding in 2022.
Engineered Wood- This material is made up of wood strands compressed with a resin binder. It’s more durable and pest-resistant than wood and has significantly less frequent maintenance needs than its classic wood counterpart.
Wondering what these options cost? Check out our blog about the cost of an exterior remodel here.
Exterior Siding Colors Trending in 2022
You aren't alone if you need some inspiration to choose your siding colors. Half the battle of a siding remodel is picking the right color for your home. Here are the top color trends we see in siding:
- Warm neutrals- Warm neutrals like putty and brown are a great choice for most exterior siding projects.
- Natural green tones- Green tones complement natural materials, which are increasingly popular in exterior projects.
- Cool blues and greys-These are classic colors in every neighborhood.
- White/off-white- White and off-white homes sell better than any other color. They are a fool-proof and beautiful choice that can be easily customized with other exterior elements.
Light Vs. Dark Siding
Light Siding- Light siding fades less and keeps a more consistent exterior temperature by reflecting more sunlight. Light siding also shows more dirt and wear from further away. We also know that homes with white siding sell more quickly. Light siding is a likely crowd-pleaser.
Dark Siding- Dark siding fades much less than it used to because of improvements in technology. That said, it does fade comparatively more than lighter siding, even if the difference is slight and over a long period of time. Dark siding also retains more heat, making it more susceptible to temperature fluctuation and, therefore, wear and tear on your siding. Again, the difference between wear and tear due to temperature on light and dark siding may be slight, if noticeable. Dark siding is stylish and contemporary. It can be a rich accent to draw the eye or a modern statement. Homeowners shouldn’t shy away from dark siding if technological improvements have addressed their concerns.
Choosing Siding Colors
Use online tools- Even if you’re not interested in James Hardie Siding, we love their color visualizer. This helps you visualize your palette and try out as many combinations as you like.
Gather local inspiration- Drive around the neighborhood and take note of the colors that draw your eye. What’s popular? What has worked in homes like yours?
James Hardie Siding
Full disclosure: we are biased towards James Hardie siding. But, we work with it because we truly believe it is a world-class medium. We are the top James Hardie Preferred Remodeler in the Chicago area. James Hardie fiber cement siding looks like rich, gorgeous wood siding but costs less and requires less painting, maintenance, and repair once installed. James Hardie siding is also more durable, weather-resistant, and fade-resistant than vinyl, keeping your investment looking perfect for much longer.
We also love that James Hardie siding can mimic many other popular looks. It is extremely versatile. James Hardie options include:
- Shingle siding- this classic Cape-Cod look, also known as shaker siding, can add an attractive accent or a timeless look to an entire home.
- Lap siding- James Hardie plank lap siding is the most popular brand of siding in North America for a great reason. This is the most traditional-looking, most popular Hardie product.
- Vertical siding- Get vertical! Accent features with vertical siding or opt for completely vertical siding.
- Architectural collection- The architectural collection includes panels and unique textures, lines, and trim. These customizable elements mean that just about anything you dream up is possible.
- Trim- Hardie trim boards finish your home with details befitting your custom siding.
Put Your Best Face Forward in Greater Chicago
We love passing on the thrill of coming home to a beautiful home to our Naperville neighbors. When you’re ready to give your home the facelift it deserves, reach out to Smardbuild to discuss new siding or other exterior remodeling projects.
