Key Takeaways:
- Wood is a classic home exterior material and one of the most durable. It’s highly resistant to weathering and can be treated with fire retardants or waterproof sealants, making it an excellent choice for houses in areas with rain or snow.
- Materials like vinyl siding, stucco, and cement board siding are all excellent choices for areas with high humidity and moisture levels.
- More traditional homes may benefit from brick or stone walls, as these timeless materials provide a classic look. On the other hand, modern homes might be best suited for metal siding or wood paneling.
- Vinyl siding is easy to install and maintain, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Are you a homeowner looking for exterior materials for your house that stand up to the elements? Whether you live in a hurricane-prone area or are just fed up with having to repaint and repair every few years, we’ve got just what you need!
In this blog post by Core Home Innovation experts, we’ll rank different exterior materials based on their characteristics, pros, and cons. We’ll look at the environmental impacts, style preferences, lifespan, and more so that you can decide on the perfect fit for your home’s exterior. So, let’s dive right in – what material best suits your house’s facade?
Best Home Exterior Materials
1. Wood
Wood is a classic home exterior material and one of the most durable. It’s highly resistant to weathering and can be treated with fire retardants or waterproof sealants, making it an excellent choice for houses in areas with rain or snow. On the downside, wood is susceptible to pests and must be regularly maintained to keep its aesthetic appeal.
2. Vinyl
Vinyl siding has recently gained popularity thanks to its low maintenance requirements and cost-effectiveness. This material is highly durable, won’t rot, fade, or chip over time, and offers excellent protection from cold temperatures. However, vinyl can quickly become damaged by extreme heat and ultraviolet rays.
3. Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding gives your home a timeless look and offers excellent durability. It is also fire-resistant and won’t rot, warp, or be damaged by pests. The downside of fiber cement is that it’s heavy and requires more work to install than other home exterior materials.
4. Stucco
Stucco is another popular home exterior material that is fire-resistant, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. Like fiber cement, stucco is relatively heavy, making it harder to install, but it will last for many years. The downside of stucco is that it can be challenging to repair if damaged.
Also Read: 7 Ways to Make Your Home Exterior Look Expensive
5. Stone
Stone siding offers a classic look and extreme durability against weather and pests. This material also has low maintenance requirements and can last for decades with minimal care. However, stone siding is often expensive to install and can be challenging to repair if it becomes damaged.
6. Concrete
Concrete home exteriors are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique look and durability. Concrete siding is incredibly strong, fire resistant, and provides excellent insulation. It’s also relatively low maintenance and can last for decades with minimal care. The downside of concrete is that it can be expensive to install and difficult to repair if damaged.
7. Plywood
Plywood home exteriors are a great option if you want something more affordable than stone or concrete. Plywood is lightweight, fire-resistant, and versatile, so that it can be used for many home exterior designs. The downside of plywood is that it can be prone to rot, mold, and pest infestation if not properly maintained.
8. Metal
Metal home exteriors are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique look and durability. Metal siding is incredibly strong, fire resistant, and provides excellent insulation. It’s also low maintenance and can last for decades with minimal care. The downside of metal is that it can be expensive to install and difficult to repair if damaged.
9. Brick
Brick home exteriors are highly durable and look great. Bricks offer fire resistance, insulation, and low maintenance if adequately sealed. However, brick is heavy and can be expensive to install. Additionally, it can be challenging to repair if damaged.
Best Materials According to Different Factors
No matter which exterior material you choose for your home, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Following are some critical factors to consider when choosing the best home exterior materials.
Climate
When building your home, it’s essential to consider the climate of your location and use exterior home materials that are best suited for that environment. As a general rule, materials should withstand extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) without cracking or rotting. Vinyl siding, stucco, and cement board siding are all excellent choices for areas with high humidity and moisture levels. For harsher climates such as desert heat or frigid cold, brick or stone might be a better option due to their superior durability against temperature fluctuations.
Style Preferences
Aside from considering the home’s location, you’ll also want to consider whether your home exterior material should match the style of the home you own. More traditional homes may benefit from brick or stone walls, as these timeless materials provide a classic look. On the other hand, modern homes might be best suited for metal siding or wood paneling.
Cost
If you’re looking for home exterior materials that are both cost-effective and durable, your best option is likely vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is easy to install and maintain, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. Additionally, it comes in various colors, so you can customize the look of your home without breaking the bank.
Let Core Home Innovations Help You Out!
Figuring out which home exterior material is best for your home can be a difficult decision. With Core Home Innovations, you have an expert team passionate about helping people find the perfect home exterior materials. Our home design specialists will work with you to find the suitable material and color scheme to match your home’s style and budget. We offer residential and commercial roofing, solar maintenance and installation, outdoor patios, and more. Contact us today to make your home look its best in Houston or nearby areas!
Get a free quote today, or visit our website to learn more.
