Most of the siding installed on today’s homes is vinyl, but that has not always been so.

Wood

Wood was once the most popular siding material. Wood is still used today, but its high materials and maintenance costs have driven many homeowners to less expensive and more durable materials for re-siding.

Asbestos and asphalt

Asbestos and asphalt siding are no longer used.

Aluminum

Aluminum is still a popular siding material, but the energy-intensive process used to manufacturing aluminum siding makes it costly. Also, aluminum siding is painted, so bare metal shows through scratches and dents.

Hardboard

Hardboard was used in siding applications. Many hardboard products absorb moisture and, thus, are prone to swell, peel, crumble, and grow fungus.

Fiber Cement

Fiber Cement although the technology has been around for over a century, fiber cement siding is a relative newcomer to the United States. In certain regions of the United States, fiber cement siding has grown dramatically because it has been used to replaced failed engineered wood lumber. Fibers cement looks like wood, but it doesn’t rot, swell or warp. Fiber cement is also impervious to wood-boring insects, but it must be painted.

vinyl

Since 1995, vinyl has been the dominant siding material. It accounts for over 30% of the new construction market and 95% of re-siding applications. Homeowners prefer vinyl siding because it’s tough: scratches don’t show and it resists denting. Also, vinyl siding never needs scraping or painting. For years, vinyl siding has dominated the U.S. residential cladding market. Still, many architects and home owners are looking for a traditional feel of wood. But wood requires significant maintenance. Fiber cement has filled this need.

Vinyl clapboards