You’ve decided that this is the year to give your home a new look. But what kind of look are you looking for?  You have narrowed it down to either stucco or siding, but which do you choose? What are the pros and cons?

Vinyl Siding Pros and Cons

If price is your bottom line, then vinyl siding is your best choice. The initial cost of vinyl siding is very economical, cheaper than virtually any other option. For the do-it-yourselfer, it is also a good choice, as it is reasonably easy to install, although higher-end vinyl siding should be installed by a professional, to give optimum appearance and durability. Better quality vinyl siding can provide good insulation.  Under most conditions, it should last for many years.

Unfortunately, vinyl siding does have its disadvantages. For those who like a natural look, vinyl siding can have a bit of a “plastic” or artificial appearance. It is not biodegradable, so it may not be a good choice for people who are environmentally conscious. Vinyl siding can be affected by changes in temperature and may either buckle or come loose if the temperature changes too rapidly or regularly. Although it is reasonably durable, vinyl siding can be damaged by hail or debris blown by high winds. Vinyl siding cannot be painted, so if you decide to change the colour of your home a few years down the road, the only solution is to replace your siding.

Wood Siding Pros and Cons

For a more natural look, wood siding is a good choice. Wood siding gives you a classic look that many homeowners love. It is paintable so, if you want to change it up in a year or two, you can go ahead and do it. Wood is one of the most natural, biodegradable products around, so it fits well for environmentally conscious people.

Unfortunately, the fact that wood is biodegradable also makes it very high maintenance. Wood siding needs regular care and maintenance to retain its durability. If you aren’t on top of your maintenance, wood can fade, crack, rot or even develop termites. In addition to that, wood tends to be one of the more expensive building materials, so if price is a concern, it may not be the route you wish to go.

The Advantages of choosing Stucco

When it comes to siding materials, you can’t do much better than stucco. More durable than vinyl and more low maintenance than wood, stucco is the perfect balance between price and versatility. Stucco is both durable and biodegradable, and can have either natural or unique appearance, depending upon the look you wish to achieve. It isn’t the cheapest choice of building materials, but neither is it the most expensive and, properly installed and maintained, it can be the most cost effective over the long run. Pigments can be added when applying your stucco, or you can choose to paint it after the fact, to create a new look.

A final word about Stucco Siding

For the do-it-yourselfers, although it is possible for you to apply your own stucco siding, to get the best results, it is recommended to hire a skilled professional. Stucco application isn’t as straightforward as putting up vinyl or wood siding and to get the optimal value, durability and appearance, it is best to trust the job to someone who is specialized in doing the job. The final product will be well worth the additional expense.