Exterior siding plays a very important role in your home’s energy-efficiency and longevity. Siding protects your home from the elements, animals, insects, and more. When you install the right type of siding on your home, you can reduce the effects of outside temperatures on your home’s interior comfort. But what are the best types of siding in Baltimore County, MD for residential homes? Keep reading to learn more about different types of siding and find out how to choose which one is right for your home.

Understanding the Most Popular Types of Siding

First, it’s important to understand the key differences between different popular types of siding. These are the most commonly used types of siding in Maryland:

  • Vinyl siding – Vinyl siding is the most popular type of siding for residential homes. Vinyl is durable, weather resistant, low-maintenance, and cost-effective. You can choose from a wide range of colors and even finishes, including siding that looks like wood or stone. With vinyl siding, you won’t need to worry about repainting or dealing with splinters, wood rot, or pests.
  • Fiber cement siding – Fiber cement siding is also very durable and affordable. It is resistant to weather, moisture, pests, and rot, and is non-combustible.
  • Metal siding – Metal siding is also very durable and can withstand extreme weather. It is low-maintenance, fireproof, and pest-resistant, but it is not as insulating as other types of siding, making it common for commercial and industrial applications.
  • Wood siding – Wood shingle siding is attractive and timeless. It requires regular maintenance and refinishing and is susceptible to rot. It can be painted any color you desire.
  • Composite wood siding – Composite wood siding is engineered to look like natural wood, but it is a composite of natural wood and resin. It is available in almost every possible color, and it is more durable than traditional wood.

Considering the ROI of New Siding

Some types of exterior siding offer a better ROI than others. The cost of your new siding will depend on the cost of the materials and the cost of labor, but sometimes investing a little more in materials will offer a greater payoff should you choose to sell your home in the future. Vinyl siding and fiber cement siding typically offer between 75-85% ROI.

How Different Types of Siding Will Hold up to Your Regional Climate

New siding installation can enhance your home’s energy-efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your home more comfortable year-round. When choosing new siding, you should consider your regional climate and which siding materials can withstand the weather and temperature in your region. Vinyl siding and fiber cement siding are the most durable siding options in Maryland. They both are resistant to moisture and can withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations in the region. They both also offer superior protection from rain and wind.

Siding Installation Costs

Next, you want to consider your budget and the installation costs for different types of siding. Your costs may vary from region to region and company to company. Vinyl siding will typically be the most affordable option for homeowners. Fiber cement siding is still affordable but may have a slightly higher price tag than vinyl.

Siding Maintenance and Repair Costs

Once your siding is installed, you will have to commit to some level of siding maintenance and the costs of siding repairs. Vinyl siding is very weather-resistant and requires little maintenance. When you have a problem with your vinyl siding, you can often hire a contractor to replace or repair one small area of damage without having to commit to new siding installation. Fiber cement siding is also very low-maintenance and durable. Minor damage can usually be repaired by patching up the damage and refinishing the area.

Types of Siding to Satisfy HOA Regulations or Match Your Neighbors

Finally, you may need to consider your neighborhood association or homeowner’s association’s regulations regarding new siding installation. Regulatory organizations like these often have very specific rules about what types of siding you’re allowed to install on your home. They may also dictate the appropriate colors you’re allowed to use for your siding and your home’s exterior. If you don’t have an HOA or neighborhood association, you may want to consider what types of siding your neighbors have chosen. If you want your home to complement those of your neighbors’, you might want to choose a similar type and color of exterior siding.

Schedule a Consultation for Siding Installation in Baltimore County, MD

If you’re ready to explore your options for new siding installation in Baltimore County, MD, our team at Badger Contracting can help. We specialize in installing high-quality, durable vinyl siding and fiber cement siding throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area, including Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia, Owing Mills, Towson, Bel Air, Westminster, and Glen Burnie, MD, and surrounding areas. Our experts will assess the age and condition of your home and offer you our recommendation for the best type of siding to protect your home. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started.