Tired of scraping, painting, and constantly repairing your home’s siding? We get it. As a Wichita building supply store, Star Lumber has extensive experience with the local climate and the best low-maintenance siding options to save you time and money. We’re dedicated to helping you find the best siding for your Wichita home. Here are our top recommendations.
Top Low-Maintenance Siding Options
| Siding Material | Price Per Sq Ft | Maintenance Level | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3 – $12 | Low | 20-40 years |
| Fiber Cement | $6 – $15 | Low | 50+ years |
| Engineered Wood | $4 – $10 | Medium | 20-30 years |
| Stucco | $6 – $9 | Medium | 50-100 years |
Vinyl Siding
It’s no surprise that vinyl siding is a top exterior siding choice for homeowners. In fact, it’s so popular that the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) claims over 25% of single-family homes in the U.S. use vinyl siding. Beyond its widespread use, vinyl siding is also incredibly easy to maintain. It requires occasional cleaning with soap and water about once or twice a year. Vinyl siding is also naturally fire resistant and repels moisture, rot and insects, giving your home an extra layer of defense.
Affordability and Longevity:
Unfortunately, vinyl siding is known to fade quicker than other siding materials. To combat fading, many manufacturers produce vinyl siding with titanium oxide. While this addition can increase the lifespan of the vinyl siding it can also add to the overall cost. So, if you’re thinking about vinyl siding, remember that while it’s easy to care for, it may experience some color fading over time, requiring occasional touch-ups.
Pros:
- Affordable, and easy installation
- Wide variety of colors and styles
Cons:
- May fade quicker than other siding materials
- Not as durable as other siding materials
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding requires slightly more maintenance than vinyl siding. On top of regular cleaning, you will also need to seal and occasionally paint fiber cement siding. Not all fiber cement siding comes pre-finished. So it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to properly seal and paint your siding. Doing so routinely can prevent water damage and protect the siding’s color over time.
Added Durability:
Additionally, manufacturers like James Hardie siding produce FEMA-compliant fiber cement siding built to resist impacts and high winds. Ultimately, this means fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs over time. However, impact-resistant siding is typically more expensive than most other siding options, so it may only fit some budgets.
Pros:
- High durability
- lifespan of 50+ years
Cons:
- Requires occasional sealing and painting
- Higher initial price compared to other materials
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding blends the traditional, genuine look of real wood with enhanced modern durability. Manufacturers make the siding by combining wood fibers with resins. Unlike natural wood siding, engineered siding includes special waxes, chemicals and overlays to prevent moisture damage and rot. Options like LP SmartSide siding use other chemicals like zinc borate to further resist pest damage and fungal decay, but this can also lead to higher initial costs.
Maintenance Considerations:
In general, engineered wood siding requires consistent maintenance. Like other siding materials it’s important to clean engineered wood at least once a year. However, you’ll also need to repaint and keep up with sealing. It’s recommended to repaint and reseal every 5-10 years. Although, we strongly recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure proper care.
Pros:
- Cost effective, often less expensive than natural wood siding
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Not as durable as natural wood
- Fades easier than natural wood, requiring repainting
Stucco Siding
According to Eye On Housing, stucco is the leading siding choice in the U.S., used on over 26% of houses. Made primarily of cement plaster, stucco is naturally easy to care for. Though durable, stucco needs routine cleaning along with resealing and painting.
Maintenance Considerations:
It’s important to note that stucco is porous. This means it can collect bacteria, dirt and grime more often than other siding materials. So, resealing and repainting your siding every 5-10 years is incredibly important for protecting your home from dirt, moisture damage and mold or mildew.
Pros:
- High durability, resistant to fire and pests
- Wide range of styles and textures
Cons:
- High installation cost
- Needs consistent sealing and painting
Factors to Consider When Choosing Siding
- Climate: Severe storms and extreme weather can be tough on your siding. Choosing weather-resistant siding options based on Wichita’s climate can cut down on repairs and overall maintenance.
- Style of Home: Consider how the siding style may look with your home’s architecture and overall design. For example, some siding styles like stucco may be better suited for more modern aesthetics because of its minimalist, simple look.
- Budget: Siding costs vary greatly. Price can depend on the manufacturer, whether the siding uses any special coatings and the complexity of the installation.
- Warranty: Both your installer and the siding manufacturer offer warranties for either their work or materials. Consider coverage options and if it applies to weather related damage or accidents.
We recommend choosing based on your own preferences and maintenance needs. But if you need help deciding on a siding material, we’re here to help. Contact Star Lumber in Wichita, KS today to schedule a free design consultation with one of our design specialists.
