If the siding on your home is old and turning into an eyesore, but you don't have a big budget for new siding, talk to a siding contractor about the most affordable siding options. Certain types of siding materials cost less than others, while some types of siding are less expensive to install than others. Here's a look at some choices to consider when you need new siding on a tight budget.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable types of siding to buy and install. However, it's important to remember that each type of siding comes in different brands and qualities. You can find vinyl siding that is expensive, as well as budget siding.
Vinyl is light and fairly easy to install, so it doesn't have a high installation cost. Plus, vinyl is easy to maintain and it's fairly durable, so it shouldn't have many ongoing costs over its life.
Metal
Metal siding is available in aluminum and steel. It comes in a variety of prices, but you can find metal in the budget range too. However, metal siding is usually more expensive than vinyl. It's also easy to install, so installation costs are comparable to the cost of installing vinyl.
Metal siding is one of the more durable sidings you can buy. It lasts for years and withstands temperature extremes and insect damage. It might dent when struck, but otherwise, metal siding shouldn't need a lot of repairs. And it's easy to keep clean.
Wood
Wood is another type of siding that can be affordable or expensive. You can buy low-priced wood siding at prices comparable to vinyl and metal, but installation costs can be a little higher. The main expense with wood is in its upkeep.
Wood is expensive to maintain when it comes to the time you need to devote and the money you spend on supplies. When you're looking at wood siding, don't forget to factor in the cost of maintenance.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is on the borderline of being an affordable type of siding. You can buy fiber cement siding at a fairly low price, but the installation costs offset the savings. Fiber cement siding is heavy, and it can crack easily. For that reason, installation costs can be expensive and push the siding out of the low-cost range.
There are other types of siding to consider such as brick, stucco, and stone veneer, but the prices for those materials and installation are out of the budget range. If your budget is tight, talk to your siding contractor. They can help you choose siding that's right for your home and that is easier for your budget.