The average American spends 62% of their waking hours at home. The layout and interior décor of your home all matter in your everyday life, whether you’re working from home, caring for your family, or just unwinding after a long day.
But when was the last time you thought about the exterior? Siding protects your home from the elements. It’s a major factor in curb appeal. And there’s no better time to make a statement with your siding materials.
At Hamilton Homes, we design exterior updates for existing homes and custom exteriors for new construction. If your home needs an overhaul, here are your best exterior cladding options.
All about your exterior cladding options
The siding you choose for your home has a huge impact on curb appeal. Our team is here to help you find the ideal siding for your home and personal taste, whether you’re replacing old siding or designing a new custom home.
“Traditional” siding
Horizontal wood or vinyl siding is probably what comes to mind when you think of a home in Central Indiana. But the truth is that siding comes in a wide range of styles, materials, and textures — and it’s one of the most versatile exterior cladding options around.
Composite: Composite siding looks like wood, but it’s made of a mix of recycled plastic and wood. It’s extremely durable and it resists staining and fading.
Fiber cement: Fiber cement siding is made of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose. It’s durable and long-lasting,
Metal: Metal siding is one of the lowest-maintenance options available. It’s strong and durable, and it won’t grow mildew or attract bugs.
Vinyl: Vinyl siding is a popular and cost-effective option. It’s made of plastic that comes in countless textures, colors, and styles.
Wood: Wood siding is a common and environmentally-friendly choice. It’s durable, and it’s easy to repair, paint, and stain as needed.
Brick
Brick is a classic siding option, and for good reason. It’s beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly. (Did you know brick is almost infinitely recyclable?)
Brick is one of the strongest siding materials available. It’s fireproof and termite-proof. It’s also incredibly low-maintenance, because it never requires painting or staining.
Stone
Like brick, stone siding is a material that won’t go out of style. Stone, whether it’s solid or a veneer, lends homes an elegant feel.
Stone is very durable, and stands up to a variety of weather conditions without much maintenance. It’s also insulating, which means it helps keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Specialty materials
Now more than ever, people are turning their homes into personal expressions of style. Choosing a specialty material as an accent or whole-home siding option makes a statement.
A few of the most popular specialty materials in exterior cladding are tile, terra cotta, ceramic, and Cor-ten steel. Used as accents or as whole-home coverings, these materials can make your home stand out from the crowd.
Choosing the right siding materials for your home
There are plenty of exterior cladding options available, and the best materials for you comes down to personal preference. Ask yourself questions like:
Do I want siding that’s low-maintenance for decades? Or do I want the option to paint my home a different color every few years?
What is the architectural style of my house? Which siding materials or colors would fit best in my neighborhood and natural surroundings?
What design trends (like farmhouse style, monotone exteriors, or painted brick) do I like? Do I prefer horizontal, vertical, or shingle-style siding?
With these answers in mind, it’s time to talk to our design team. We walk you through your options and help you make decisions from material types to colors. We’ll review your budget and your goals, then put together a proposal for your home.
Is it time to refresh your home’s curb appeal? Explore our home design portfolio for ideas, then contact us to set up an appointment with our team.
