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Selecting the ideal siding for your home is a big decision with far-reaching implications. The type of siding you choose will not only affect the cost of the project, but also things like your utility bills, the amount of maintenance you’ll have to complete, and the overall value of your home.
Further complicating matters, you must also factor in your geographic location to ensure that the siding you select will be capable of withstanding the local climate and weather. Given the fact that Ohio experiences both severe weather and temperature extremes, this is quite an important consideration for residents of the Buckeye State.
But don’t worry — we’ll try to help below, by outlining the five best siding options for Ohio homeowners. We’ll explain the basics of each type and share some of the pros and cons of each.
The Top Siding Options for Ohio Homeowners
There are a variety of different siding options available to Ohio homeowners, but five easily rise to the top and serve as the best possible choices. Just be sure to review and consider each before making your decision and always rely on a high-quality siding installation team to complete the project.
1. Wood
One of the oldest types of siding in the world, wood has been a popular siding choice for more than a century. Beloved for its natural appearance, wood siding gives homes a traditional look and timeless appeal. There are several different kinds of wood used to make siding, including fir, cypress, pine, cedar, and redwood, with each providing a slightly different collection of benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of Wood Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Attractive
- Can be painted virtually any color
- Moderately long lasting
- Affordable
Disadvantages of Wood Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Requires regular maintenance
- Vulnerable to insects
- May rot if not finished properly and refinished periodically
2. Vinyl
One of the most popular types of siding in the state of Ohio (as well as the rest of the U.S.), vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins and molded to resemble natural wood. Its affordability and low maintenance requirements make it a common choice for homeowners looking to refresh their home’s exterior without spending a fortune.
Benefits of Vinyl Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Typically the most affordable siding option
- Requires very little maintenance
- Available in an array of colors
- Rot- and insect-resistant
Disadvantages of Vinyl Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Susceptible to cracking in extreme cold
- Not especially impact-resistant
- Color fading can occur over time
3. Composite
There are a few types of composite siding products, which are made from more than one material. However, fiber cement siding (such as Hardie Plank siding) is likely the most common type seen in Ohio. Made from a combination of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding is designed to mimic the look of real wood while providing greater durability. It also requires less maintenance than real wood.
Benefits of Composite Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Extremely durable
- Resistant to rot, decay, and insects
- Provides a wood-like aesthetic without the maintenance requirements
- Available in prefinished colors or ready-to-paint versions
Disadvantages of Composite Siding for Ohio Homes:
- More expensive than wood or vinyl
- The boards are heavy and require professional installation
- May require repainting over time
4. Metal
Typically made from aluminum or steel, metal siding provides a sleek, modern look that many Ohio homeowners love. Unsurprisingly, metal is a very durable siding material, and it is also available in an array of finishes to suit varying tastes, preferences, and home styles. Metal siding can also be installed in two different orientations (vertically or horizontally) providing even greater flexibility.
Benefits of Metal Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Extremely durable
- Naturally fire resistant
- Requires relatively little maintenance
- Insect- and rot-resistant
Disadvantages of Metal Siding for Ohio Homes:
- More expensive than metal or wood (especially in the case of steel siding)
- Either type may dent, but steel is more resilient than aluminum
- Requires backing insulation
5. Stone Veneer
Stone veneer gives homeowners the chance to enjoy the appearance and texture of natural stone at a fraction of the weight (and cost). Some stone veneers are made from thin slices of real stone, while others are made from manufactured stone products (typically consisting of mineral-based powders and binding agents). Stone veneers are often used for accent walls, though they can be used for a home’s entire exterior surface.
Benefits of Stone or Brick Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Provides a luxurious, high-end appearance
- Quite durable
- Resistant to fire, insects, and rot
- Provides perhaps the greatest boost to curb appeal
Disadvantages of Stone or Brick Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Often the most expensive siding option
- Professional installation required
- Difficult to change once installed (without complete removal)
6. Brick Veneer
Brick veneers are similar to stone veneers, in that they provide the look of a material (brick, in this case), but at only a fraction of the cost. Also like stone veneers, brick veneers are much lighter than full brick construction. Brick veneers are available in varying thicknesses, but most often, they consist of a full, single layer of bricks. When viewed from afar, brick veneer is practically indistinguishable from actual brick construction.
Benefits of Stone or Brick Siding for Ohio Homes:
- Provides a classic aesthetic many homeowners like
- Very durable
- Low maintenance requirements
- Pest-, rot-, and fire-resistant
Disadvantages of Stone or Brick Siding for Ohio Homes:
- One of the most expensive siding options
- Professional installation required
- Limited color options available
How to Choose the Best Siding for Your Ohio Home
Now that you understand some of the key differences between the best siding options for Ohio homes, we can begin helping you to pick the best one for your specific situation, circumstances, and desires. We’ll outline some of the questions you’ll want to consider before making your final choice below.
But remember, it’s always wise to discuss your siding choice with the experts. You should feel free to reach out to the Asbury Roofing & Siding team to get some guidance or learn more about the options available to you.
How well does your preferred siding material withstand Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles and harsh winters?
When installed professionally, composite siding, metal siding, brick veneer, and stone veneer all hold up well to the temperature swings Ohio experiences. However, wood can crack or warp if not regularly maintained, and vinyl may become brittle in extremely cold temperatures.
Is it resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage common in this region?
Every one of the siding materials discussed earlier except for wood are resistant to these types of threats. Wood is actually susceptible to moisture, rot, and insect damage, though regular maintenance and refinishing will help provide some protection.
What level of maintenance does it require each year?
Metal and composite siding require some maintenance, though not nearly as much as wood does, given its need for regular refinishing. Stone and brick veneer are both nearly maintenance free siding choices, so they’re ideal for homeowners who don’t want to perform any regular maintenance.
Does it provide good insulation or energy efficiency benefits?
None of these siding options provide much insulation value, though wood siding, composite siding, and both kinds of veneers do offer some protection against rapid temperature swings. Metal siding and vinyl siding perform pretty poorly in this respect, though insulated versions of both are available.
Will the color and finish hold up against UV exposure and weathering?
Brick and stone veneers will both retain their color for decades and continue to look amazing. Wood requires repainting periodically but will look good for several years at a time. Composite and vinyl will both fade over time, though some factory-applied colors last longer than others.
How does it fit with the architectural style of my home?
There are no right or wrong answers here, but most people tend to prefer wood or composite siding for traditional, cottage, and farmhouse homes. Vinyl can also work well in these situations, though it rarely looks right for high-end historic homes. Metal is best-suited for modern homes, while brick and stone work best for traditional or craftsman style homes.
What is the initial cost compared to its expected lifespan?
Vinyl and wood are both quite affordable, and they should both last for 20 to 40 years (though wood will require regular maintenance during this time). Composite and metal are both middle-of-the-road choices with regard to cost, and they’ll last about 30 to 70 years (with metal being at the higher end of that range). Brick and stone veneers are both pretty expensive options, but they will often last for 100 years or more.
Does it improve my home’s resale value or curb appeal?
All of these options will help boost your home’s curb appeal, though vinyl doesn’t improve curb appeal as much as the other options. At the other end of the spectrum, brick and stone veneers can cause your property’s curb appeal to skyrocket.
Is professional installation required, and what does that cost?
Professional installation is recommended for all of these varied siding types, though some homeowners can successfully install wood or vinyl siding. Cement composite, as well as stone and brick veneers, always require professional techniques and expertise.
One Last Consideration: Check Your HOA Bylaws Before Choosing Your Siding Type in Ohio
Unfortunately, some homeowners’ associations mandate the type of siding you must use on your home. In other cases, they don’t mandate the type of siding you have to use, but they prohibit you from using one or more options.
As an example of the former case, some historic neighborhoods require homes to feature real wood siding. On the other hand, older or more traditional neighborhoods may prohibit metal siding or vinyl siding.
With that said, very few places prohibit the use of brick or stone veneers, as they’re generally considered aesthetically pleasing and help to increase the overall curb appeal of a neighborhood.
Ohio Siding Options: FAQ
Still have questions about the best siding options for your Ohio home? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions we hear from our customers below.
What siding requires the least maintenance?
There are several kinds of siding that require minimal maintenance, including vinyl, metal, composite, stone veneer, and brick veneer. Determining which one requires the absolute least maintenance is difficult, but all of these are very low-maintenance options.
On the flip side, wood is definitely NOT a low-maintenance option.
What type of siding should you avoid in Ohio?
Any of the siding types discussed above can work well in Ohio. However, wood and vinyl are probably the weakest options of the lot, as they’re somewhat vulnerable to low temperatures.
What is the best siding for cold climates?
Stone or brick veneer are likely the best options for cold climates, though composite siding also performs very well in low temperatures.
What kind of siding never needs to be painted?
Wood is really the only kind of siding that requires frequent repainting, though vinyl and composite siding may dull or fade over time. Brick and stone veneers, however, never need to be painted or refinished.
What is the main problem with vinyl siding?
The primary problem with vinyl siding is color fading over time, and the fact that it may crack in very low temperatures. However, thousands (if not millions) of Ohio homeowners use vinyl siding and find it perfectly suitable for their needs.
What is the most expensive siding for a house?
Brick and stone veneers are generally the most expensive types of siding commonly used in Ohio. Metal can also be expensive, though it is usually not as costly as stone or brick.
What kind of siding lasts for 50 years or more?
Metal and composite siding may last 50 years or more, but stone and brick veneers may last nearly twice as long.
Trust Asbury Roofing & Siding for Your Siding Installation or Replacement Needs
No matter which type of siding you think would be perfect for your home, the professionals at Asbury Roofing & Siding are ready to help bring your vision to life. We’ll gladly discuss your choice, make sure you’ve considered all of the advantages and disadvantages it will present, and outline a plan for getting your chosen siding installed.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and estimate!
