Which Material Should You Choose For Exterior Siding?

Vinyl siding

• One of the most popular choices;

• Available in different colours and textures;

• Vinyl siding costs approximately $2,50 to $8/square foot.

• Light;

• Affordable;

• Easy to install;

• Shock and scratch-resistant.

• If it isn't properly installed, the material can warp;

• Vinyl can be affected by the temperature;

• Under sun rays, dark colours can become pale.

Aluminum siding

• It can be painted to match any colour you wish

• Click here to learn more about the pros and cons of aluminum siding;

• Aluminum siding costs about $4,50 to $12/square foot. 

• Very resistant to strong winds and temperature changes;

• Doesn't warp;

• Durable material.

• Less shock resistant than vinyl;

• If bumped, chances are a permanent mark will appear;

• Not fire-resistant.

Wood siding

• Gives extra value to the house due to its noble nature;

• Galvanized or aluminum nails must be used to prevent rust;

• It can be painted or stained;

• Available in many different colours and textures;

• It can be used on one section of the wall, to add a nice stylish touch to the house;

• Between $6 and $17 per square foot

• Affordable;

• Nice look

• Beware of fires!

• Must be treated to prevent mould;

• Requires more maintenance compared to other materials: flax oil treatment every 5 years;

• Contact your local authorities to know if this type of siding is allowed.

Wood fibre siding (cannexel)

• Engineered wood: wood fibre, resin and wax;

• Top-quality wood imitation;

• Found in many different colours, textures and designs;

• Approx. $4 to $14 per sq. foot, including installation.

• Requires little maintenance;
• Better resistance against humidity and UV rays compared to regular wood;
• Good durability;
• Good for the environment.

Fibro-cement panel

• A mix of cement, sand, and cellulose;
• Can be smooth or textured, sold in boards or panels;
• Architect associations warn owners about using this type of material;
• Fibrocement panels cost approximately $4 to $10/square foot.

• It is very resistant against fires and bad weather;
• Unlikely to develop mould or to attract parasites;
• Some affirm that it is very durable (although others have disputed this fact)**
• It doesn't require a lot of maintenance.

• **The Quebec Architect's association has noted that although it has been presented as durable, it is not as resistant as it should be: cracks, discolouration and chipping are common problems. However, manufacturers say that this is not true.
• Manufacturers say that past problems have been fixed. You'll have to check with your contractor to get their opinion on the matter.

Brick exterior siding

• Still a very popular option amongst homeowners;
• Brick exterior siding costs around $13 to $55/square foot. 

• Very good for soundproofing;
• Very resistant;
• Lasts a long time;
• It requires little maintenance.

• Expensive;
• The house's structure must be thicker to support the weight of the brick. Therefore, this may create extra costs;
• It can lead to serious problems such as bulging walls.

Bricks without mortar

• Made of calcite and cement;
• Different colours are available.

• Can be installed on top of the mortar;
• Easier to install than other types of bricks;
• It requires a little bit of maintenance.

• Installation should be done by a professional as it requires more work than putting up vinyl or aluminum siding.

Acrylic coating

• Factory-made products;
• A mix of cement or expanded polystyrene with an acrylic base;
• Approx. $10 to $12 per sq. foot, including installation.

• Gives a nice look to the house;
• Resistant to bad weather.

• Must be installed by a professional;
• Making this product creates a lot of pollution.

Suretouch

• Resembles brick and stone siding but costs a lot less money;
• Bricks or stones are installed on a polystyrene mould which is bolted to the house using stainless steel sheets and screws;
• Known for its insulating properties; 
• Esthetically pleasing;
• Costs approximately 10 to 12$ per square foot (materials only).

• Easy to install;
• Much quicker to install than brick;
• Insulation (R13.5);
• Same advantages as brick and stone but costs a lot less money;
• Offers good ventilation;
• Weatherproof (if the joints are well done);
• Possible to install it on a new home or an older building.

• If not properly installed, certain problems can occur (especially when it comes to the joints);
• Since the product is relatively new, there is not a lot of documentation about its durability. However, up to now, the feedback is positive.