🧱 What Kind of Siding Is Best for Your Home?

Your home’s first impression starts with its siding.

Siding does more than add curb appeal. It protects your home from wind, rain, and unpredictable Midwest weather. With so many materials available, homeowners often ask, “What kind of siding is actually the best?”

On The STAN’dard Podcast, our team shared insights on the most popular siding options and explained which materials hold up, look great, and deliver real value.

🧩 1. Vinyl Siding: Affordable and Low Maintenance

Vinyl siding is one of the most common choices for good reason. It is budget-friendly, durable, and available in almost any color or texture.

Pros: Affordable, never needs painting, resists rot and insects.

Cons: Can crack in extreme cold, may fade over time, and offers less insulation.

Pro Tip from Stan’s: If you want a worry-free refresh on a modest budget, modern vinyl can still give your home a sharp, clean look.

🪵 2. Engineered Wood Siding (LP SmartSide and Similar Brands)

Engineered wood such as LP SmartSide combines the natural look of wood with advanced protection against moisture and pests.

Pros: Highly impact-resistant, authentic wood grain, holds paint well.

Cons: Slightly higher cost than vinyl and must be installed by trained professionals to maintain its warranty.

Why We Love It: LP SmartSide offers one of the best blends of durability and beauty, ideal for homeowners who want the warmth of wood without the high upkeep.

🧱 3. Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie and Similar Brands)

Fiber cement siding is a favorite among homeowners who value long-term performance. Made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it is tough enough to handle hail, fire, and even woodpeckers.

Pros: Extremely durable, fire-resistant, resists rot and insects, premium appearance.

Cons: Heavier and more expensive to install, limited color flexibility after production.

Pro Tip from Stan’s: Fiber cement is a “buy it once” choice. It is an investment that adds lasting value to your home.

🌦 4. Insulated Vinyl Siding: An Energy Efficiency Upgrade

This newer version of traditional vinyl includes built-in foam insulation for added strength and thermal performance.

Pros: Reduces energy bills, dampens outside noise, increases rigidity.

Cons: Slightly higher cost than standard vinyl and fewer style options.

If you are replacing older siding and want better efficiency, insulated vinyl can make your home quieter and more comfortable year-round.

🏡 5. Wood Siding: Classic but High Maintenance

Cedar and redwood siding create undeniable charm, but they require regular sealing and maintenance.

Pros: Timeless aesthetic, naturally insulating, eco-friendly.

Cons: Prone to rot, insect damage, and fading if not maintained.

Pro Tip from Stan’s: Great for accent areas or historic homes, but not ideal for busy homeowners who want low maintenance.

💬 Pro Tip from Stan’s

There is no single answer to which siding is best. The right choice depends on your home’s location, your budget, and how much maintenance you want to handle. Stan’s offers free siding consultations to walk you through your options and show you real samples.

🎧 From The STAN’dard Podcast

Want to hear Kevin and Liz talk about siding styles and share what holds up best in Illinois weather?

👉 Listen to “What Kind of Siding Is Best?” on Spotify or YouTube.

🛠 Trust Stan’s for Your Siding Project

At Stan’s Roofing, Siding, Decks & Unlimited Basements, we help homeowners protect and upgrade their homes with materials that last.

📞 (815) 577-2500 | 🌐 www.stansroofingandsiding.com

Proudly serving Plainfield, Romeoville, Naperville, Joliet, and surrounding communities for 58 years.