Best siding pros near Kincheloe, MI

Brick and stone are the most durable and longest-lasting siding materials, often lasting for 100 years or more with proper maintenance. Copper is another material known to last over 100 years, though it can develop a greenish patina over time. Zinc is a metal siding that can last 80-100 years. While these options are the most expensive, they offer superior value and longevity. For a more affordable yet durable choice, stucco can last 50 to 80 years in dry climates. Fiber cement siding is another excellent middle ground, offering a lifespan of 50 years or more with low maintenance at a lower cost than stone or brick.

You cannot install clapboard siding on a bare, unprepared surface. Clapboard siding requires a clean, sturdy base made from plywood or similar materials, sometimes called backerboard. Then, it needs an underlayment or sheathing, a moisture membrane to help protect the exterior wall.

Note that sometimes clapboard siding is caulked as it’s installed for additional protection. We don’t suggest this: Caulking the siding can trap moisture inside the clapboards and lead to moisture damage over time. The siding needs some space to “breathe,” especially in rainy weather.

Stucco is considered a type of cladding because it includes a built-in ventilation layer, a weatherproof membrane beneath that, and, often, a layer of insulation to improve building efficiency. The multiple layers of stucco—the scratch coat, the brown coat, and the finish coat—also create a more complex building membrane, so it’s more accurate to call it cladding. However, homeowners and contractors alike refer to stucco as siding.

Yes, siding orientation can affect a home’s resale value, but in what way and by how much really depends on the prospective buyer. For instance, some buyers prefer the more modern appearance that vertical siding offers, so having it can increase your home’s value in their eyes. However, other buyers prefer the classic, more common appearance of horizontal siding, so having vertical siding can decrease your home’s value in their eyes.