Stone Siding

Stone Siding

One of the oldest siding materials used for residential exteriors, stone siding offers strong protection from the elements and a beautiful appearance, as well. Stone siding is a bit pricey and its weight means that installation is labor-intensive, but many homeowners find that stone's cosmetic appeal and durability make it the best choice for their home's exterior.

Stone siding can either be made of the real stone, or it can be simulated to look like stone but be made from other materials, such as vinyl. While simulated stone siding looks fairly realistic, it lacks many of the advantages of the real deal. Unlike vinyl, stone siding cannot be damaged by fire or heat, and it requires little or no maintenance to keep it looking great. Stone is similar to brick and stucco in its strength and durability, but the number of choices in types of stone, including limestone, sandstone, or granite, make stone a more versatile exterior material that can be used on almost any architectural style of home.

Despite its great weight and slightly higher price, stone siding is a popular exterior selection with many homeowners. Stone's many benefits include:

• Stone is impervious to mold, mildew, and insect infestations;
• Stone comes in a huge variety of colors and styles;
• Stone never needs painting or staining to maintain its attractiveness;
• Stone is resistant to fire and other forms of heat;
• Stone is one of the strongest materials available for resistance to rain, wind, and other weather-related threats.

One reason that stone is more expensive than other exterior materials is that its weight and other characteristics require heavy equipment and skilled professionals to install it correctly. Unlike some of the other choices in siding materials, stone is not a do-it-yourself type of project.

To learn all about stone siding and the exterior options available for your home, talk with some local siding contractors. These people are skilled in the installation and upkeep of all types of siding, including stone, and can readily advise you about the pros and cons of stone siding for your home's exterior. In addition, siding contractors are happy to help you with budgeting and planning by providing you with price quotes for your siding remodeling project.