Pros and cons of popular siding materials

If you're considering updating your home's siding, compare the following pros and cons.

Vinyl Pros: Inexpensive and easy to install, vinyl requires minimal upkeep, and it comes in many colors and textures. Cons: Standard panels have to be overlapped, which creates noticeable seams.

Stucco Pros: Stucco is extremely durable and doesn't need to be repainted. It's also resistant to fires and insects. Cons: Installation requires a lot of prep work. Make sure you find an experienced contractor to do the job.

Fiber cement Pros: Fiber cement is a durable material that's fire-resistant, termite-proof and won't rot. Cons: It's heavy and difficult to work with, which makes it more expensive to install than vinyl.

Wood clapboard or shingles Pros: Classic and natural-looking, wood is easy to work with and often prized for high-end renovations. Cons: The better grades of wood can get expensive plus maintenance adds up over time.