Description

Pros

Cons

Brick

Hand-sized rectangular unit made of hardened clay. While it can be applied as a load-bearing wall, this highly method is not commonly used for residential housing. Most use brick as a veneer over other wall assemblies. Brick is more expensive than wood.

Brick is very durable and requires low maintenance.
Longest life expectancy of most commonly used siding options.

High initial costs

Fiber Cement

One brand is Hardiplank. The material blends wood fibers and cement and resembles wood lap siding. More expensive than vinyl and wood but less than brick

• Extremely durable, termite-resistant, water-resistant, non-combustible.
• Considered a green alternative to vinyl.
  50year warranty (15-20 year warranty on factory finish).
  

May need repainting every 5 to 7 years unless using factory applied paint finish, in which painting required after 15 years.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC siding was first introduced in the 1950’s, and has become one of the fastest growing siding materials used today. Initial material and installation costs are low. Approximately $1.50- to 1.80/square ft. (in 2006 dollars)

•  Inexpensive and durable. Virtually maintenance-free, just annual cleaning.
• Available in many colors and wood imitations widths and textures.
  

• Poor detailing on vinyl systems may allow for water leakage behind vinyl and eventual rot and mold growth in exterior envelope. 
•  Chemicals used to manufacture PVC are hazardous to the environment and human and animal health.
• Very sensitive to heat, more flammable than other materials.
  

Wood (Clapboard)

Long boards of wood applied horizontally and overlapping. Real wood is one of the more expensive siding options due to high material costs and regular maintenance.

•  Suits a wide-range of architectural styles.
  Very attractive.
  

• High maintenance. Must be repainted every 7 years or re-stained every 3 to 5 years. 
  Durability is subject to climate and moisture exposure.
• May foster growth of algae, moss, or mildew that generates rotting if untreated.
  If wood siding comes from non-sustainably managed forests, creates water and air pollution through erosion, sedimentation, and poor harvesting practices. Select lumber that has been certified by Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).