Several materials can be used to side a home or building. Some of the more popular siding options include vinyl, various species of wood, aluminum or steel and brick. There is usually a large difference between the costs of these materials.
According to CostHelper.com, having vinyl siding professionally installed can cost between $1 and $7 per square foot. Professionally installing 1,250 square feet of wood siding can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the species of wood that will be used. Aluminum and steel siding can run anywhere between $2.50 and $3.50 per square foot installed. Brick siding typically costs between $6 and $12 per square foot installed.
Professional siding installation can significantly drive up the overall cost of a siding project. Although the task may be difficult, do-it-yourselfers can install vinyl, aluminum, steel and wood siding themselves with relative ease. Demesne.info advises that brick siding installation should be carried out by professionals only.
Regardless of what material is used, properly maintained siding can last for several decades. Generally, steel, aluminum, vinyl and brick siding requires very little, if any, maintenance. Wood siding, however, requires painting or staining every few years, which ultimately drives up the overall costs associated with it.
Vinyl, steel and aluminum siding can be very difficult to repair. Brick is very durable and rarely needs repairing, but it is some of the most expensive siding on the market. Wood siding can foster algae and mildew growth if it is not properly treated. According to CostHelper.com, wood siding should be treated with fungicides every three years or so, which is another cost consumers need to consider.