We are thinking about investing in new siding for our home. What are the alternatives?

Wood siding is one of the oldest forms of siding and it's still a popular choice. It offers the most color choices, such as semi-transparent stain, and vivid paint colors. Redwood and cedar are the most popular choices, and they are resistant to rot and mildew in all but the most humid of climates. 

Wood siding is awfully expensive, how can we lower our cost? 
If budget is a real concern, and for many of us it is, one cost alternative is engineered wood, or hardboard. Both of these products are less expensive than solid wood, not just for the product itself, but also for the installation, making this a great alternative. 
 

Vinyl is one of the most popular siding choices. With low cost and low-maintenance attributes, vinyl is more and more the choice of homeowners. Not only is it less expensive to manufacture, but it's less expensive to have installed. While early vinyl had a bad reputation for appearance and longevity, more advanced technology is producing higher quality vinyl choices. Today's vinyl has the color integrated into it rather than applied, so it lasts much longer. The introduction of seamless vinyl allows homeowners to have siding that doesn't look pieced together

Although vinyl siding has put a dent in aluminum and steel siding sales, both are still available and doing well. Because it's stronger than vinyl, metal is especially popular in areas that attract violent weather, particularly hail, which can dent vinyl but usually doesn't leave a mark on steel.

Remember, though less expensive, vinyl tends fade and buckle, so don’t expect it to be permanent. 
 

Yes you can, however depending on your current siding, it may be unnecessary. Most types of siding can have new siding installed directly over it.

Historically vinyl siding has been pretty limited in terms of color scheme. But today you have much more choice.

Most siding installation is rated for winds up to 110 mph. If wind does rip it off, note that vinyl siding is much easier to re-install than other types of siding.

Very simply, you can clean your vinyl siding by using a garden hose with a spray attachment and some Windex.

Brick is an all-natural building material that is made from a mix of clay and water that is then baked, or "fired," in a kiln until hardened. Different clays produce different colors, and there are many different types of clays. In addition, various natural coatings, such as sand and limestone, can also be added during the firing process to produce different colors, effects, textures and finishes. Even a brick's position in the kiln can affect the final look. When you combine these with the tonal varieties of today's mortars, you can see that your color choices in brick are virtually endless.

Visit a brick showroom near you to review your options. You'll have the chance to review hundreds of brick and mortar combinations. You can find a contractor with a showroom near you, right here on the Home Improvement Hotline.

Unfortunately, there is no national database of brick colors and textures. However, a local brick distributor representing a wide variety of manufacturers will probably be able to match your brick if it is still manufactured. On this site, you can find a contractor to help you match your existing brick.

Yes you can paint brick. Just like any other surface, you must prepare it properly with the right primer before hand, and then applied properly, preferably with a spray attachment. Before any of this takes place, it is best to repair any cracks in the surface to keep down moisture intrusion. Moisture is the enemy of any exterior painting job, especially brick. Latex is a good choice when painting brick.

A lot of the time you can remove stains from brick, depending on the type of stains. However when it comes to rust stains from a sprinkler system operating off well water, it can be almost impossible. Most stains and discoloration can be removed from brickwork if the proper cleaning technique is employed. You can, get rid of the easier stains with water, cleanser and a stiff brush. But it is always wise to consult with a professional first, especially if you are contemplating sandblasting or pressure washing. Brick, being the most durable of all residential building materials, can last for hundreds of years.

Yes, this is a huge selling point. In fact most brick home will bring in at least an extra 5%.

Yes, but it is not an easy proposition. For the brick to be applied properly, it must have a solid foundation. Therefore it will have to be attached successfully to the existing footing or, be fastened to an existing block wall. Only a very experienced, licensed contractor is going to be able to perform this upgrade without damaging the existing structure. Make sure that the contractor is willing to warranty the work.

Yes and no. If the root tendrils are growing into the brick mortar joints , it can cause a substantial amount of moisture intrusion. The better the quality of construction the less you should have to worry about this. Look at the mortar joints, if they are tight and even with no cracks between the mortar and the brick, it will most likely be fine.

Stucco won't last hundreds of years like brick, but it is very sturdy. When properly applied by an experienced contractor, it.s as durable as most any cladding material and can take a good bit of abuse as well as being able to withstand extreme climates.

Here is an important tip. Make darn sure you paint the stucco with the right type of paint that is required for your specific climate. Acrylic paints are not always the best choice for stucco depending on the climate. Make sure you consult with a professional with experience in painting stucco. They will more than likely suggest a cement based paint.