Cracks, dents, or holes on a mobile home’s siding are the absolute worst! They leak warm air from the indoors to the outdoors, let in unwanted insects & rodents, and expose the wood beneath them to moisture damage. As if that’s not enough, the cracks and dents make your home look old and outdated. Trust us, we understand your frustrations. 

Have you resolved to restore your home’s past glory by replacing the siding? But are you decided on which type of siding to go for? If you’re unsure, this article explores different factors that you must consider when choosing your siding. We have also ranked different types of siding materials for each factor of consideration to help you make the most informed decision.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Perfect Siding for Your Mobile Home 

A siding project is one of the biggest home improvement projects you’ll ever invest in as a homeowner. 

So, before we look at the factors to consider when choosing your siding materials, it’s important to mention that working with a siding contractor is recommended. You need the experience, expertise, and tools of a professional siding installation company for your project to be a success. Professionals such as these Sacramento home improvement experts will turn your aging mobile home into a brand-new home, without denting your finances majorly. What’s more, they will help you find the perfect siding material and color for your home’s unique architecture and style. 

With that important detail out of the way, let’s help you find the perfect siding for your replacement. Here are the 3 top factors worth considering:

• Durability 

This goes without saying: If you’re spending big bucks on siding, the least it can do for you is protect the home for decades to come. You don’t want to cough up more money to fix your new siding a couple of years from now. 

Note: Durability goes hand in hand with a siding material’s ability to withstand harsh weather elements. You will know if any siding is durable by its ability to withstand/resist wind, water, and sun damage.

With that in mind, which siding materials are the most durable?

i. Engineered wood siding

No siding material, past or present, beats engineered wood’s durability. It is a combination of real wood and engineered wood. All you need to do is coat it with an oil-based sealant to protect it from moisture and you’re set for the next 5 decades or more.

ii. Vinyl Siding 

Vinyl doesn’t require any coating or much maintenance. You just need to give it a wash every now and then and you’re set for up to 3 decades. It withstands harsh weather elements pretty impressively. Its low-impact resistance is impressive too. The only downside of vinyl is that it can melt in extremely hot temperatures and crack in sub-zero temperatures. 

iii. Fiber cement siding 

The only threat to fiber cement siding is excessive moisture. Too much moisture can cause it to crack or break. Other than that, fiber cement holds up impressively against wind and scorching sun.

iv. Traditional wood siding 

Wood is a naturally biodegradable material. As much as it’s aesthetically appealing, traditional wood siding warps and rots devastatingly fast when exposed to moisture. It’s also vulnerable to termite damage. You can, however, enhance its durability through frequent painting. 

v. Aluminum siding 

This one is pretty solid and highly resistant to moisture, sun, and termite damage. It is, however, susceptible to dents and dings.

• Maintenance requirements 

Not everyone has the time or resources to wash, paint, or stain their mobile home multiple times a year. Unless money isn’t a big problem for you, you should go for siding materials that are low maintenance. 

While you’re at it, be careful not to fall for false advertising. Go for siding that’s truly low maintenance. Here’s how different materials rank in terms of maintenance:

i. Fiber cement 

This siding is made from a blend of cement, sand, cellulose fiber, and silica making it resistant to harsh climate and insect damage. Finer cement is undoubtedly the most low-maintenance siding available today.

ii. Vinyl siding 

Vinyl is a type of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)- that alone tells you everything you need to know about its maintenance requirements. PVC doesn’t require painting. You just install it and forget about it. It doesn’t rot, its color doesn’t peel or fade, and washing it is pretty straightforward. You don’t even need to hire professional cleaners.

The only downside of vinyl in this regard is that, in case of cracks, it can hide pockets of moisture. The moisture can then precipitate mold or cause the wood beneath the vinyl to rot, necessitating major repairs. 

iii.  Modified wood siding 

Real wood makes the most beautiful siding, but it’s susceptible to rot and termite damage. If you want the rustic beauty of real wood but aren’t ready for the high maintenance requirements that come with real wood, modified wood would be perfect for you. Modified wood siding is weatherproof and doesn’t necessitate painting for protection against rot or insects. It’s also safe to pressure wash modified wood, unlike real wood. 

The only downside of modified wood in this regard is that it can’t be repainted. If it ages and gets outdated, your only option would be to replace it.

iv. Aluminum 

Aluminum doesn’t melt in the scorching sun of summer or crack in the freezing months of winter. That means it protects the wood and insulation materials beneath it pretty well- you won’t have to worry about major repairs. It’s also quite easy to clean it whenever you feel like it has collected a lot of dirt. 

The key downside of aluminum is that its color fades away faster than modified wood or vinyl. It demands repainting every few years.  

v. Stone veneer 

Stone doesn’t require painting and scraping to stay attractive. It stays with its natural, rustic look for many years of moisture and sun exposure. 

• Cost 

Lastly, we have to rank your siding options in terms of cost. Here are the average costs for each material per square foot: 

• Vinyl siding costs under $10 per square foot in most states. If you want it insulated though,  the cost can hike up to about $15. 
• Fiber cement siding costs anywhere between $15 and $20 per square foot. 
• Real or natural wood siding also goes for anywhere between $15 and $20. It is, however, a little more expensive when you factor in maintenance. 
• Engineered wood goes for about $10 to $16 per square foot, 
• Aluminum/metal siding costs under $10 per square foot.

Note: Vinyl and aluminum siding are easy to install, which means their installation costs are relatively lower than wood or fiber cement siding.

Final word

Remember to go for the most aesthetically appealing siding option as per your taste. Beauty is subjective, after all. However, don’t overlook durability, installation & maintenance costs, and ability to withstand harsh weather.