What do USÂ builders and homebuyers want these days? What are the most popular materials for the outside of homes in the US?
You might be surprised by the numbers. Don’t believe what you think you know about brick or clapboard. Recent data shows that there are four main factors that determine how new single-family houses look and how safe they are across the country.
Let’s dive in!
The Handshake of Your Home: Why Curb Appeal Is Important
The outside of your home is more than simply a shell; it’s how your property greets the world. It’s the first thing people see, it sets the tone for the neighborhood, and studies shows that it has a big impact on property value. Making your home more appealing from the street could make it worth up to 10% more.
When you’re renovating or building a new home, the materials you choose for the outside are perhaps the most important thing to think about. It has an impact on everything, including energy efficiency, long-term durability, and minimal maintenance expenses every year.
The National Trend: Revealing the Big Four
The Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) says that there are just four basic alternatives for new home exteriors on the market. These materials provide a good mix between price, performance, and local customs.
Based on recent building data, these are the four most common materials used for the outside of new single-family homes built in the US:
- Stucco (The National Leader)
- Vinyl Siding (The Cheap Winner)
- Fiber Cement Siding (The Strong Challenger)
Brick or Brick Veneer (The Classic That Will Never Go Out of Style)
This list clearly illustrates a move away from conventional wood goods, which currently only make up a minor part of new building. Homeowners are putting more value on materials that last longer and are easier to care for, which is why low maintenance is such a big selling factor.
Take A Closer Look at the Best Options
To understand why these materials are so highly rated, you need to look more closely at their pros and cons and the types of weather they do best in.
The Unlikely Winner: Stucco
For a lot of people in the Midwest or Northeast, it can seem strange that Stucco is at the top. In the expanding Sun Belt states, especially the Pacific, Mountain, and South Atlantic regions, stucco is the best. In some regions of the West, it is utilized on more than 50% of all new residences.
What is it?
Stucco is made of Portland cement, lime, sand, and water. It is put on in layers, which makes a strong, fire-resistant finish that lasts.
What makes it so popular?
Stucco’s best feature is that it works very well in hot weather. It reflects heat, which keeps the inside cool and lowers energy expenditures. Also, it’s a strong pick because it can handle collisions and won’t break down easily.
Vinyl Siding: The Cheap King
Vinyl siding is still one of the most popular and well-known types of house siding, and it’s a very close second for new construction. It is the most popular in the northern parts of the country, such as New England and the Middle Atlantic.
What makes it so popular?
The solution is simple: it’s flexible, cheap, and needs very little upkeep. PVC material is used to make vinyl siding, which is cheap to make and easy to put up. It doesn’t rot, pests don’t like it, and it never needs painting. Vinyl that is made today can even look like real wood or stone.
Vinyl siding is the best choice for homeowners on a budget who want something that works well and is easy to take care of.
Fiber Cement: The Strong Workhorse
Fiber Cement Siding is the dark horse in this race. This engineered substance is made from a mix of wood pulp, sand, and cement. Its popularity has been continuously rising for the past twenty years. It is fast becoming the choice for homeowners who want something that lasts a long time without paying a lot for natural stone or brick.
What makes it so popular?
Fiber cement is as strong as masonry yet doesn’t need much care like vinyl. It doesn’t catch fire, rot, termites, or bad weather. It can be turned into planks, panels, or shingles that appear just like real wood grain, but they won’t break as easily as wood does. For a lot of people, the strong ROI (over 88% return on replacement projects) is a big reason to do it.
Brick Veneer: A Beautiful and Valuable Choice
There is a reason why Brick Veneer is a traditional choice. It isn’t the most prevalent material in the whole country, but it is very popular in the West South Central states, where it makes up most of the new single-family homes.
Why do people like it?
Brick is the most durable and long-lasting material. A brick exterior that is well cared for can last for 100 years or more. It is inherently resistant to fire, dampness, and pests, so it doesn’t need any upkeep at all. Brick is still a popular choice for homeowners who want a classic, majestic look and want to get the most value out of their property.
Why Location Matters: Trends in Different Areas
We can name the top four materials used for house siding in the US, but the real story is that people in different parts of the country prefer different ones. The most important thing that decides what material is “best” for your home is the weather.
- Hot/Dry Regions (Southwest/West): Stucco is great for reflecting heat in hot and dry areas like the Southwest and West.
- Cold and wet climates (Northeast and Midwest): Vinyl siding is popular since it is cheap, easy to put up, and doesn’t get cold easily. However, its low fire rating is a problem in some places.
- Central and Southern Regions: Brick Veneer is a long-standing tradition that protects against storms and fires.
When choosing exterior materials, you have to weigh the initial cost, how little upkeep they need, how long they will last, and how they will look. The present market has solutions that are stronger and more efficient than ever before. You can choose stucco, which is surprisingly popular, or fiber cement, which is known for its reliability, to improve the look of your home.
Choose wisely, and make sure that the handshake of your home is strong, attractive, and designed to stay.
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