Shopping for commercial siding options can be overwhelming. After all, this one choice impacts the aesthetics, durability, and maintenance requirements for your building. Like all other buildings, commercial properties need siding to protect the structure from the elements while also adding curb appeal. Choosing the right material is an important decision.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular commercial siding options. We’ll go over their pros and cons, and what building owners should consider when making a decision.
Popular Commercial Siding Options
Metal Siding
Metal siding is a very popular commercial siding material, thanks to its good looks, durable nature, and low maintenance needs. Steel siding and aluminum siding are common choices, as they’re corrosion-resistant and resist pest infestations and water damage. Metal siding offers an industrial look that fits in well with commercial structures like warehouses, factories, and modern office buildings.
Many commercial property owners specifically choose metal siding because it’s low maintenance. Rather than devoting time and resources to upkeep, metal siding simplifies the building’s maintenance needs, even in a wide variety of climates.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is a popular residential material, but it’s also a great choice for commercial buildings. Fiber cement is popular for its durability and design flexibility, and it can mimic the look of traditional wood siding without any of the maintenance needs. Fiber cement also resists rot, insects, and fire.
Commercial property owners typically choose fiber cement siding for the same reasons as metal. They’re looking for a durable siding option that’s long-lasting, resistant to corrosion, and low maintenance. But, fiber cement siding also has the benefit of looking better and being more suitable for different types of buildings.
Vinyl Siding
When it comes to affordability and ease of installation, vinyl siding is still a great choice for a commercial building. It can mimic wood, though not quite as convincingly as fiber cement. But it comes in nearly any style for any building, and allows the building owner some design flexibility without the expense of metal siding or fiber cement.
Vinyl siding isn’t as durable as most other commercial siding options, but durability is the trade-off for affordability. For business owners that need fast, efficient siding installations, vinyl is likely the best option.
Wood Siding
Wood siding isn’t nearly as common for commercial use than other materials. It is high maintenance and might even be against fire codes in some areas. However, wood siding might be found on commercial properties with historic roots or on modern buildings where large wood sections are often paired with glass. It looks great and can be very inviting for customers, so although it’s not popular, it’s definitely desirable.
The downsides to wood siding are that it’s expensive, requires quite a bit more maintenance than other siding types, and it’s susceptible to rot, pest issues, water damage, and fire exposure.
Brick and Stucco
Masonry materials like brick and stucco are highly durable materials often used in commercial buildings. Brick can offer a timeless and classic appearance or a wildly modern look, while stucco provides a smooth, clean finish. Both materials are durable and resistant to the elements, making them ideal for a range of commercial uses. However, they’re more expensive to install than vinyl siding or fiber cement siding.
Brick and stucco are both low maintenance and can last for decades with minimal attention or repairs. These materials are also resistant to environmental factors such as extreme weather, fire, and pests.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Commercial Siding
Choosing the right commercial siding for your building does take some special consideration. The following are some of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing:
- Durability: How well will the material stand up to the elements, and how long is its lifespan?
- Maintenance: Some materials, like vinyl and fiber cement, require minimal upkeep, while others, like wood siding, need more frequent care to prevent damage.
- Cost: Vinyl siding and fiber cement are more budget-friendly than options like brick or wood.
- Aesthetics: Depending on the desired style, materials like wood, fiber cement, or brick may offer the appearance you’re looking for.
- Environmental Impact: Some materials, like fiber cement and metal siding, are considered more eco-friendly because they are long-lasting and may use recycled content.
With those decision-making factors in mind, you’ll be able to determine which siding option is the best material for your commercial building.
Let TopKey Construction Handle Your Siding Project
Regardless of which commercial siding options you choose, TopKey Construction can handle your project. We have over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, solving commercial property owners’ building improvements and maintenance needs. Whether you’re interested in fiber cement siding, metal siding, vinyl siding, or anything in between, we have your solution. Contact TopKey Construction today.