There are so many options available when you're looking to replace the exterior of your home. One of the most debated topics is stucco vs. vinyl siding - which option is best for your home?

Both appear great on the outside. However, the Midwest homeowner has a better choice.

What's Stucco?

Before we can answer which is better, you might be curious about what stucco is. It's made of cement, earth, or lime mixed with silica. This produces a durable and strong material that homeowners often choose to use for their home's exterior.

But can it match vinyl siding, America's most popular home cladding choice? We are about to find out!

Stucco Siding can make your home look a lot better.

Many homeowners base their decision on price. While this isn't something we recommend as the sole factor in a homeowner's decision-making process, it is an important one. You will notice right away that stucco siding costs more than vinyl siding.

Stucco is the most costly home cladding option, costing $6-$9/square foot. Vinyl siding costs vary greatly, but even the most expensive options don't cost as much.

So stucco is more costly. It's true that stucco is more expensive, but if it's an excellent option, then it's well worth it. Keep reading, and you may be surprised at the answers.

Both options are efficient in terms of energy, but one option is better.

Vinyl and stucco siding can be energy-efficient for your home. You can keep your home more comfortable, regardless of season, by having it trap heated or cooled air.

Not all home cladding is energy efficient. However, it will help you save money on energy costs. Your furnace and AC will run less efficiently because the heated/cooled air is kept inside your home. This will reflect on your monthly statements.

Vinyl siding is a better option than both, although they are both good choices. Vinyl siding is covered with foam insulation boards that are installed underneath it. It acts as a blanket around your house. There is no outside air getting into your home.

Vinyl siding is much easier to maintain.

Vinyl and stucco have a lot in common. Stucco colors will fade over time, so it is important to paint your home.

Vinyl siding doesn't fade, so it is not something you need to worry about. These colors are baked into the siding panels at manufacturing. Your beautiful vinyl siding will remain in great condition for many decades.

Vinyl siding needs to be maintained only once a year. The job is easy and takes less than 45 minutes.