Dear Jim: Our house needs new siding and I want something low-maintenance and durable with a distinctive look. I like the simulated brick, stone or cedar shake siding with extra insulation. What is the best material? – Paul F.

Dear Paul: All those new no-maintenance siding materials that you mentioned would fit your needs. They all can be applied over an extra layer of foam insulation to help pay back the costs. Many of them are designed for simple do-it-yourself installation to lower the overall cost.

The amount of savings on your utility bills depends on the level of wall insulation you now have. Other than making your house look unique from others on your street, one of the most noticeable improvements will be in reduced road noise and other outdoor sounds transmitted through the walls.

You have quite a few newer material options from which to choose – lightweight cultured stone, several types of brick kits and plastic simulated brick or cedar shake panels and new vinyl siding. These materials make the residing job easier and often you do not have to remove your old siding first.

Individual cultured stones are one of the most attractive exterior coverings and work well to trim or cover the entire wall. The stones are made of cement and special lightweight aggregate. This keeps them light enough so no extra supporting foundation or footers are needed.

The synthetic stones are molded from real stone shapes and colored with natural iron oxide. Once they are installed on the wall, they are impossible to distinguish from real stones. Although the shapes look totally random, they are formed to fit together for a professional-looking wall.

Many types of brick siding kits are available. Most use real bricks that are only 1/2-inch thick. In one technique, you install each brick individually with a special mastic. The mastic is spread on the wall and the bricks are pressed into it. With a damp trowel, smooth out the mortar joints.

Other kits use predesigned panels with support channels to align the thin bricks. The insulating foam already is attached to the back of the panel.

Durable plastic panels are the easiest-to-install, no-maintenance option. Each panel, roughly three feet long, interlocks perfectly with the mating panels. They are available in simulated brick, stone and cedar shake profiles.

New vinyl siding also is an option with some of the other materials used as decorative trim. Some siding uses reinforcing fiberglass rods for more rigidity. In high- wind areas, look for new wind-resistant vinyl siding with a flexible hem. This allows the siding to be nailed tightly to the wall.

Write for (instantly download – www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 945 – buyer’s guide of 15 decorative and standard siding materials and insulation kits listing surface textures, profiles, sizes, warranties, features and installation details. Please include $3 and a business-size SASE. Send to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244