Siding is the exterior cladding material applied to building walls to protect against weather and provide aesthetic appearance. Common siding materials include vinyl, aluminum, wood, fibre cement, stucco, brick veneer, and engineered wood products. Each material has different characteristics for durability, maintenance requirements, fire resistance, insulation value, and cost. Building codes specify requirements for siding including fire ratings, weather resistance, and installation methods. Some municipalities regulate siding materials or colours through architectural guidelines or heritage district requirements. Proper siding installation includes weather barriers behind the siding, appropriate flashing around openings, and provisions for moisture drainage to prevent water damage to underlying structures.