There are many considerations when choosing the type of siding for your home. Ultimately, the right siding protects your home, adds curb appeal, and makes it more comfortable (lowering utility bills).
Siding comes in a wide range of styles and materials. It is best to choose a material that is suited for the local climate and can handle rough weather conditions. Contact Montana Siding now!
Wood siding provides a warm, classic look that complements many different building materials and can stand alone as the primary material on the home. It is also durable, insulating and naturally beautiful, weathering to a charming gray over time.
Builders can choose from a variety of natural woods for exterior cladding, including cedar, redwood and pine. However, because these are softwoods, they tend to have lower decay resistance and require more frequent refinishing than other wood species.
Other natural woods that have gained in popularity are alder, ash and mahogany. Alder and ash are known for their durability, while mahogany is often chosen for its rich color. Pine is another classic choice, offering a rustic charm that blends well with traditional and modern homes alike.
Cedarwood, a durable and versatile wood, is a popular choice for homeowners who want to protect their homes from harsh weather conditions like torrential rainfall or extreme temperatures. Its attractive reddish-brown tone adds a distinct aesthetic that stands out in a crowd, and it resists rot and insect damage better than most other natural woods. However, it is also more expensive than other natural woods and requires regular oil treatments to prevent its original color from fading and to guard against water damage.
Garapa, a wood native to the tropics, is another natural wood that’s gaining in popularity. Garapa is a sustainable, eco-friendly option that has a similar appearance to mahogany but can withstand the intense heat of hot climates. It is also resistant to insect damage and rot, and its light pigmentation helps to reflect sun’s heat from the home.
Despite the fact that real wood can be more costly than other options and require more maintenance, it’s hard to go wrong with its timeless beauty. According to Reese Freeman, president and construction manager of Steamboat Springs Construction Co., some of today’s most popular wood siding types include cedar, pine, barnwood and log. These woods can be used in a wide variety of styles, and they’re all relatively easy to work with. Unlike fabricated options, real wood isn’t limited to certain colors and can be stained or painted to suit any design preference.
Engineered/Composite Wood
Engineered wood is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a durable siding material. This option is made from wood strands or fibers that are combined with resin and compressed under high temperatures to create a sturdy, lasting board. It can be produced to look like natural cedar or redwood and is available in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes to complement any home. Engineered wood has several advantages over traditional wood siding, including its durability and weather resistance. It’s also much lighter than natural wood, making it easier to install and reducing the overall cost of the project.
Like all types of wood, engineered/composite wood is prone to moisture damage if not properly maintained. If the surface of the boards is exposed to excessive moisture, they can swell or even start to delaminate and rot. This can be a problem in areas with heavy rainfall or homes that don’t have adequate rain protection. Moisture issues can also be caused by poor installation or paint application, or by manufacturing defects.
To mitigate this issue, composite siding should be treated with special waxes and strengthening agents to increase its strength and durability. It should be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and other moisture problems. In addition, the finish should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris. These simple maintenance steps will help prevent moisture damage and keep the boards in good condition for longer.
In addition to its durability and moisture resistance, engineered wood siding offers a number of other benefits that make it a great choice for your next remodeling project. For example, it is made from recycled materials and uses green manufacturing techniques. This makes it a more sustainable option than natural wood siding. Additionally, it is designed to resist heat, which can be a safety concern for homeowners living in fire-prone areas.
Engineered wood siding offers the best of both worlds – a natural appearance with a durable and low-maintenance finish. It is a great choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their homes without breaking the bank. However, like all types of siding, it must be installed properly to avoid moisture problems.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is a long-lasting option. It can withstand heavy rains and snowfall, and its composition – Portland cement mixed with sand and cellulose fibers – helps prevent cracking. Manufacturers often offer 30- to 50-year warranties.
In addition to its durability, this type of siding resists impact damage from flying debris and hail. The durability of fiber cement siding also reduces the need for maintenance and repairs, including replacing damaged or warped boards. Unlike wood, which requires periodic sealing, cleaning and painting, fiber cement is impervious to moisture and won’t rot.
It’s a durable and attractive option for homeowners with varying tastes in home design. It can be textured to look like wood, stucco or brick, and is available in a range of colors to coordinate with any color palette. In addition to clapboards, shingles and board and batten styles, fiber cement is also available in panels and soffits.
The popularity of fiber cement siding has increased since it was reintroduced to the market after being banned for use with asbestos in the 1970s. Today’s fiber cement planks and shingles look so natural that most people will never guess they aren’t real. And because they don’t require cutting down trees to manufacture, they are more eco-friendly than many of the other siding options on the market.
While it is possible for skilled DIYers to install fiber cement, the expertise of a professional installation crew can ensure that your new exterior walls are installed correctly and that any warranty will be honored. Professionals are also able to install this durable and beautiful siding in less time than the DIY alternative.
No matter your style, the right exterior can help turn your house into a true home, a place that you enjoy and a refuge from the outside world. With so many styles to choose from, you can create a look that feels right for your home and fits with the other homes in your neighborhood. Whether you prefer traditional or modern designs, the right style can set the perfect tone for your forever-home.
Vinyl
When it comes to low-maintenance siding, vinyl is a top choice. Unlike metal and wood, it doesn’t rust or attract pests like termites. It also resists moisture, which can cause other types of siding to rot and warp. Whether you’re replacing your siding or installing it on a new home, vinyl is an excellent option.
Vinyl is manufactured from a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride or PVC, with some higher-grade products using repurposed or recycled PVC regrind and acrylics to increase rigidity and durability. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, finishes and profiles. It can mimic the look of cedar shakes or Victorian scallops, which lets homeowners create a unique style for their homes.
Compared to other siding materials, vinyl is less expensive and easier to install. It’s also highly durable and comes with long warranties that can be passed on to future owners of the home.
However, some types of vinyl are known to buckle and warp in extreme weather, exposing the wall structure to moisture which can cause rot, mold and mildew. To prevent this, choose a vinyl product that’s reinforced with added thickness and rigidity or has an innovative nailing hem that helps it stand up to high winds (for example, KP Cyclone).
Most of the time, you can correct minor vinyl warping and buckling by heating up the panel and bending it back into shape with a blow-dryer. However, if it’s becoming discolored or brittle, you may need to replace the damaged section.
Regardless of the material you choose for your home’s exterior, recladding is a significant investment and should be done by a professional installer with experience in the project. A good installer will ensure the work is performed to your satisfaction and the best quality materials are used to maximize your warranty protection.
If you are planning a recladding project, start with a free home improvement quote. Enter your zip and get matched with top-rated pros near you.