Siding enhances a home’s curb appeal, and the right type can add value. But deciding between the many options can be daunting.
Wood siding offers a classic aesthetic and can be customized with shingles or tapered clapboards. It is also highly durable and resists rot, termites and fungal decay. Click the Montana Siding to know more.
Natural wood siding is a beautiful choice for homeowners looking to add natural beauty and luxury to their home. It can be stained or painted to create a variety of looks and complement any architectural style. However, it is important to note that natural wood requires a lot of upkeep and is not a good option for homes in a fire-prone area.
Cedar is one of the most popular choices for wood cladding due to its durability and beauty. It can be left to age naturally and develop a unique silvery-grey patina or it can be stained or painted to achieve a specific look. Cedar is also extremely rot resistant and insect-proof, which helps to extend the life of the siding.
Fir is another popular choice for wood cladding because it’s durable and inexpensive. It’s also easy to cut, because it doesn’t have as much resin as other types of wood. This makes it a great choice for types of siding that require more milling, like tongue and groove. However, it’s not as rot resistant or insect-proof as cedar and should be regularly stained and sealed.
Garapa is a newer type of wood that’s quickly gaining popularity for its durability and eco-friendly nature. It’s a light wood that stands up to intense sun exposure and reflects heat away from the home, which can help prevent overheating. However, this type of wood can be expensive and hard to find.
Siberian larch is a beautiful option for wood siding because it’s durable and holds up well in wet climates. It’s also a good choice for people who want to avoid the cost of exotic hardwoods, but still want to achieve a rich, natural aesthetic.
Other types of natural wood are pine, fir, barn wood and logs. All of these have their own advantages, but cedar is typically the most popular option because it’s durable and affordable. It’s also a great option for people in fire-prone areas, because it is the only type of wood that’s completely termite proof. However, all types of natural wood can be damaged by mold and moisture problems if they are not properly maintained.
Stone Veneer
Stone veneer siding can add a lot of curb appeal to a home. It’s also more cost effective than real stone and provides a similar look without the added labor costs of quarrying and transporting natural stones. It can be installed as a full covering or on specific areas of the exterior such as a fireplace surround or retaining wall.
Like any type of siding, it’s important that the installer is experienced and understands proper installation techniques. Failure to do so can cause moisture problems that are expensive and difficult to fix. These issues include leaks, wood rot, mold and structural damage.
One of the main causes of these problems is that stone veneer siding tends to absorb water. This moisture can migrate through the exterior walls, causing mold and rot if it’s not allowed to escape. A properly installed stone facade will stop several inches past the ground to allow for proper drainage and a barrier that can prevent moisture from migrating up the wall.
Another common problem is improper flashing and venting. It’s important that any penetrations of the exterior walls are properly caulked and flashed, especially around windows and doors. This includes vents for dryers, bathroom fans and kitchen hoods. Many homeowners insist that their contractors install their vents directly into the stone veneer and this can cause a host of problems, including broken and blocked vents that can let rodents into the house.
Stone veneer siding is also susceptible to moisture problems when it’s not incorporated into a proper rainscreen and vapor barrier system. This is particularly true when it’s used on the bottom of the walls. Builders often install this siding right down to the ground, which impedes drainage and can create moisture problems that lead to mold, rot and structural damage in the walls.
Both real and manufactured stone veneers are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and textures. They’re available in both individual pieces and large panels that make them easier to install than natural stone. Some of these panels are designed for do-it-yourself installations and can be attached to the home with screws, rather than mortar.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding blends portland cement with cellulose, a material made from wood pulp. It’s an insulator, resists temperature changes and is less prone to insect damage than many other siding materials. It’s also a cost-effective and sustainable choice for homeowners. The result is a durable and attractive home exterior that can withstand the elements and maintain its value for years to come.
Typically, this siding comes pre-painted in a wide range of colors, with manufacturers offering a limited lifetime warranty on the product. It’s available in long planks, shingles or lap siding. James Hardie’s HardiePlank is the dominant brand of this type of siding. Its name has become synonymous with the material, much like Kleenex is used to refer to tissues.
The company has a reputation for innovation and high quality products, but their siding is also an affordable option for homeowners looking to increase the resale value of their homes. According to Remodeling Magazine, this type of siding recoups about 78 percent of its initial cost at resale.
In a time when climate change is a concern, the sustainability of this product offers peace of mind for homeowners. It’s a noncombustible alternative to wood, and it does not degrade from salt air or harsh UV light. It’s also unaffected by humidity and will not rot or attract termites. In fact, some insurance companies offer a discount for houses with this material because it’s fire resistant.
Fiber cement can be produced with a variety of textures and styles, including wood-grain or smooth finishes. It’s often sold in large sheets that reduce on-site waste when installed. Homeowners need to take caution when cutting fiber cement; long-term exposure to silica dust can lead to silicosis.
This type of siding is easier to install than natural wood, but it’s still best left to professionals. It’s heavy, can crack if not handled correctly, and requires specialized tools for cutting and nailing. It’s also more expensive than vinyl, but it carries a longer warranty and can withstand higher wind speeds than other types of siding.
Vinyl
Your home’s exterior is what the majority of people see, so it’s important that it looks stylish and well-maintained. Unlike shingles or wood clapboard, vinyl is very durable and easy to clean. It’s also available in a wider range of colours and textures, making it easier to find a look that complements your home. Vinyl is a great option for homeowners who want to avoid the cost and hassle of recladding. In addition, it’s easier to install than many other exterior cladding options. This can save you money on labor costs and may help to make your home’s remodel budget more manageable.
Compared to brick, stucco and fiber cement siding, vinyl is less expensive to buy and install. It’s also durable and comes with a long warranty. It’s easy to clean, so you can keep mildew, dirt and other debris off of it with a high-pressure power washer. It’s also resistant to moisture, which can cause wood rot. And, unlike clapboard, vinyl isn’t susceptible to termite infestation.
While vinyl offers a lot of benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. One major concern is that vinyl can crack, split and break under conditions of expansion and contraction. This can be a problem for homeowners who live in climates with drastic temperature changes. Another issue is that vinyl isn’t the strongest cladding material, so it can be damaged by hail or falling tree branches.
The good news is that vinyl has made huge strides over the years, especially in terms of how realistic it looks. The newer versions of this cladding are designed to look much more like real wood than the vinyl of even just ten years ago. In addition, manufacturers are working to reduce the likelihood of color fade. To ensure that you’re getting the most out of this product, choose a quality contractor with experience installing vinyl siding. This will help to eliminate any issues that might arise during installation and to ensure that your vinyl is performing at its best.