The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Different House Siding

If you are looking for siding that is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing, you could find the process of choosing daunting.  There are a lot of different types of house siding for you to choose from. Some are more common than others and to make an informed decision you need to know the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Aluminum

In the modern market, aluminum siding is considered out of date without any advantages. This siding will dent, it is hard to keep clean and will be hard to maintain after installation. This is a type of siding that is not recommended and most professional contractors will not install it.  

Vinyl

The most common material used today for siding is vinyl.  There are some pros and cons to vinyl.

Pros:

  1. Easy to install
  2. Clean look
  3. Low cost
  4. Low Maintenance

Cons:

  1. Limited colors
  2. Can warp in the sun
  3. If damaged, will be difficult to color match
  4. Not ideal for wet environments

In conclusion, vinyl is a good product but not the best. Especially in the NorthWest vinyl and other composite siding is not an ideal product to install on your home.

Natural Wood

If you want a more rustic look for your home, you may want to consider wood siding.  One of the benefits of this siding is the fact that it can be cut into long horizontal pieces and shaped to suit your needs.  It is possible to get this siding to look like a clapboard which is overlapping horizontal boards. You can also get it to look like shingles with smaller pieces of overlapping wood. In addition, natural wood siding can come in a shiplap style for a more modern look. 

The problem is that wood siding does need a bit of maintenance to keep it looking its best. When it is installed, you need to have it finished with a clear sealer, semi-transparent stain, or paint. This is the best way to keep the wood in good order. Wood siding (depending on the type of wood) can get expensive. It is prone to rot, bug, and bird intrusion. In conclusion, wood siding will give your home a beautiful look and longevity if maintained properly 

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding is the type of siding you should consider.  The modern version of this will be a mixture of cement, wood pulp, sand, and clay.  This siding can be made to look like wood and will be installed in a similar manner.  The benefit is that the fiber cement is longer-lasting and safer. It is fire retardant, will not rot, will keep bugs and birds out. Our friends at James Hardie have figured out the exterior home science to the T. There’s a lot of science that goes into installing the fiber-cement products. If installed properly by the correct contractor it is able to last just as long as natural wood but with less maintenance than wood. 

If you have questions, our professionals at Provision Remodelling can help. Talk to our experts today! 

Provision Remodeling
Provision Remodeling
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