What Is Considered Siding?
Siding is one of the largest investments homeowners can make, protecting their home from the elements and increasing resale value. However, different types of siding vary in cost, durability and maintenance requirements.
Some are resistant to fire, moisture or rust while others may require special chemical treatments to avoid insect infestations. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right type of siding for your house.
Stucco
Aside from being a functional part of a home’s protective shell, siding is also a big part of its aesthetic. When it comes to selecting the right material for your new house, there are a number of factors you need to take into account, including cost and durability. Different types of siding last differently, with some outperforming others in both areas. The lifespan of your siding is another important factor to consider, with some types lasting only 30 years or less. Others may last for generations and help you recover the costs of your renovation at resale.
Stucco, for example, has a long history as a decorative and functional wall covering. It is a popular choice in the Southwest regions of the United States for its drier climates and can be customized in color, size and texture to match any style. It is also easy to maintain, with regular inspections and cleaning. A yearly maintenance program from Siding Amarillo include inspecting and patching small hairline cracks and applying a sealant to protect the surface.
Traditional stucco consists of sand, lime, water and cement and can be modified with glass fibers and acrylics to increase durability. There is also a synthetic version that does not use cement and instead uses an acrylic resin, making it more resistant to moisture damage. While it is a relatively expensive option, it is an excellent choice for any home because it provides a high level of protection and insulation.
Brick has a timeless beauty that is appealing to many homeowners and is often used in combination with other siding materials. While it does have a high initial cost, brick is very durable and can withstand most weather conditions. However, it is a poor choice for humid environments as it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Brick is also a poor choice for earthquake-prone areas as tremors can cause mortar to crack and break apart.
While it is more costly than vinyl, wood can be a great addition to any home design. While some wood options require a lot of maintenance, they can last for decades if maintained properly. Wood is also one of the most environmentally friendly sidings, with natural resources providing a renewable resource for this material.
For a rustic look, you can choose board-and-batten siding. This is a classic American style that has been around since our nation’s early days. It consists of wide boards (like cedar or pine) spaced with narrower strips covering the joints between the wide pieces. You can also innovate with this style by alternating the width of the boards and spacing. If you do decide to go with this type of siding, it is best to work with a professional to ensure quality and a long lifespan.
Wood
When it comes to home cladding, wood siding is an excellent option that can last for up to 30 years. Its natural appearance provides an attractive finish for any home and it can be stained or painted to suit your style preferences. However, this type of siding will require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Wood siding can be found on homes as rustic as the log cabins built by earlier settlers and as grand as Georgian style mansions. Its popularity stems from its versatility and durability. This material is a great choice for any style home and can be a good do-it-yourself project.
The most popular types of wood siding are pine and cedar, both of which can be purchased at home improvement stores and can be stained or painted to fit your tastes. Cedar is an especially popular option because it naturally resists rot and insect damage. It also tends to be a bit lighter than pine, making it easier to work with.
Other options include cypress, spruce and redwood wood siding, all of which are resistant to rot and insect damage and can be stained or painted in a variety of different styles. These choices can be a little more expensive than pine or cedar, but they offer a superior level of durability and quality.
Another important factor when deciding on wood siding is the pattern. There are five main patterns, including tongue and groove, bevel, board and batten, channel / lap and shakes or shingles. Tongue and groove is a classic pattern that consists of small boards with a protruding rib on the edge of each that fits into a groove in the adjoining board. Bevel siding features a notched edge and can be installed horizontally or vertically. Board and batten siding consists of vertical boards that are nailed to horizontal nailing strips let into the wall framing and then covered with a smaller vertical “batten” that is typically 1’’ to 2’’ wide. Channel siding features a profile where the end of one board partially overlaps that of the next, creating an attractive shadow line effect.
Shakes and shingles are two other types of wood siding that can be either machine-sawn or hand-split to create a rough texture and a more rustic look. While these are similar to clapboard, they differ in that shingles are sawn for a smoother appearance while shakes are split for a more rugged texture.
If you are interested in a more exotic or elegant option, solid stone siding can be a good choice. It is a relatively expensive option that can last for up to 30 years but can add a touch of class to any home. This type of siding is very durable and will withstand weather conditions if maintained properly, but it may be difficult to install on a home that has not been prepared correctly.
Stone
Stone siding, also known as stone veneer siding, is a popular choice for accent walls and occasionally for whole houses. However, many homes in the United States with stone appearance don’t actually consist of natural rock but rather 2×4 and plywood framed structures covered with a cement or dense polyurethane stone surface. Nevertheless, stone veneer offers a similar aesthetic to real stone while being less expensive and easier to maintain.
Brick is a more expensive option for siding than other materials but it has one of the longest lifespans of any material used to side a house. It is available in a variety of colors giving homeowners plenty of options to suit their style and architectural preference. Brick is easy to maintain but it is not as flexible as some other types of siding, meaning that changes in the structure of a house may cause cracking.
Fiber cement is a durable and attractive type of siding that can be painted in a wide array of shades. It doesn’t need to be painted as often as other siding, and it can withstand harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, pests, and fire. In fact, some insurance companies offer a discount for homes that are sided with fiber cement.
Cedar is another popular choice for siding because it resists rot and insects while being soft enough to work well with tools. Its straight grain makes it a good choice for staining, which helps to bring out its natural beauty and rich color. Cedar siding is not as durable as other woods such as hickory or redwood, so it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance to protect its integrity.
Shingle siding is a more contemporary choice than cedar because it is a lot more flexible. It is also a good choice for harsh environments because it can stand up to high winds and salt air. Unlike most other types of siding, shingle siding can be repaired by nailing directly over the damaged area.
Large-format wood panels such as clapboards and shingles are an economical choice for most homeowners. These types of siding are relatively easy to clean, but they can be susceptible to rot and insect infestation if not properly maintained. They are also not as effective at insulating a home as other types of siding, and they are not as flexible as stucco. Choosing the right siding for your home depends on several factors, including budget, architectural style, and how long you plan to stay in the house. The best type of siding will blend in with the surrounding landscape, look appealing on your home’s exterior, and meet the needs of your lifestyle.
Siding is one of the largest investments homeowners can make, protecting their home from the elements and increasing resale value. However, different types of siding vary in cost, durability and maintenance requirements. Some are resistant to fire, moisture or rust while others may require special chemical treatments to avoid insect infestations. Here’s what you need…