Exterior Siding 101: Choosing the Right Siding Materials for Your Home
Do you often look at your house and wonder how your house has aged with you? Just like we require makeovers for refreshing energy, our house too requires renovation. Now there are several ways by which you can renovate your house. You could either repaint your house, change its wallpapers or even change the sidings of the house. These changes not only make your house look more aesthetic but also increase its worth. When we talk about sidings, there are various options available. In this article, we shall be discussing the various types of sidings available and the aspects you may consider while choosing from them.
- Wood:
Wood sidings are not just aesthetic and elegant but these also give an American look to your house. Wood planks, boards, and shingles are included in the most popular wood sidings available. If you want a more vintage and antique look for your house, you could go with a wood clapboard lap siding. However, these do cost a fortune, and maintaining them is anything but a cakewalk. These can be repaired quite easily but installing them in place of a pre-existing sliding could be a task. These require to be checked and maintained from time to time and if you’re thinking of buying one, make sure you keep it away from sunlight and insects.
- Aluminum and steel sidings:
A major reason for the popularity and existence of metal sidings was because they were cost-effective in comparison to the sidings and unlike the wood siding, they did not require much care. They did not suffer any damage from heat or insects and we’re more durable than the other options. Most modern homes prefer aluminum and steel sidings over wood sidings. Horizontal stripes, vertical stripes, panels, and shingles are some types of metal sidings available in the market. These sidings are galvanized to protect them against any kind of corrosion. If you have had wooden sidings installed previously and wish to get metal sidings installed, you can get them installed over the wood sidings.
- Vinyl sidings:
When another substitute for metal (aluminum and steel) sidings was being sought, vinyl sidings were invested. These sidings are generally curated in the form of strips and have interlocking edges. They also have zip tools that allow you to assemble and disassemble the sidings. Horizontal sidings and vertical sidings are their most popular varieties and these come in various colors. They even come in several textures like the wooden texture and the shingle style. The vinyl sidings can even be installed over pre-existing wooden sidings. If installation seems hard, you could try wrapping it around the wooden sidings and buckling it. These sidings are quite cheap in comparison to the other substitutes. They cost $5-$8 per square foot. For better guidance and installation services, you can look out for a siding contractor.
- Fiber-cement sidings:
If you’re looking for an option that isn’t just cost-effective but is also resource-efficient, fiber and cement sidings are your one-stop solution. These have been introduced to the market recently and are amazingly cheap. These are durable and do not even require any kind of extra care to maintain. Their installation procedure is similar to that of the wood sidings (you need to cut and install them). Aesthetically, it is the closest to wood sidings. If you get a good finish, it is almost impossible for a normal person to distinguish between a wooden siding and a cemented siding, without touching it. Some varieties available in fiber cement sidings are beveled planks, shingles, and stucco-panel styles. It is also not affected by harsh heat or insect invasion.
Conclusion:
Sidings come in several patterns and materials. Wooden sidings are aesthetic but are very costly and also require a lot of management. They cannot be kept under the sun and have to be protected against insects. Aluminum and steel sidings are better substitutes for them and do not require maintenance. Vinyl sidings are also cost-effective and can be installed over the wood sidings. The fiber-cement sidings are the most cost-effective solution in this list. They are resource-efficient and also do not require extra maintenance. They can tolerate heat and insect invasion.
My uncle wants to spice up the appearance of his home so that it can match the houses around his area. I like your suggestion of using siding materials that are durable and are able to give his home a unique appeal. Perhaps finding a siding contractor can help him realize this plan in the future.