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| Types of Siding |
By:
John Dickinson |
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When deciding on a siding option, determine how much you want to spend, how much maintenance you plan to do, and what look you want to achieve. The key to this decision is knowing that there is no perfect answer to what is best. You must find what is best for you and your lifestyle. Here is a list of some of the most common types of siding today.
Vinyl: Made from PVC plastic, it will not rot or flake, and is less expensive to buy and install than most other siding materials. Vinyl can be hazardous to the environment due to its release of toxic chemicals when burned. Vinyl siding can crack, split, and come to look faded after a few years.
Aluminum: Although it may seem out-of-date, aluminum is easy to maintain and fairly durable. Aluminum will not crack, but may dent and fade. It is also fireproof and poses no health risks to occupants of the house. Aluminum is easily dented when a ladder is placed against it, which may make other home repairs, such as repairs on windows and gutters very difficult.
Wood: Solid wood can outlast vinyl and other products with periodic staining or painting. Many old homes still look beautiful with the wood clapboard siding from when they were first built. Cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, cyprus,and Douglas-fir are the woods used most often in siding. Genuine wood is quite expensive when compared to other types of siding material.
Fiber Cement: This durable, natural-looking material can take on the appearance of wood, stucco, and masonry. It can provide the authentic look of wood with less maintenance. Fiber cement siding is fireproof, termite-proof, and often has a warranty of up to 50 years.
Cedar Shingles: A classic building material that has the look of natural wood. It usually comes in brown, gray or earth-tones and requires less maintenance than wood clapboard.
Seamless Steal: Very strong siding that resists shrinking and bulging often caused by temperature changes. This siding is custom fit to the exact measurements of your home. It can be used to create a wood-like or corrugated steel texture.
Stucco: Stucco is traditionally made with a combination of water and materials such as sand and lime. Synthetic stucco, often used today, looks authentic but does not provide the same durability as real stucco. Stucco can be finished in many ways, which can create a variety of looks.
Brick and Brick Veneers: Made of fired clay, brick is very durable and long-lasting. Brick siding can last centuries, only needing patching or repairs after the first twenty-five years. Brick veneers are a less expensive option that come in a variety of earth-tones. They are durable and attractive and are ideal for rain screening because water cannot penetrate veneers.
Engineered Wood: Made from wood products combined with other materials, this siding usually comes in inexpensive panels that are easy to install. Panels can be molded to create a look of traditional clapboards for your home. It usually does not look exactly like real wood, but is more natural looking than vinyl or aluminum. Examples of engineered wood siding are oriented strand board, hardboard, and veneered plywood.
Stone and Cultured Stone: Beautiful and nearly resistant to all weather damage, stone is a very expensive siding option, but cultured stone can be more affordable. Cultured stone looks and feels like real stone at a lower price.
Shakes: A rough type of wooden shingle, shakes are usually made from redwood, cedar or cypress. Shakes come in non-uniform shapes and sizes which can create a rustic look for your home. They can be applied in a double course, meaning that only the top layer is exposed to weather elements. Shakes are prone to rolling up towards the center, cracking, and splitting.
About the author:
Advance Remodeling is Baltimore's choice for city and suburban home remodeling and home improvement. Advance Remodeling specializes in interior and exterior home improvement for Baltimore City and portions of Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County. We offer financing opportunities and senior citizen discounts. |
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