Siding is a crucial part of your home, protecting the structure from sun and heat, heavy rains, and other weather elements that can cause wood rot. It also acts as a barrier against pests and insects and adds visual appeal. For more information, click the link https://www.hawkinssidingandexteriors.com/ provided to proceed.
There are several types of siding, allowing homeowners to match their architectural style and aesthetic preference. The most popular options include:
Wood siding is a classic look that never goes out of style. Many homeowners like the way it looks, and builders often choose it for its durability and natural look. However, it can be more expensive than other types of siding. It also requires more maintenance, since it can easily be damaged by moisture or pests.
Almost every type of siding on the market tries to imitate the look of real wood. Some, such as cellular PVC, come close but can’t match the color, texture and grain of natural wood. Other products, such as fiber cement siding, use a combination of real wood and Portland cement to achieve the same appearance.
Another option is thermally modified wood, which uses a special heating process to make natural wood more durable. The treatment reduces the wood’s ability to absorb moisture, which prevents warping and rot and lowers the risk of pest infestation. It also darkens the wood, giving it a more aesthetically appealing appearance.
It’s important to know what wood will work best in your climate before making a final purchase. Your local siding contractor can recommend the most suitable options for your specific needs. They should be able to give you an idea of what the cost will be for the materials and labor needed to side your home. You don’t want to go for the cheapest option, because that may not provide the quality or longevity you need.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding has come a long way since it was first introduced and is now available in many colors and textures. Its biggest advantage is that it’s easy to maintain, with no need for painting or caulking. It’s also rot-resistant, and won’t fade in the sun as wood can over time. It’s not without its drawbacks, though. It can look plastic, which can detract from your home’s curb appeal. And it’s not as durable as other options, meaning that your vinyl may need replacement sooner than you would expect.
Another downside is that vinyl emits greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide and carcinogens during its production. However, these emissions are far lower than those from the processing of wood, and there are no studies that link them to health issues for homeowners. Vinyl is also a fire-resistant material. It’s made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and the chlorine base makes it hard to ignite. It also needs a very high temperature to continue burning, so it’s harder for fires to spread to other areas of the house.
If you choose a vinyl that is pre-colored, the color is infused in the panel, which means it won’t flake or chip like paint can. You can also choose a product that is unpainted, which will allow you to change your home’s color scheme if your tastes ever evolve.
If you love the idea of a cottage or mountain retreat-style home, you can get vinyl that looks like hand-split cedar shakes or Victorian scallops. This style can be installed in wide planks or in staggered sections, depending on your preferences and the size of your home. You can even find insulated vinyl siding, which will reduce your energy costs by keeping cold air out in winter and warm air out in summer.
Steel
Steel siding consists of various forms of building cladding that are constructed from a metal, such as galvanized or stainless steel. It is a highly durable material that has long been preferred in industrial and commercial spaces. It has also been popular in recent years for use in residential builds. The fact that it requires very little maintenance is attractive to many homeowners. It is resistant to warping, excessive heat and fading. It is also very easy to clean as there are fewer crevices for dirt to collect.
The biggest drawback is that it transfers heat much faster than non-metal siding materials, which can lead to higher energy bills for the homeowner. However, it is possible to mitigate this issue by including an insulating layer beneath the steel siding.
One of the great things about steel is that it can be made to resemble other types of siding, such as wood grain. This helps to give the home a more natural aesthetic, without any of the issues that can come with real wood, such as splintering, rotting or insect activity. It can also be used in conjunction with other materials, such as stone, for a more personalized look.
While it is less expensive than other types of siding, it can be more difficult to work with because of its heavy weight. This means it can take longer to install, which in turn can increase the cost of the build. It also has a tendency to rust, which can discolor the surface of the home, so it must be regularly cleaned and treated. However, if the homeowner chooses to have it galvanized or coated with an anti-corrosion product, this can eliminate this problem.
Brick
Brick siding is a beautiful and long-lasting alternative to more modern home materials such as vinyl. Its earthy tones are warm and inviting, and the material is very durable against wind damage and debris. It is also an insulator, keeping cool air inside during hot summer days and warm air in during cold winters, helping reduce energy bills for homeowners. It can increase the value of a home as well, and is easy to clean and maintain.
The drawback to brick siding is the upfront cost and labor-intensive installation process. It’s important to seek out local brick manufacturers to cut down on the embodied energy and environmental footprint of shipping this heavy material over long distances. In addition, homeowners should know that brick isn’t very tolerant to extreme temperature changes, which can lead to shifting of the foundation and cracking of mortar joints.
For an easier, more cost-effective option, consider using faux brick instead. It’s an exterior cladding method that uses strips of a synthetic or recycled product molded, textured and colored to resemble traditional brick. It can be used to spruce up existing homes or buildings, and is available in a variety of styles and price points. Glen-Gery, for example, offers glazed and Klaycoat finishes that can create sleek, modern designs, as well as more rustic and traditional aesthetics. Like brick, faux brick can add a beautiful and timeless design element to any property, with the added bonus of lower costs and less labor. As with any cladding material, it’s important to inspect brick walls for signs of moisture buildup and crumbling mortar as soon as possible to avoid extensive repairs and protect the integrity of your house.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is a popular option for homeowners looking for long-lasting protection. Made of cement, sand and cellulose fibers, it’s resistant to fire, insect damage, rot, deterioration from salt, weathering, and impacts. It’s available in prepainted and unpainted forms, although painting can extend its lifespan. It’s easy to clean, typically requiring a spray-down with a garden hose every six to 12 months.
This durable material is also more sustainable than many other choices. James Hardie, for instance, harvests wood fiber from recycled sources to reduce its dependency on tree growth. Its products also use fly ash, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants, to replace part of the sand and silica found in other siding materials.
It’s also a highly customizable choice for your home. You can have it shaped into shingles, trim elements, and soffits, and it’s often used on modern houses with sleek exteriors. The material can also be textured to look like wood and comes in a wide range of colors.
The thicker and denser texture of fiber cement makes it an excellent insulator, keeping cool air in during summer and warm air in during winter. It’s also impervious to moisture, which can cause rot and damage other siding materials.
It’s important to hire a professional to install fiber cement siding because of the potential risks. It’s heavy, and improper installation can lead to structural damage and leaks. It also requires special tools and a unique skill set to handle it correctly. Hiring a professional will help ensure the work is completed without a hitch and that the siding performs well for decades to come.