The exterior of your home serves as a protective layer between you and the elements, but even your outer walls need protection of their own. If you are looking to improve your home’s exterior without necessarily turning to regular paint, consider installing siding. Siding not only serves as a shield for your outer walls, but also drastically alters the appearance of your home.
Siding comes in different varieties, each with its own unique appeal and features. You might want to carefully consider the advantages of each and select the one that best suits your home. More importantly, you should have a skilled and experienced contractor to install such delicate things, as poorly installed siding does more harm than good.
The following is a short primer on some of the more popular siding materials available.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is incredibly popular since it needs little to no maintenance at all. While other sidings have to contend with rot and flaking, vinyl siding does not suffer from such things. It owes its durability to its PVC construction, making it inexpensive to produce as a result. Similarly, it is also just as affordable to install. Vinyl is a great choice for those who want the benefits of siding but are on a strict budget.
Cement Fiber
This type of siding is made from a combination of cellulose fibers (usually derived from wood), Portland cement, and sand. It is often shaped such that it has the appearance and grain of authentic wood, but its durability is far more superior. Cement fiber siding is effectively fireproof and termite-proof, making it one of the most hard-wearing materials homeowners can choose from.
Aluminum
Aluminum is quite a tough material for its light weight, making it a good choice for siding. Siding made with aluminum is virtually maintenance-free, and will not succumb to cracking when exposed to the sun over a long period of time. It is also resistant to extreme weather effects, and can serve as reliable insulation. Aluminum siding also comes in a variety of colors and styles for homeowners to choose from. Aluminum siding is on the more expensive side of the options.
Wood
Perhaps the most traditional of siding materials, wood evokes a timeless and warm look that is welcome on most home designs. Some of the more popular woods used include cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, cypress, and Douglas fir. Wooden siding is noticeably more ventilated than other types of siding, with reduced instances of trapped moisture and water damage. With care and maintenance, wooden clapboard siding can last for centuries. Besides the flammability issues, there is a high risk of termites, cracking, mold, mildew, rot and flaking.
