Protecting the exterior of a home is one of the most important facets of construction. Factors like climate, extreme weather conditions, and aesthetic appeal all play an important role in determining the best option for a home. Many types of siding have been used on homes throughout the years and innovations have been made along the way. From traditional wooden siding and masonry varieties, like brick and stone, to more modern products like fiber cement, engineered wood siding, and vinyl, choosing the best product for your home can be a tough decision to make. It is important to know the pros and cons of each when you are re-siding your home. Here is some helpful information.
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What Are the Top Ranking Exterior Siding Materials?
Like any home design element, siding materials lose their strength and durability over time and need to be replaced. At times, replacement is necessary to update and improve the visual appearance of a home. When you are considering putting new siding on your home, it is important to first know the available materials and the benefits that each provides. The following options are among the most popular choices for homeowners today.
Synthetic Stone
This product is great because it looks like real stone but is lightweight and easy to install. Although it is rarely used to cover an entire home, it is very popular for chimneys and accent walls. It is also cheaper than real stone and doesn’t require the foundation of the home to be reinforced. The drawback to this material is that it is not as structurally sound as real stone, and it is more costly than other siding materials.
Engineered Wood
This versatile siding product comes in a wide array of styles and textures that look like real wood siding or shingles. It is also easy to paint or can be ordered in a variety of beautiful factory finishes. While this product, made from wood fiber and resin, is known to be a strong material that stands up to extreme weather, some homeowners have reported moisture problems after installation.
Stucco
This durable material is made with epoxy and can last a lifetime in many climates. It is also visually appealing for the architectural style of many homes. Stucco, however, is not always the ideal choice for homes in wetter climates, and installation costs can run a little high since the process typically requires three coats.
Fiber Cement
This product, which can mimic wood clapboard, masonry, shingles, and stucco, is a popular choice for its stability and low-maintenance properties. Homeowners love that it comes in a wide range of finishes and colors, is easy to paint, and protects against termites and fire. Another bonus is that fiber cement products are backed by a thirty-year warranty. The main concerns with this material are installation costs and the fact that refinishing is typically required after about 15 years.
Wood
This classic siding material is a favorite of homeowners who prefer its timeless look and natural aesthetic. There are many different styles and types of wood available to create a unique look, and installation is relatively easy. The reason some homeowners avoid wood includes the cost of the product, high degree of necessary maintenance, and vulnerability to rotting, termites, and woodpeckers.
Vinyl
The preferred siding choice among most homeowners, vinyl options are typically easy and inexpensive to install. It is available in a vast array of textures that resemble wood siding, wooden shingles, and even stone. Various color choices are also available, which helps homeowners to match their siding to their house and surroundings. The fact that it can be installed over other materials also makes it an attractive choice for many consumers. While there is some maintenance involved with vinyl, it is mostly limited to cleaning and the occasional repair due to weather damage.
Reasons Why Your Home May Need New Siding
With all these great products on the market, the question still lingers. Should you invest in replacing the siding on your home? Other than just a complete visual makeover of your house’s facade, there are several reasons why your home may need new siding, such as:
- This effect indicates that there is probably water trapped behind the siding. Whenever there is water within your home’s walls, you run the risk of mold and rot invading the structure, which can cause very expensive damage.
- Mold, mildew, and fungus. This could be another sign that water is being held in the walls.
- Large holes. Holes may indicate that insects have penetrated the outer wall of your house. The damage that insects cause may increase the chances of damage from weather elements to your home.
- Peeling paint and loose wallpaper. These are interior indicators that you have moisture in the wall.
- Loose and cracked siding. This damage allows the elements to affect the walls of the house.
- Rotted or warped siding. This effect can allow rot to permeate the inner walls of the home.
- Dry Rot. This type of damage starts below the surface and eats the siding from the inside out. It can be deceiving, as the outer layer of the siding often appears to be unaffected.
- Drafts and higher energy bills. These signs may indicate that your home exterior needs new insulation.
When you want the very best in exterior siding for your home, there are many things to take into consideration. For a versatile option that combines longevity and thermal insulation to save on energy costs, Erie Home’s Insulated Wall Siding System is one of the best choices on the market. This siding is pleasing to the eye and low maintenance, which provides homeowners with everything they are looking for in an exterior siding product. When you are looking for the best siding product for your home, you should always discuss the products you are interested in with your contractor. Spend time asking questions about how well they hold up in your particular climate, and what maintenance is involved to ensure their longevity.