Siding refers to the wooden, cement, vinyl, stone, metal, or plastic membrane that is used on the external face of a home. It prevents rain, sun, snow, and other weather-related damages to the home’s exterior. Siding has three different styles: traditional siding; stucco siding; and vinyl siding. All of these styles provide a certain amount of insulation from weather, and they are also easier to maintain and install compared to some other kinds of siding.
Vinyl siding is one of the most common types used by Siding Contractors. This kind of siding comes in two forms: solid vinyl lap siding. Solid vinyl siding is composed of an interwoven pattern of plastic threads. Vinyl pieces are bonded together with heat, and hardeners are added to make them adhere to the outer surface of the wood. This kind of siding is a good substitute for wood because it is more durable and can resist weather damage. Unlike wood, vinyl lap siding can be sanded and refinished without reducing its appearance.
Fiber cement is another popular siding made from materials like wood, stone, and vinyl. This kind of siding is composed of tiny particles of cement. Fiber cement is pressure-treated so that it becomes stronger when faced with weather conditions. Because of its resilience towards the water, this kind of siding made from fiber cement is better able to resist rot and termites.
Other materials commonly used as siding are brick, stucco, metal, slate, ceramic tile, and vinyl. All of these materials can also provide insulation compared to wood. The main difference however is that vinyl lap siding, brick, stucco, metal, and slate are more expensive than fiber cement ones. And because they are cheaper, homeowners often choose vinyl lap siding over other siding choices.
One of the advantages of using siding is that it helps in the prevention of moisture penetration. Since siding provides structure to your walls, you can effectively lower the amount of absorption of moisture into your house. If your structure does not have siding, you will need to add insulation or get a vapor barrier. But note that you do not want the moisture to escape from your walls. If you do not use siding, you will have bigger problems in the future due to moisture absorption.
Structural siding is also effective in the prevention of stormwater intrusion since it effectively prevents water to seep into the ground. Note that water can seep into the soil even before it hits the foundation of the house. Structural siding installed on the walls prevents seepage as well as penetration of soil particles. The protection provided by a siding is comparable to that of brick or stone and is better than that of vinyl tiles or clay.
Another advantage of using siding made from metal is that it is stronger than vinyl and aluminum. These materials are not as durable as steel or wood. Even though they are stronger, they are lighter and have less structural weight. This lightweight factor makes aluminum siding made from aluminum alloys more practical and easier to handle. They are also cheaper than steel or wood.
Brick is another popular material for siding. It is more costly than wood. In fact, it is even more expensive when compared to stone. However, it can provide protection and it is proven to be durable. If you need an inexpensive option but you would still want something strong enough to withstand the elements, you should install exterior brick.
Vinyl is another popular choice for house siding. Although it is a little more expensive than siding made from aluminum or stone, vinyl provides the same level of protection. The only difference is that vinyl comes in a variety of styles and colors. Installing vinyl is easy, but styles can make a big difference in how your home looks.
One of the most affordable choices when it comes to siding is sheet metal or clap board. Sheet metal is easily painted and can also be used with tile patterns or other decorative styles. Sheet metal or clap board siding are available in several colors and styles, which allows homeowners to choose what looks best for their home. You can also get siding that is designed to resist mold, decay, weathering, and fire.
When you have your building and yard inspected, it’s important to take other factors into consideration aside from the exterior appearance of your home. New vinyl siding and insulated curb appeal add a new layer of value to your home, while protecting it from the elements. Other materials such as wood fascia can also help improve the curb appeal of your home. Whether you decide to install new siding or vinyl siding, insulation, or other materials, you will benefit from having these improvements to your home.