The siding of the house is the first-line defense of your house from harmful materials, harsh climates such as heavy rains, hail storms, snow, and extreme sun. Along with defense, the siding also adds curb, aesthetics, and increases the resale value of your house.
The exterior aesthetics heavily depends on sidings and this is surely the first thing a potential buyer or an outsider sees. This needs to be good, as not only the interior but exterior of the house represents the personality of its owners.
The siding of your house is responsible for waterproofing, insulation, pest control, protection, and curb appeal. Having such crucial roles gives them the right to have your proper attention and investment.
There are many materials available in the market to make sidings for your house. This range needs you to know them and then choose the right material according to your needs and circumstances. Here are some of the most common materials used for siding explained for your ease.
Vinyl
It is a synthetic plastic material usually made from polyvinyl chloride. It is used in building many furniture and building materials including the sidings of the house.
Advantages
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Vinyl is relatively inexpensive
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It is quite versatile
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It can be applied to the existing material making it the best renovation material
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Consumes less time as it is easy to handle and can be installed and placed quickly
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Vinyl comes in various colors and textures. These can easily mimic the appearance of wood matching to other parts of your house exterior
Drawbacks
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Molds and grips can build on the surface easily
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They are prone to weather damage and may need occasional repairs
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The average available panel is 12 feet in length, requiring overlapping and can result in seams. However, the extra-long panel can be ordered but the cost increases significantly.
Wood
You can make the sidings out of wood as well. You can use various types and qualities of wood depending on your budget.
Advantages
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Unmatched and natural aesthetics
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Easy to install, cut, and shape
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Wood siding can last for decades, if properly maintained and looked after
Drawbacks
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They are heavy on pockets as quality woods cost a lot
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Need diligent maintenance as they are sensitive to woodpeckers, rot, and termite
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Only regular painting or polishing can protect them from natural parasites
Stucco
It is a plaster cement product usually named stucco. It can be used as the finishing product for the exterior of the houses. It has gained immense popularity as a siding material in the past few years.
Advantages
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Stucco is durable, versatile, and cost-effective
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It is fire-resistant. It means it will prevent the spread of fire in unfortunate times
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They are visually appealing as they can be made in deep earthy colors or soft nude shades
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In drier environmental settings stucco siding can last forever
Drawbacks
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The stucco siding needs at least a triple coat, it drives an increase in the labor cost
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It will crack due to its brittle nature making it not the best option for areas with wet environments, and soil with high clay concentration
Fiber Cement
It is a hybrid material made with Portland cement, wood pulp, fiber, clay, water, sand. These materials when come together makes a durable, strong, and dependable material known as fiber cement.
Advantages
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It can be molded in various colors and textures
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It can mimic shingles, stucco, wood clapboard, and Mansory
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It is fire resistant
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It is termite-proof and comes with a 30-year warranty
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It does not require any occasional maintenance or painting. It has a tendency of repainting if you chose to do it at a later time or just for an aesthetic change
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It is environmentally friendly
Drawbacks
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Its installation is a costly project as it is heavy and requires special tools and techniques from experts
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After every 15 years, it may need a refinish to make it last longer
