Home siding does more than give your home its characteristic appearance as it represents you and your family to all who pass by. Day after day, year after year it protects your home from the ravages of the sun, wind, and rain while coping with the moisture coming from inside of the home. When choosing a type of siding for your home, you must take into consideration the local climate, the building’s design, and the various characteristics of the different types of siding materials. There are many different types of home siding to choose from, and each variety has its own strengths and weaknesses. Brick Siding
Many individuals choose to use brick as their siding material. It is a common misconception that houses with brick exteriors use brick as a structural material. In most modern construction the brick is just a veneer, protecting the home from the weather and creating a beautiful appearance for the home. If the homeowner chooses a good quality product, the brick siding will withstand many of the forces that cause other types of siding to deteriorate.
The maintenance required for brick siding mainly consists of replacing the old mortar between the bricks when it has begun to break down. This can be a costly repair, costing anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000 to do an entire average sized home. The upside is that it will typically be a very long time before this becomes necessary. Brick siding may also require water sealing and moss control to retain its beauty and protect the home effectively.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding, most commonly made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC, is durable and lightweight. It has the advantage of not having to be painted since the color is blended into the material. It is fastened to the structure, either during he original build or over older siding, using special clips and brackets to snap precut pieces into place. It may need to be washed from time to time, particularly if the home is in an area with airborne particulate pollution. It resists dents and scratches fairly well and is generally considered a low-maintenance choice. It is usually made to simulate a painted wood board finish, giving the appearance of anything from old-fashioned shiplap construction to large wood shingles or wide smooth overlapping boards.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is another popular choice. This type of home siding requires very little maintenance during the first few years after it is applied and after, individual pieces can be replaced by a skilled craftsman. Aluminum siding does need to be washed regularly and will need repainting every few years to maintain its appearance. The appearance of dents and blemishes can mar the appearance of the aluminum siding. The decorative patterns can be discontinued by the manufacturer, so replacement pieces may be hard to find after several years.
Stucco Siding
Houses with stucco siding are common in areas with a climate that is considered “Mediterranean” or relatively dry, since stucco has a high failure rate in wet climates. It is generally made out of cement, sand, and lime. The materials used must be of good quality and it should be professionally installed to ensure the longest life. Installing stucco siding requires high quality felt impregnated with tar, expansion joints, wire mesh, flashings, and good gutters, downspouts, and overhangs to ensure that the stucco siding is not exposed to too much water.
Wood Siding
There are many different varieties of wood siding for homes, including traditional siding products to engineered wood siding. Most types of wood siding are economical, though over time they may require more maintenance than other types. When properly maintained, wood siding can retain its original beauty for years. Pieces that are damaged, or in need of repair, can be replaced individually, avoiding a costly renovation of the entire exterior of the home. Variations of this type include such related products as Masonite, chipboard, hardboards, and plywood siding, usually with a wood-like finish. Fiber cement siding is another alternative, with cellulose fibers mixed into cement and formed into large panels. These are used on commercial buildings and may be appropriate for parts of design-built homes.
The available choices in siding products cover a wide range in both quality and suitability for your application. Plan on doing some careful research before you decide which type of home siding to purchase.
Content provided by Automated Homefinder, Colorado’s Boulder real estate experts