HOME SIDING OPTIONS EXPLAINED
The exterior siding of your house can make a dramatic impact on the appearance of your home. Beyond aesthetic benefits, some siding alternatives have other advantages including energy savings, termite and fire resistance, and lower maintenance expenses. Find homeowner approved siding contractors in Charlotte to assist with your home siding repair and installation needs.
WHAT TYPES OF HOME SIDING ARE AVAILABLE?
Home siding comes in a variety of forms from natural materials to synthetic options, that offer many benefits over traditional wood siding. As with any major home improvement decision, the key is to understand the differences and to balance the alternatives against your individual circumstances and budget. Some of the more common siding options include:
Wood Home Siding (usually pine, spruce, cedar, redwood, cypress, or Douglas fir) remains a favorite choice among homeowners. Wood siding can be painted or stained, and will last a lifetime with proper care and regular maintenance. For the best results, wood siding should be pressure washed annually with all surface breaches and rotted wood repaired and repainted, then repainted entirely every 5-10 years.
Cedar Shingle Home Siding is made of natural cedar and blends nicely with wooded landscapes. The shingles are usually stained browns, grays, or other earth-tone colors. Often called “Shakes,” cedar siding offers the natural look of wood siding but, usually, with less maintenance.
Wood-Composite Home Siding is made with wood fibers and other materials and usually comes in panels that are easy and inexpensive to install. The panels may be molded with wood grains to create the look of traditional wood siding. Some are treated with chemicals to fight off termites, mold, and moisture.
Cement Fiber Home Siding, often referred to by the brand names HardiPlank® and HardiPanel®, can have the appearance of wood. Made of cement, sand, and natural wood fibers, fiber cement siding is extremely durable, requires less painting than wood, is fire and termite-proof, and may have a warranty of up to 50 years.
Vinyl Home Siding is made from a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic. Unlike wood or cedar, it won’t rot or flake. Available in many colors, vinyl never requires painting and is less expensive to purchase and install than most other siding materials. Vinyl siding is also termite-resistant, is generally offered with extended warranties, and can provide energy savings for your home.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIDING – MAKE THE BEST LONG-TERM DECISION
To determine the best siding option for your home, you’ll need to balance your individual style preferences with your feelings toward maintaining your home’s exterior and your budget, both now and over time, as maintenance is required. Our advice is to do your homework, talk with 2 or 3 reputable siding companies, and make an informed choice that you will be happy with in the long run.
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