Selecting the siding of your home or commercial building is an important decision.When choosing between siding types, some clients start by envisioning their finished product. There are many styles to choose from when it comes to siding, and each one presents a different aesthetic.
There is, however, more to think about than appearance. When selecting your siding material, durability and maintenance are also important factors to consider. Why? The exterior of your property can take a beating. Windstorms. Hailstorms. Extreme weather, hot and cold. It’s important to choose siding that can survive the elements and endure regional climate changes.
Partnering with a siding company can help you choose the right option for your home. While proper care can maximize the longevity of your siding, it’s important to understand what that upkeep entails.
When starting a complete exterior makeover, choosing your siding is a crucial decision. It’s not just about aesthetics (although looks matter, too). It’s also about price, durability, longevity of material, and proper fit.
Here are some of the most popular types of siding:
Vinyl Siding
When you think of siding, vinyl siding may come to mind first. It is the most cost-effective way to protect your home or commercial property from the elements, as it allows you to save on energy costs.
One of the best features of vinyl siding is that it’s maintenance-free. You’ll never have to paint again!
But as with any material, vinyl siding has its pros and cons.
Here are some cons to consider…
While vinyl siding is a cost-effective way to protect your property, it could potentially be viewed as a lower-quality material by future buyers.
If your home has some interesting architectural features, this style runs the risk of covering them up.
One of the reasons why vinyl is so durable is because it expands; this means it needs to be hung loosely. However, this expansion also means that wind can get underneath the vinyl sheets and lift a panel from the wall. Windblown debris and strong hail can puncture vinyl as well.
James Hardie
This fiber cement siding is engineered to stand up to the elements.
Fiber cement is a composite material compromised of cellulose wood fibers, sand, and water. It is such a durable product that it mimics the look and design of cedar wood—without the rotting, cracking, or splitting.
While not as common or as popular as vinyl siding, it is still found on nearly 5.5 million homes. One of fiber cement siding’s strongest benefits is the fact that it is commonly warrantied for 50+ years.
James Hardie is known for its environmental friendliness. It has natural materials, as opposed to plastic or the other artificial materials that are common in different siding options. While the material itself has many benefits, it’s important to think about the installation of Hardie board siding. It can take longer and it’s more labor-intensive than other options. But working with a quality construction company can give you the peace of mind that comes with proper installation.
Even better, its upkeep is low maintenance.
LP Smartside
LP Smartside is an engineered lap siding that offers the warmth and beauty of traditional wood, along with the durability of engineered wood.
This siding is manufactured for strength and resistance to fungal decay and termite damage.
Two of the biggest benefits of LP Smartside are its durability and impact resistance. You won’t need to worry about dents from hail or misdirected baseball pitches.
For many homeowners, the versatility of LP Smartside is a big benefit as well; there are many color options to choose from.
Cultured Stone by Boral
Give your home or commercial property a new look with Cultured Stone by Boral.
Utilizing Cultured Stone on the exterior of your building can completely transform its look.
It is a manmade, manufactured stone veneer that consists of a concrete mixture. It is cast in flexible molds and hand-colored with iron oxide pigments to resemble natural stone.
The possibilities with Cultured Stone are endless. Whether you are hoping to have a classic or modern look, Cultured Stone can make it happen.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, stone is nearly impervious to weather.
Gutters
Looking for gutters that can complement your siding?
Seamless gutters are continuous gutters made onsite, typically consisting of aluminum, copper, painted steel, or zinc.
Since these gutters don’t have seams, the chance of leakage is exponentially reduced. Additionally, they are easy to maintain and durable, as they typically only have joints at the corners where they wrap around the roof.
Seamless gutters are made onsite to match your color. Fascia leaf guards can be added to your new gutters as well.