General Information On Siding

General Information On Siding

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The Value of Siding

There are many different types of siding options you can consider for your home. You could choose wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel. Siding has two main functions in regards to your home. It insulates and protects, and makes the home look appealing. Some sidings can save you hundreds of dollars every year on your heating and cooling bill. Because siding is the first thing that people see when they look at your home other sidings can increase the value of the home and may even help it sell faster.

Wood Siding

One of your options when choosing siding for your home is wood. Wood offers a natural beauty that other options simply can't. Wood siding also provides you with the most options aesthetically. there is board and batten siding, channel siding, hardboard lap siding, split log siding, tongue and groove siding and others. Wood siding needs to be stained and painted as well, so along with those styles you can create a very unique looking home. Wood will also provide some insulation for your home. There are some disadvantages with wood siding though that you will not have with other siding. Wood siding requires a lot of maintenance and up-keep. Wood can potentially rot and deteriorate and there is a chance of algea, mildew, or moss growing on your siding. Wood is more susceptible to damage by hail and in storms than other types of siding. But if you are looking for lots of options aesthetically and up-keep is not an issue then wood siding may be the right choice for you.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Siding is one of the least expensive siding options. Vinyl is easy to maintain and will not rot like wood siding. Vinyl also doesn't run the risk of termites or other insects. It will not chip or crack and the paint doesn't peel or crack. It is easy to wash and doesn't require a great deal of maintenance. It will also hold up to hail and storm damage more efficiently than wood, but it can be difficult to repair when damaged and may require replacement. Vinyl does not insulate so you won't save money on your heating and cooling bills. Vinyl may also trap moisture inside your home which could cause damage over the years. Vinyl siding also happens to release toxic fumes if it burns so it is not considered environmentally safe. That being said Vinyl is still a very popular option for siding and it is less expensive than other types of siding.


Aluminum

Aluminum siding is a much more durable option than either vinyl or wood siding. Aluminum siding is fire and water resistant, doesn't rot and is not susceptible to insect damage, is lightweight and durable, and provides better insulation than vinyl and wood. Aluminum siding is relatively low-maintenance, it only needs to be washed once a year with a cleaning solution of laundry detergent and water, and a garden hose. Aluminum siding can be dented easily by hail so you may need to make dent repairs, or replace some siding if it is torn or has a hole. This is bound to occur so it is a good idea to get some extra panels when your siding is installed so that you will be able to complete your repairs with matching material.

Steel

Steel siding is thicker and more durable than aluminum siding. And, like aluminum, it is fire and water resistant. Steel siding is a very good choice for people who live where weather is constantly changing. Steel siding doesn't dent easily and it doesn't even burn if it is struck by lightning. Steel siding requires almost no maintenance. steel siding doesn't need to be painted and is mostly installed seamlessly meaning there is no caulking and water has no way to enter. This means you don't need to worry about water damage to the structure of your home. However, steel siding options tend to be expensive. They can be almost twice the cost of vinyl sidings and steel is much more difficult to work with than aluminum or vinyl for the do-it-yourselfers.

A professional siding contractor can install all theses types of sidings. If you aren't sure about which siding would be best for you and your home a siding contractor can talk with you and help you decide what is best in your situation. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of wood siding, the durability and protection of steel siding, or are looking for a cheaper option that you could possibly do yourself, you can always talk to a siding contractor to help you determine what is best for you and your home.

About the Author:
CJ DeStefano is the owner of STIO Roofing & Construction. STIO has twice been invited to participate in the television program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and with over 25 years of industry experience the contractors at STIO specialize in roofing, siding, windows, chimney tuck-pointing, gutters, downspouts, insulation



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