Our homes protect us from the elements every day, but what protects our homes from those same elements? The answer is siding! Siding is designed to protect your home against even the most extreme of weather conditions. However, not all types of siding materials are created equal. Different types of siding have different benefits and drawbacks. In order to know how your siding is affecting your home, you first have to know what type of siding you already have. Easier said than done, right? Fortunately, we're here to break down the most common kinds of siding materials so that you can identify what you have in your home. Read on to learn more!
Wood Wood siding is a very common material and it comes in a number of different constructions and grains. Wood siding can be very easy to pick out especially when stained because it has natural imperfections. Wood requires a fair bit of upkeep, as it will rot or mould if not painted or sealed in order to protect it from moisture. Synthetic wood, while it cannot perfectly imitate the feel of real wood, is another good alternative. Stucco or Synthetic Stucco Stucco is another one of our siding options made from more-or-less natural materials. Stucco is made from sand, lime, and water and feels rough and solid. Stucco can be tinted or painted so it can fit any home colour scheme. Stucco is a very solid material so it is incredibly durable. A good stucco siding can last for up to 50 years! Stucco is also a sound-dampening substance and it's naturally fire-resistant. Synthetic stucco is also very similar but is more lightweight so it will sound hollow when knocked on.
Metal and Steel Metal is another very common form of siding material, and it's very commonly used in more industrial buildings. While it sounds odd to have metal siding on a home, you can easily paint it to look very similar to vinyl siding. Vinyl Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable and easiest forms of siding to install. Vinyl is very lightweight and comes in a huge range of colours and patterns. Vinyl siding is easy to maintain and it's very durable. Maintaining your vinyl siding probably just means washing it a couple of times per year. Vinyl siding can be a great option because it essentially lasts forever if taken care of properly. Fibre Cement or HardiePlank® A newer kind of siding that's becoming more popular, fibre cement can be a bit more expensive to install. However, fibre cement siding can be worth the added cost, as it has a very solid feel and is incredibly durable. Fibre cement looks very similar to vinyl but it is made of heavier materials like sand, cement, and cellulose fibres. Fibre Cement or HardiePlank is hard to repair however and does fade over time. While it doesn't usually require much maintenance, it will need to be painted every 10 years. The Best Type of Siding for Your Home Having an idea of the type of siding on your home makes a huge difference in how you maintain the exterior of your home. If the siding you have isn't of good quality, you can't be sure that your home is being protected at the highest possible level. Contact us at All-Side Contracting today for more information on installing or repairing siding!
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