What Is Exterior Siding in Construction?
Depending on the climate, homeowners can choose between a variety of different siding materials. Wood siding comes in a wide range of styles and thicknesses including clapboard, weatherboard, cedar shake and beveled boards.
Metal siding is typically associated with modern or industrial style homes and can be made from aluminum or steel. It can withstand impact from flying debris and ice, resists corrosion and requires maintenance from Best Siding Companies Amarillo TX.
Wood
Wood siding is a classic choice that gives homes a warm and inviting feel. It’s a popular choice for traditional style homes and is often used in combination with brick or stone accents. Wood cladding can be painted or stained to match any home design style, from rustic pine to contemporary cedar. Wood is also very resilient against harsh weather conditions like torrential rain and hail, and it can smooth out any dents that may be imposed upon it from flying ice or debris.
Wood cladding is also very durable and requires little maintenance, but it can be more expensive than other materials due to on-site custom cutting and installation requirements. Depending on the wood species and finishing type, clear finishes need to be reapplied every two years while semi-transparent stains require reapplications every three to four years. Paints will need to be reapplied every five to seven years, but premium products can last longer. Wood cladding is also susceptible to insect infestation, so it’s important that it be treated regularly to keep bugs away.
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, consider choosing wood that has been treated with fungicides and zinc borate. This treatment protects the wood against moisture damage, fungal decay and termite infestation. It’s also important to look for FSC certified wood, which ensures that your siding is sourced from sustainable forests.
Manufactured wood is another alternative to traditional wood siding and is a great choice for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact. This type of siding consists of real wood pieces that have been compressed with a resin to create a stronger, more weather-resistant material. It’s also less expensive than natural wood and can be stained to match any home design.
Garapa is a wood cladding option that is quickly gaining popularity for its durability and sustainability. It’s one of the hardest and most rot-resistant timber species available today, and its light color pigmentation can stand up to intense sun exposure without overheating your home. This cladding type is also resistant to termite infestation, but it’s important to treat it with regular oil finishes to prolong its lifespan.
Metal
Metal siding comes in a wide range of colors and styles. It is commonly associated with modern buildings, though it can be found on older homes as well. Its popularity is tied to its durability. It resists the elements much better than wood, and it is virtually impervious to fire, mildew and mold. It also doesn’t rot or attract rodents. This makes it a good choice for buildings that need to be protected from harsh weather conditions.
Steel and aluminum are the most common types of metal used in siding. Both are strong and relatively easy to work with. They are resistant to corrosion and rust, which makes them popular options for coastal areas. These materials can be painted to add color and texture to a building’s exterior. Aluminum is more lightweight and easier to install than steel, which makes it a good choice for DIY homeowners. It can also be prefabricated, which cuts down on installation costs and time.
Another advantage of metal siding is its energy-efficient qualities. It reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, which helps keep indoor temperatures stable and reduces heating and cooling costs. Using heat-reflective paint when installing this type of siding can further improve a building’s energy efficiency.
Some people prefer the look of natural wood over metal, which is why a variety of wood-look metal siding exists. These products feature wood grain patterns and texture, but they are made of nonferrous metals such as aluminum or zinc. This type of siding is less expensive than copper but more costly than vinyl. It also requires regular maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion.
Concrete are usually the go-to choices for commercial exteriors, but metal wall panels are gaining in popularity. These panels are nonflammable, don’t warp in changing humidity and can be easily cleaned to eliminate dust and dirt. They are also resistant to pests, mold and mildew. They can be combined with a variety of other siding materials.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin that imitates traditional wood clapboard, batten board and shakes. It is an affordable cladding option for single family homes, according to the Vinyl Siding Institute1. It’s also widely used on light commercial and multifamily structures up to three stories tall.
Quality varies significantly with this product, so look for high-quality vinyl that is 55-gauge or.55 inches thick for the greatest durability and lifespan. Also, pay attention to color and style selections, as there are many different options available. Choosing lighter-colored siding may help reduce the amount of solar heat that builds up in your home, especially when it’s in direct sunlight.
Another popular choice is fiber cement siding, a mix of wood fibers and real cement. Fiber cement has a much higher starting price than vinyl but can last for 50 years or more. It’s also weather resistant and can withstand high winds.
The National Association of Home Builders recommends vinyl siding for green home builders because it doesn’t require paint, stain or caulking to complete application on site, which cuts costs and material waste. However, it does need to be sealed with caulk around openings for doors and windows.
When installing vinyl, make sure the wall surface is flat and that flashing has been installed where necessary. It’s also important to install a water-resistive barrier before applying the siding, as per local building code requirements.
Some homeowners opt for panelized walls, which allows the cladding to be framed, insulated and sheathed offsite, then transported and raised in place on the jobsite. This approach saves on construction time and helps limit the need for trade subcontractors in harsh weather conditions.
While the advantages of aluminum and vinyl are numerous, there are drawbacks. For example, aluminum can dent and scratch more easily than wood or other materials. It’s also not as energy-efficient as other siding materials and does not provide natural insulation for the house. Aluminum is also sensitive to direct heat, which can cause it to melt and warp over time.
Fiber Cement
When it comes to choosing a new siding option, the best choice depends on what looks good, where you live and how much maintenance you want to take on. For example, stucco is a beautiful and durable option for homes, but it eventually cracks due to moisture and has trouble with rain and other elements that impact other types of siding.
Those looking for the most durable and low-maintenance type of siding should look into fiber cement options. This material is created from a mixture of Portland cement, sand and cellulose (wood) fibers. It can be molded into a variety of siding styles, including wood planks, clapboards and shingles as well as designs that replicate brick or stone. Fiber cement is also fire, rot and insect resistant and comes in a wide range of colors.
The durability of fiber cement siding makes it a great option for homeowners who want to protect their house from weather damage and other hazards like insects and noise pollution. It resists moisture and rotting better than wood, which means it will last longer. Fiber cement siding can withstand heavy winds and is less likely to be damaged by hail, which will destroy other types of siding.
Like wood, it can be painted or stained to match the color and style of a home. There are even siding options that have a textured finish to mimic the appearance of natural wood grain. These products are popular with modern and contemporary homeowners, but they are also ideal for more rustic or traditional houses.
Brick and natural stone are beautiful siding options, but they can be costly and difficult to transport, so they aren’t as common as other choices. They are also rigid materials, which can cause minor leaks near windows or seams over time. These leaks may allow moisture to damage foundational beams and other structural components, which is why many homeowners choose other siding options for their homes.
Metal siding is another high-end option that offers the look of metal shingles and can be used on both modern and historic homes. It’s expensive to install, however, and can rust easily. While it’s highly resistant to water, wind and fire, metal is a poor insulator and will let too much heat in during the summer.
Depending on the climate, homeowners can choose between a variety of different siding materials. Wood siding comes in a wide range of styles and thicknesses including clapboard, weatherboard, cedar shake and beveled boards. Metal siding is typically associated with modern or industrial style homes and can be made from aluminum or steel. It can withstand…