The exterior of your home may look drab from the material that was used to make it. Wood is beautiful and gives a great finish, but it could also look quite uninspired. Siding gives you the option to change this and to add the color that your hose needs.
People judge things by their first impression, which means that you have to apply the same effort to the outside as you do the inside. However much you want to improve your home aesthetically, though, your first reason for having siding should be to protect the material from the elements. Do not sacrifice protection for good looks. Good siding will not only protect your home from moisture and insects, but it will also last a reasonable period to give you value for your money.
Popular Types of Siding
- Wood
Many people love wood for several reasons, chief among them, the classy look. Wood is the king of class, giving your home this old but stylish look that most people crave. It gives your home a look of wealth and old money.
Wood is susceptible to moisture, rot and insects, which means that you need to have it treated to ensure that it does not succumb to the elements. It also requires regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. Depending on maintenance and the type of wood used, it could last you as long as 100 years. Redwood and Western Red Cedar are the preferred choices, for their renowned durability.
- Vinyl Siding
It has been America’s favorite siding for the longest time, partly due to its cost and durability. Vinyl can last anywhere between 30 and 50 years, depending on installation and maintenance. Others chose vinyl for its variety of colors and textures. With the cedar shake range, your siding could pass for wood.
Apart from being durable, vinyl has the capability to stay beautiful for long because it is washable. You can change it after a few decades to get a fresh new look, hopefully with a new texture and different colors. It would be an excellent idea, especially when selling your house, for value addition.
- Stone
Stone endures storms, termites, moisture, and any other element. There are a few things, save for human intervention that could ruin stone. This type of siding lasts the lifetime of the house and then some more. The downsides of stone are the initial cost and the labor intensity. It is also quite difficult to clean, as the usual hose and water will not do the best.
On the upside, a stone siding looks good on the house, adding some charm and visuals appeal to all. The textures are also quite different from what you get from the traditional types of vinyl. The maintenance of stone siding is not too demanding.
- Brick Siding
Bricks are made from clay that is molded into a block and subjected to high, controlled temperatures. They are then used to build a wall that could last the life of the house, depending on maintenance and installation. Bricks are labor intensive, making them quite expensive to build and install. Due to this factor, this particular type of siding is not very popular.
Bricks are not resistant to moisture, and so a membrane is installed between the brick and the house to keep water out. Brick siding does not require intensive maintenance as long as installation was on point and the membrane stays intact. Once in a long while, you may want to check on the membrane to be sure that it is still effective. This siding is resistant to rot and termites.
The type of siding that you be should be determined by among other things your style and taste. If you are pressed for money, the cost should also be a factor.
Written by Enrich Construction, the best service for siding in Columbia, MO.