Key Takeaways:
- Wood siding is one of the most classic choices for homes. Still it’s vulnerable to rot, insect infestation, and moisture damage, so it needs to be carefully maintained.
- Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance, durable option; high winds and hail can damage it.
- Fiber cement siding is a newer option that offers the best of both worlds: the durability of vinyl & the classic look of wood. But it’s susceptible to cracking and chipping.
- The climate in your area, style of your home, and budget are the three important factors to consider when choosing the siding material for your home.
Your home siding is one of the most important components of your property, serving both an aesthetic and functional purpose. Not only does it give your home its unique look and curb appeal, but it also protects your property from the elements.
There are a variety of house siding materials available on the market, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular options and explore the weaknesses that can lead to damage.
1. Wood Siding
Wood siding has been a popular house exterior for centuries because of its beauty and classic look. Common types of wood siding options include planks, boards/panels & shingles. Wood siding is a durable material, but it is not impervious to damage. Water, sun, and insects can all cause problems for wood siding.
While wood clapboard lap siding is one of the most popular choices, it also costs more than many other options and requires higher maintenance. It’s also a common material for shakes and shingles. Wood is a combustible material, so it presents a fire hazard.
Read: Different types of siding options.
What Damages Wood?
Moisture and sun are the two biggest enemies of wood siding. Wood is a porous material; it can swell, warp, and rot when it absorbs water. When water seeps into cracks in the siding, it can cause even more damage to the underlying structure of your home.
In addition, wood is susceptible to insect damage, particularly termites and carpenter ants.
How to Protect It?
- To protect wood siding, you must regularly paint or stain it to create a barrier against moisture.
- It would be better if you also repaired any cracks or holes as soon as possible.
- Inspect your siding regularly for any signs of damage and have it repaired or replaced as needed.
2. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is produced from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic. It’s available in multiple colors and styles and is relatively easy to install.
An advantage of vinyl siding is that its low maintenance. You don’t have to paint it over or stain it, and it’s not susceptible to insect damage.
What Damages Vinyl?
Vinyl is a durable material but can be damaged by severe weather conditions, such as hail or high winds, and sharp objects, such as branches or rocks.
How to Protect It?
- To protect vinyl siding, you must regularly clean it with a mild soap and water solution. You should also inspect the siding regularly for any cracks or holes and have them repaired as soon as possible.
- If your vinyl siding is fading, you can paint it with a special type of paint designed for vinyl.
- You can also protect it from severe weather by installing hurricane straps or other types of reinforcements.
3. Brick Siding
Brick siding is made from fired clay that has been formed into bricks. Brick siding is strong and can withstand severe weather, high winds, and other impacts. However, it is not completely indestructible.
What Damages Brick?
Brick siding can be damaged by flying debris, such as hail or rocks. It can also be cracked or chipped by falling trees or branches. If the brick siding is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced.
In addition, brick can crumble or crack over time due to age and exposure to the elements.
How to Protect It?
- To protect brick siding, you should regularly inspect it for cracks or chips and repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.
- You can also seal it with a water-repellant sealer to help prevent moisture damage.
4. Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a largely maintenance-free product composed of cement and various natural cellulose. Wood fibers are becoming increasingly popular because they are made from recycled materials and are resource efficient.
What Damages Fiber Cement?
Fiber cement siding can be damaged by high winds, hail, and flying debris. It is also susceptible to damage from termites and other pests.
How to Protect It?
- You can protect fiber cement siding by regularly inspecting it for any damage and repairing any damage as soon as possible.
- You should also seal it with a water-repellant sealer to help prevent moisture damage.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Siding Material for Your Home
There are a lot of factors to go over when choosing the right siding material for your home. Some of these factors include:
· Climate
The climate in your area is important to consider when choosing siding material because certain materials might not perform optimally in extreme weather conditions.
For example, fiber cement siding is a popular choice for homes in hurricane-prone areas because it is resistant to high winds & flying debris. However, this type of siding can be damaged by hail or high winds, so it is crucial to inspect it regularly & repair any damage as soon as possible.
· Style Of Your Home
Your home’s style is also important to consider when choosing siding material. If you have a historic home, you may want to choose a material that is sympathetic to the architectural style of your home.
For example, wood siding is often used on historic homes because it has a classic look. However, it requires more maintenance over time.
· Budget
Some materials, such as fiber cement siding, are more expensive than others but offer better durability and require less maintenance. However, plenty of options are available for people with a limited budget, and they can provide you with the perfect look and feel you desire for your home.
Once you have considered all of these factors, you can begin to narrow down your choices.
Conclusion
After considering the various house siding materials and their weaknesses, you can select the best option for your home. Many affordable options provide the same look and feel you desire. Keep in mind your area’s climate and the maintenance required when making your final decision.
B&B Roofing is a well-known siding installation company serving the Mansfield, Texas, area. We have two decades of experience installing siding on all types of homes. We use top-notch materials and cutting-edge tools to ensure your siding is installed with precision and looks its best.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your free quote now!
