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Siding 101

With all of the siding products on the market, it can be confusing to decide which is best for you. Use this quick guide to help you decide what kind of siding is most tailored to your needs.

HARDBOARD SIDING

Often composed of compressed wood fiber, wax, resin and wood chips. Popular in new home construction because of its wood-like appearance. Referred to as Masonite, although other companies have manufactured similar products

PROS: Appearance of real wood. If maintained properly, will last a long time.

CONS: Requires frequent painting and caulking. Cannot be power-washed. Failure to maintain hardboard siding can result in buckling, rotting, blistering, and the deterioration of the walls. Once the exterior walls start to deteriorate, expect mold and insect infestations.

FIBER CEMENT

First introduced in the American South where humidity is an issue, fiber cement is popular due to it's ability to mimic the look of hardboard siding. CertainTeed and James Hardie are probably the two best known manufacturers of fiber cement siding products in the United States.

PROS: Appears identical to hardboard siding, also resistant to insects and holds paint well.

CONS: Expensive and accessories (e.g. sofits) can look like a cheap afterthought. Fiber cement weighs heavy on house and panels can be broken. The panels do not hold up to hard impacts like hail. Insulation values or "R" values decrease as fiber cement carries little to no "R" value. This increases the heating bill as the old exterior siding is removed to apply the fiber cement. Some fiber cement products have toxicity issues during product installation and some manufacturers are unsure how to apply and install the panels in seasonal areas because of the expansion and contractions of the panels.

VINYL SIDING

Vinyl siding (as with steel and aluminum siding) was developed to be applied over the old siding to build on the existing insulation value.

PROS: Less expensive than other options, vinyl can leave your home mostly maintenance free and only requires cosmetic cleanings once or twice a year. some new products have the appearance of real wood planks, with longer panels, fewer seams and an "R" value of 5+.

CONS: Due to the popularity of vinyl siding, poor quality material is prevalent on the market so be aware of what you are purchasing first.

STEEL SIDING

Developed to be applied over the existing siding to build on the insulation value of the old siding.

PROS: Durable, maintenance free and available in dark colors. Newer products achieve a more wood-like appearance than ever before.

CONS: Does not hold up to large hail or hard impacts as well.

BRICK

The common but sturdy brick and mortar system that's served as the basis of building construction for decades.

PROS: Attractive, maintenance free.

CONS: Expensive, holds in the summer heat.

If you have an further questions contact us here to schedule your FREE, no obligation quote so we can help you determine what the best siding option that available for you.