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TYPICAL
SIDING FEATURES
Siding or residing the exterior of a house adds value to and improves
the physical appearance of the home. However, with all the available
options for house siding, choosing the right type for your needs can
seem like a difficult
home
improvement
endeavour. Learning about the benefits and drawbacks of the three most
popular types of house siding—vinyl, aluminum, and wood—with these tips
about exterior house siding will help you pick the best type for your
siding or residing needs.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is currently the most popular type of exterior house siding
in the United States and Canada. The main material in vinyl siding is
polyvinyl chloride, which is usually abbreviated as PVC. The PVC in
vinyl siding increases the strength, rigidity, and resistance of the
material. Unlike other types of house siding, vinyl siding requires
little to no upkeep and maintenance. Vinyl siding never needs painted
and requires only periodic cleaning for upkeep. In terms of durability,
vinyl siding rates very high because of its ability to withstand high
wind speeds, both hot and cold temperatures, and moisture. The average
vinyl siding lasts anywhere between twenty-five and fifty years.
Available in multiple thicknesses, there is a vinyl siding appropriate
for almost every climate. Depending on thickness and color, vinyl siding
ranges in price from around $3 per square foot to $7 or more per square
foot. Installation costs extra, but most homeowners can install vinyl
siding themselves. However, because vinyl siding is relatively
inexpensive, paying for installation is definitely worth the extra cost.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding, which is older than vinyl siding, is another popular
choice for exterior house siding. The main material in aluminum siding
is aluminum that is coated with paint. Like vinyl siding, aluminum
siding is extremely durable. However, because paint fades and scratches,
aluminum siding must be painted periodically to maintain the quality and
appearance of the exterior of the house. Aluminum also dents easily, so
extra care must be taken to prevent damage to the siding. Depending on
environmental conditions, aluminum siding can sometimes corrode although
corrosion is rare. Therefore, other than an occasional coat of paint and
a thorough scrubbing, aluminum siding requires minimal maintenance. If
cared for properly, aluminum siding will usually last between
thirty-five and forty years. Because of the price of aluminum, aluminum
siding tends to be slightly less expensive than vinyl at a minimum of
$2.50 per square foot. Labor and installation again increases cost, but,
like vinyl siding, most homeowners can install aluminum siding on their
own. But, again, the cheaper price of aluminum siding in comparison to
vinyl siding is balanced by the higher maintenance needs of aluminum.
Wood Siding
Wood siding, which is older than both aluminum and vinyl siding, has
been a popular type of exterior house siding in the United States
throughout the history of the country. Although wood siding can be made
from almost any type of wood, the five most popular tree types are pine,
spruce, fir, cedar, and redwood. Unlike vinyl and aluminum siding, wood
siding requires considerable and frequent maintenance. Wood siding must
be sealed, stained, or painted to prevent damage from natural elements
including water, sun, wind, dirt, and insects. With proper upkeep,
however, wood siding can last up to one hundred years. (Improperly
maintained wood siding will last only ten years or less.) The price of
wood siding varies according to the type with the cheapest woods like
pine, spruce, and fir costing a minimum of $5.50 per square foot.
Although the price tag is more expensive, wood siding is still popular
because of its more attractive appearance in comparison to aluminum and
vinyl. Handy homeowners can install their own wood siding; however,
professional installation is recommended for the best results.
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Vinyl,
brick, aluminum, and wood siding are the most popular types of house
siding in North America. Learning about the pros and cons of these
different siding types makes picking the best solution easier.
Whether you're renovating or building a new home, deciding on which
siding material to use is a major decision, not to mention a major
expense. Siding is more than just an exterior finish for your home. It
is a major component of the exterior "envelope" of your home, which
protects its interior from being damaged by water infiltration or
inclement weather.
From maintenance to costs per square foot, here is an overview of
five siding material options that you might want to consider. Keep in
mind that although prices for the siding materials are fairly consistent
throughout the United States, labor costs can vary significantly.
Wood
Wood is a traditional siding material that has been used in America
since colonial times. There are two types of wood siding, shingles and
clapboards. Shingles, or shakes as they are sometimes called, are
typically made from cedar. They are not painted, but are left to weather
naturally and are virtually maintenance free. Clapboards are typically
made from Douglas fir, spruce, or pine and are usually painted or
stained. Wood siding is an excellent choice for siding but, with the
exception of masonry siding such as brick or stone, wood siding is more
expensive than other siding options, costing about $5 to $8 per square
foot. Cedar is more expensive at $8 to $14 a square foot.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most popular siding materials for new homes. Made of
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic, it is quite durable, although less so
than wood or masonry. It is maintenance free and is easy to keep clean
simply by hosing it down once a year. It will not deteriorate and colors
in the newer versions rarely fade. It can crack if accidentally hit with
a lawn mower or weed whacker or come loose under conditions of frequent
high winds. Vinyl siding costs about $3 to $7 per square foot.
Aluminum
Aluminum siding made its debut in the 1950s and is often used over wood
siding in older homes to modernize them, much to the chagrin of
old-house purists. Like vinyl, aluminum siding is touted as maintenance
free and for the most part it is. It is easy to clean and fire
resistant, and power washing will not harm the aluminum. It may dent
(for instance in a hail storm), and the color may fade in strong
sunlight or with time. Nonetheless it is a popular alternative to vinyl
siding for many people. Aluminum siding costs about $5 to $10 per square
foot.
Brick
Masonry siding made of brick refers to the use of brick to face the
exterior of a home. Bricks are made from clay fired in a kiln and come
in a range of colors and types. Some types of bricks are used for paving
while others are used for walls or siding for homes. Brick masonry
siding is durable and long lasting. It is also relatively maintenance
free but should be cleaned periodically to remove pollutants that
accumulate on the surface, which can cause deterioration of the brick
over time. Brick is one of the more expensive siding options, starting
at about $12 per square foot.
Fiber cement
Fiber cement siding is often referred to by its brand names, HardiPlank
or HardiBoard. It is made from a composite of concrete materials that
include Portland cement, sand, and cellulose. A relatively new product,
it has become a popular alternative to wood, stucco, and certain types
of masonry siding because of its ability to imitate them at a fraction
of the cost. It is virtually maintenance free and does not rot or crack,
nor is it damaged by hail or heavy rains. Fiber cement siding is fire
resistant and maintenance free as well. It is more expensive than vinyl
siding but less expensive than masonry siding, at about $4 to $7 per
square foot.
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