Benefits of Siding
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
Looking to enhance your home's curb appeal? New exterior siding can go a long
way in improving the appearance of a house or mobile home, while also reducing
long term maintenance costs.
The main types of exterior siding are vinyl, aluminum and wood. As you debate the various options in home siding, consider your home's architectural style, your area's climate and your budget.
Vinyl siding is a popular option, as it is cost effective and virtually maintenance-free. It is sold in a variety of colors, textures and shapes, making it a versatile choice for those who are replacing their exterior siding or installing it as a new product over another material.
Vinyl siding is sensitive to intense heat, however, and can melt. As such, remember to keep barbeque grills, patio torches and other flammable products away from your home siding.
Aluminum is another popular option, as it also is inexpensive, durable and requires little maintenance. Aluminum siding can be primed and painted to add a crisp new color to your home or to match outdoor window trim or other architectural details. This is a relatively easy home improvement project.
Aluminum siding can scratch and dent, however. Scratches are more visible on aluminum because, unlike vinyl, the color does not go all the way through the material.
With aluminum siding, be on the look out for oxidation or chalking, as this is a sign of wear from the weather. The remedy is to repaint the home siding.
Wood siding is the Cadillac of the siding materials, as it adds a rich, natural look to a home. Wood siding is made from a variety of wood species, including cedar, pine, spruce, redwood and cypress.
Wood siding is sold prestained, primed or unfinished. Be aware, however, that any wood siding will have to repainted and restained every 3 to 5 years, adding a few thousand dollars to your home improvement costs.
As with any outdoor wood product, wood siding is susceptible to termites, rot, and moisture infiltration. Those who live in wet climates should weigh this material choice carefully, since the wood will be in contact with more water than usual.
Other tips:
The main types of exterior siding are vinyl, aluminum and wood. As you debate the various options in home siding, consider your home's architectural style, your area's climate and your budget.
Vinyl siding is a popular option, as it is cost effective and virtually maintenance-free. It is sold in a variety of colors, textures and shapes, making it a versatile choice for those who are replacing their exterior siding or installing it as a new product over another material.
Vinyl siding is sensitive to intense heat, however, and can melt. As such, remember to keep barbeque grills, patio torches and other flammable products away from your home siding.
Aluminum is another popular option, as it also is inexpensive, durable and requires little maintenance. Aluminum siding can be primed and painted to add a crisp new color to your home or to match outdoor window trim or other architectural details. This is a relatively easy home improvement project.
Aluminum siding can scratch and dent, however. Scratches are more visible on aluminum because, unlike vinyl, the color does not go all the way through the material.
With aluminum siding, be on the look out for oxidation or chalking, as this is a sign of wear from the weather. The remedy is to repaint the home siding.
Wood siding is the Cadillac of the siding materials, as it adds a rich, natural look to a home. Wood siding is made from a variety of wood species, including cedar, pine, spruce, redwood and cypress.
Wood siding is sold prestained, primed or unfinished. Be aware, however, that any wood siding will have to repainted and restained every 3 to 5 years, adding a few thousand dollars to your home improvement costs.
As with any outdoor wood product, wood siding is susceptible to termites, rot, and moisture infiltration. Those who live in wet climates should weigh this material choice carefully, since the wood will be in contact with more water than usual.
Other tips:
- Look for siding material that comes in variable lengths to avoid visible seams that can cause mold and energy loss.
- Try a textured vinyl siding to add an interesting look
Cost
Aluminum and vinyl siding are the least expensive, priced from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. Wood is the most expensive and costs two to three times more, depending on the wood species.Deals for Thursday, Mar. 11, 2010
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