What are My Siding Replacement Options?
When it comes to replacing the siding on your Sacramento home, there are numerous options available. The following article lists popular materials for siding replacement, as well as some basic information about each:
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most popular siding materials on the market, especially for new construction homes. Its popularity is largely due to its combination of affordability, versatility, ease of installation and low maintenance. However, those looking for a more natural look may not appreciate vinyl’s synthetic appearance. Additionally, despite being corrosion-resistant, vinyl siding is susceptible to water intrusion and wear/damage from extreme temperatures.
Wood
Wood siding offers a genuine aesthetic for homeowners who value authenticity. Besides being a natural, eco-friendly product, wood siding is highly customizable and can be installed in a variety of styles and patterns, including board and batten, clapboards, shingles, drop siding, and more. The principal downsides of wood siding are the need for ongoing maintenance (including frequent restaining/repainting) and its vulnerability to damage from fires, termites, and rot. However, wood siding’s combustibility can be lowered with the application of flame retardant treatments, while diligent maintenance reduces the chances for termite and mold issues.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood siding is designed to provide the appearance of real wood while improving upon its practical disadvantages. That’s why engineered wood siding weighs less, holds up better against moisture and termites (thanks to factory-applied coatings and treatments), is easier to install, and requires less maintenance than real wood siding. The main drawback of engineered wood siding is that, unlike genuine wood siding, it can’t be repainted or restained.
Fiber cement
Fiber cement siding is an engineered product that’s typically composed of wood pulp and Portland cement, among other ingredients. Fiber cement siding can imitate the appearance of genuine wood siding, but unlike wood, it’s impervious to fire, termites and rot. Because of this, fiber cement siding products typically come with warranties of up to 30 years Furthermore, fiber cement siding’s high density makes it a good insulator. The only real drawback of fiber cement siding is its cost, as it’s one of the most expensive siding options available.
Stucco
Stucco is composed of a mixture of Portland cement, sand and lime that’s applied over a mesh lath attached to the home’s structural framing. Stucco’s attributes make it an ideal exterior choice for homes in warm, dry climates—it’s a very good insulator, long-lasting and naturally fire-resistant. It’s also ideal for achieving specific architectural styles, such as traditional Spanish or Mediterranean. As a porous substance, stucco is susceptible to stains and mold, which is why it’s not a good choice for areas that receive heavy amounts of rain and/or snow.
Brick
Like wood, brick provides a traditional aesthetic that’s perfect for the antique architecture of Colonial or Ranch homes. However, brick is very expensive, which is why budget-sensitive homeowners may want to consider a modern alternative like brick siding or faux brick paneling. Modern brick siding not only mimics the look of traditional brick, it’s also a great insulator.
Metal
Metal siding is one of the most durable siding materials available. Not only is it strong in composition, it’s impervious to moisture, termites and fire. Metal siding can also be made to imitate the aesthetic of wood and is available as a pre-painted product.
Metal siding is available in steel or aluminum. Steel is the stronger of the two and resists dents better than aluminum; however, it’s also heavier and more difficult to install, which hikes up the cost. Additionally, steel is susceptible to rust, so homeowners need to be diligent about maintaining their steel siding’s paint. Aluminum is the more affordable metal siding option, and unlike steel, it won’t rust. However, it dents easily and is prone to oxidization.
Stone veneer
For the majority of homeowners, real stone is prohibitively expensive as a siding option. Fortunately, there are imitation stone products that mimic the look of genuine stone without breaking the bank. Stone veneer, typically fabricated from fiberglass or acrylic, is crafted to look like the real thing, especially when viewed from a distance. On the downside, it’s not nearly as durable as real stone. Additionally, factory-produced panels often have repeating patterns, which diminishes the authenticity of the siding’s appearance.
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