A home's siding affects its maintenance and appearance. Some siding will last for decades or even centuries, other siding must be replaced after only a few decades. Homeowners who are either building a new home or who are installing new siding on an existing home should be aware of the different types of siding to ensure that they pick the best siding for their needs.
Wood Siding
For many years, wood siding was the standard siding product found on homes and other buildings. It is attractive and long-lasting, and it's natural, so many homeowners still turn to wood as their siding of choice. Unfortunately, wood siding requires regular maintenance or it will not last. Many homeowners will paint their wood siding every 10 years or stain their siding more often to protect it from water damage. Failure to protect this type of siding could cause pest infestation and structural damage. Wood that is well-maintained can last for decades.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a go-to product for homeowners who want the look of wood without the maintenance. Vinyl siding never needs to be painted. It resists fading, is easy to clean and should last for several decades. In its early days, vinyl was known to warp, crack or yellow fairly easily. These days are now gone. Vinyl siding is durable, affordable and easy to repair, so for many homeowners, the decision to purchase vinyl siding is an easy one.
Aluminum Siding
Before there was vinyl siding, many homeowners turned to aluminum as an alternative to wood siding. Although use of aluminum has declined somewhat in recent decades, it is still installed on many homes. Homeowners are attracted to aluminum because it's easy to maintain, lightweight, can be painted, is recyclable and is fully waterproof. What are the downsides? Aluminum siding can also be easy to dent, and fixing those indentations can be challenging.
Cedar Shake Siding
Cedar shake requires all the maintenance of wood but has a distinctive appearance that makes it the preferred product for some homeowners. Cedar shakes are similar to shingles and can, in fact, be used to cover a roof. Cedar shakes need to be stained or painted periodically in order to maintain structural integrity. Cedar shakes are naturally very rot resistant, but can be vulnerable to invasion from wood-eating pests. Cedar shakes are more often seen on high-end homes, because they're attractive but expensive to maintain.
Brick Siding
Brick comes in two types: standard and veneer. Standard bricks are not just a form of siding but an actual building material that adds to the structural stability of the home. Brick veneer is a siding only and is not tied to the structural stability of the home in any way.
Homeowners like brick veneer on their house because it is an affordable alternative to real brick, and because it's a very durable siding material. Brick veneer can last as the house. However, brick veneer must be properly installed in order to to last. Homes with brick veneer siding must have a very effective moisture management system because brick veneer is not water-proof.
Work With A Contractor to Make Your Decision
The type of siding that you choose for your Avon By The Sea home will have a lasting impact on the appearance and maintenance of your property. For more information about how you can choose the right siding for your needs and your budget, work with a licensed contractor.
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