Types of Siding to Consider For Your Home
The siding of a house, just as roofing is not there only to add to the aesthetic appeal of a home, but also to protect it from harsh weather elements and nuisance critters. If you are thinking about replacing your siding panels, you should learn more about pros and cons of using different types of siding materials. Currently, most popular siding materials are vinyl, fiber cement, and insulated siding. When choosing a siding material, you should also have climate and your geographical location in mind, since these two factors can severely impact the durability of the materials you have chosen. For example, if you live near ocean where the humidity is high, you don’t want to opt for a material that will easily be penetrated by water and moisture, or that is prone to rotting. Let’s take a look at different siding materials used in siding replacement in Rockville, MD, and learn more about advantages or disadvantages of using them.
Vinyl Siding
This material is commonly used in home remodeling all across the US. It comes in many colors which makes it highly customizable to individual desires, style and taste. This material is very durable and it requires little to no maintenance. This is the least expensive siding option you have at your disposal.
In extreme climates, this material can warp or start fading. Prolonged exposure to the elements can also cause fading. However, since new technologies have improved these defects, vinyl siding will start deteriorating after 10 to 20 years. Nowadays, vinyl siding can have the look of different types of architectural materials, such as wood, stone and slate. When it comes to maintenance, pressure washing is sufficient for keeping it in good condition. Home repair contractors easily handle the installation of replacement of this material.
A major disadvantage of vinyl siding is that in case you have a spot that needs repaired, home renovators have to replace an entire section and not only one panel. Since it’s made of vinyl, this type of siding is flammable and releases toxins when burned.
Insulated Siding
Insulated siding is very similar to vinyl siding. The only difference is that insulation is added to the backing. The insulation can be glued to the inside or it can be left as its own separate piece. Major benefit of using this type of siding lies in provides more energy efficiency, and counteracting the thermal ridging effect in homes. It costs a little bit more than standard vinyl siding, but you will definitely notice reduced costs in heating and cooling.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding is also known as composite siding. Composite siding is made of sand, cement and wood fibers. As a result, you will get a stable material that doesn’t expand and contract as wood and vinyl. The material can be painted and adjusted to homeowners’ taste and style. It doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, mostly a paint job about every 15-20 years. The material is water-resistant and termite- proof. The only disadvantage is complicated installation and expensive price. If you aren’t sure what material is best for your home, contact local home renovators to help you. They will help you choose the best material taking into accounts your budget, cost of upkeep and amount of maintenance.