Monday, February 24, 2014

Residential Siding Options

Vinyl siding doesn't require paint.


Residential siding serves as a decorative option for a house and can give the structure a distinctive look. Many residential siding material styles are available to improve a house's exterior. These siding options vary in price and durability. Select designs that complement the architectural style of the home.


Vinyl Siding


Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride. The material, which was introduced in the 1960s, quickly began to replace steel and wood siding. Vinyl siding doesn't require paint, which helps preserve the color of the siding from fading. The most popular sizes for vinyl siding are the four-inch panels, according to J.R. Girskis, president and owner of Iowa-based Suburban Construction. The four-inch siding panels are gaining more popularity, however, because they are more energy-efficient, Girskis said.


Metal Siding


Metal siding is made from steel or aluminum material. The material is a durable option that is low maintenance. Other benefits of metal siding include that it doesn't rot and is fireproof. Metal siding will need to be hosed down annually. Painting over scratches helps prevent rusting in metal siding.


Wood Siding


Another residential siding option to choose from is wood siding. This siding is traditionally made from cedar, pine, redwood and fir. Cedar and redwood are the most expensive wood siding options. Maintenance is high for wood siding because of moisture absorption that can create swelling.


Fiber cement


Fiber cement siding is made of a combination of cement, cellulosic fibers and sand. It is a durable option that looks like wood. Some fiber cement siding is delivered already primed and ready for painting. It is low maintenance because the material maintains paint longer than traditional wood siding. The material also doesn't warp or rot.


Stucco


Stucco siding is a highly durable material made of a cementitious mix applied like icing over masonry block or concrete. This siding option offers a textured look and is prevalent in Europe. The application and maintenance of stucco is a more expensive residential siding alternative.









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