The first types of metal siding were popular as an alternative to wood siding. It was mentioned in the previous articles that wood siding requires high maintenance. Metal siding could save time and money because it is quite cheap and very durable but it is not recommended for home owners because of its look and it is very noisy. It is the first choice for any kind of industrial buildings.
Metal siding is very prone to denting, hail damage, extreme heat and rain and it is a good option in the places where houses are exposed to the salt and moisture especially ocean areas. So who may prefer this type is siding? It is not to everyone’s tastes. Those looking for siding that looks “elegant” or “beautiful” might consider looking elsewhere. Yet if you’re the type of home owner looking for durable, long lasting, and very cost efficient siding, Metal siding the way for you.
Another alternative is aluminum siding. This type of siding is often used on trailer park homes, and is a far cheaper alternative to metal siding. The big issue with aluminum siding is that the color seems to dull significantly over time, and it has durability issues over the long haul. Back in the 50’s and 60’s it was a very popular alternative, yet over the years its drawbacks were exposed and Aluminum siding quickly went out of style. Yet in tough economic times like this, aluminum is still a viable option for the desperate homeowner needing to urgently replace their siding. After all, it could be replaced later on in better days.
Posts Tagged ‘wood siding’
Home Siding Options: Wood Siding
Sunday, December 20th, 2009
Shingles, machine-cut square pieces, come in a variety of patterns and colors. They are placed from the bottom up, so each layer overlaps the one below it and are a very good way of protecting your home. Wood shingles have been popular from the last century as siding for middle class homes, especially in the last thirty years. Due to the large variety of colors and textures, wood siding allows your creativity to flourish. Wood shingles also offer the ability for easier replacement than something such as metal or stone siding.
As well as the clapboard siding wood shingles are very high maintenance, it means that the potential homeowner of the wood siding house is obligated to take care of regular painting and caulking to protect siding from pests. Also watch out for poor drainage. Poorly routed drainage may lead to water flowing down the side of your house, ruining the shingles. Other reasons for bad shingles would be a poor product, owner not paying attention to maintenance, or bad installation by the product. Such things makes wood shingles a risky investment, yet, the exquisite look wood shingles give off should make it worth the effort.
The most popular types of wood siding are wood shingles and the wood clapboard siding. The clapboard method as the oldest technique of house siding installation doesn’t require much knowledge and professional skills. The planks are attached to the building from the base (above the foundation) to the roof line. An advantage of wood siding - it offers insulation, a disadvantage is that it is not low maintenance. Wood Siding, if installed properly, should be able to last a lifetime. If your wood siding turns out to be defective, then its probably your fault or your contractors. If your wood siding seems to be defective, contact a third party to inspect the siding for you.