Siding

People are a practical bunch. If you tell someone, “hey, I have a product that will keep the place you live in, the place where you raise your children and spend the majority of your time (outside of work) in, safe and tip-top working condition,” you’d exclaim, “tell me more!” We knew you would, which is why we’re going to dive right into said product, and that product is siding.

During the 1960s painting was the common way of finishing off a home. The problem – the upkeep. Homes don’t remain painted automatically and in winter climates need constant attention. In the 1970s aluminum siding came to be, immediately popular but the downside was it could be easily damaged. Ten years later vinyl siding made its way to the market, more cost effective than aluminum and also more attractive. During the 90s vinyl siding upped the ante once again, achieving a look and feel that was distinct to anything else on the market. But before we continue this trip down memory lane, it’s useful to flesh out the different types of siding one can choice from in 2020.

First up is wood siding. Arguably one of the most attractive, wood siding comes in a variety of styles and finishes. It is vertical in nature with a board-on-board pattern style or a tongue-and-groove or channel-groove style. Fairly easy to repair but tricky to install, wood siding is a nice option but do know that it can be damaged by sun exposure, insects and rot. If wood isn’t your thing, metal siding is another viable option. Aluminum specifically came to life as an alternative to wood as it is very low maintenance. These come in horizontal strips and have an interlocking edge along the bottom that helps to seal against nasty weather.

Vinyl siding, as mentioned earlier, is much more flexible in terms of style than aluminum or wood. The variety of textures is endless and from a cost perspective, $3 to $8 per square foot is quite reasonable. Now, vinyl needs to be installed correctly or it will easily warp or buckle. But on the positive side, vinyl never needs painting as the color remains solid through the material and its look lasts awhile. If it is ever cracked vinyl siding must unfortunately be replaced or repaired but there are limited warranties of up to 50 years, so that’s a clear plus.

Lastly is fiber cement siding. One of the latest developments in the siding world, fiber cement is low-maintenance, very durable and resource-efficient as it is made from recyclable materials. If you’re looking for something that emulates a natural wood grain, fiber cement is an excellent option. Available in beveled planks, shakes or shingles, fiber cement is moderate to high in price, but it won’t break the bank.

Wow, some serious siding talk, here. All excellent options to protect that investment we all cherish and love – our home.