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Homeowner’s Options – Comparing Siding Materials

Comparing Siding Materials
Along the exterior of your home’s walls is the siding. It’s that added layer of protective material that works to protect your home from destructive outdoor elements, bad weather, insects, and wildlife. Oftentimes, the siding is made to match the roof of your home, giving it a second purpose, which is to create a nice aesthetic. However, if you’ve been noticing that your home is in need of new siding, then you are probably looking into what the best materials are. Now, there are so many options to choose from. We have vinyl siding, cedar siding, aluminum siding, and Hardie board siding options for your home. Each has its own benefits. To help you identify what would work best with your current or future home, you can schedule an assessment with an expert from American Construction. The list below will also give you an idea of the differences between each material:

Vinyl Siding

The most commonly used material in today’s market is Vinyl. It gives homeowners a number of great advantages – durability, easy maintenance, multiple color options, and all at an affordable cost. Skilled workers are also able to easily install these onto your home. Because it is a plastic-based product, it is one of the most durable materials out there. Maintenance is also relatively easy. With vinyl siding, there is no need for constant repainting. Hosing it down with some water and scrubbing away some dirt every now and then should keep it clean and looking good.

There is also a more eco-friendly alternative with vinyl siding because you can opt for either recycled or virgin vinyl. There is also a range of thicknesses when choosing your boards. One caveat to vinyl siding is that installation is crucial. Without the right expertise, the boards could easily get loosened. Because of the material composition, these boards tend to expand. Initial installation should provide adequate spacing so as not to cause any uplifted boards to allow debris, dust, or insects to get stuck underneath.

Cedar Siding

Cedar Siding is one of the best types of wood siding available. It is a low-density softwood that is easy to install and use in construction. The open-cell structure of the natural wood makes it a great insulator for your home as well. Another major advantage of this material is that it makes your home appear very elegant. Aside from that, it is also one of the more durable materials. The material is also very durable whether you decide to treat, paint or just leave it as is.

As a natural repellant for both fungi and bacteria, you don’t need to constantly treat the wood. The boards are also less likely to crack because of the durability of the material. However, a common problem with cedar siding is the fading colors. As most homeowners prefer the stained style that cedar boards give their home, the loss of this look can be unfortunate. Re-painting or restaining the wood is possible and is recommended semi-annually to maintain the appeal.

Aside from that, maintenance is still required to prevent damage to the siding. Pressure washing, and getting it checked are necessities. The lowest pressure should be applied during pressure washing as the wood is a softer material than the others.

Aluminum Siding

One of the most cost-effective options is the use of aluminum siding. Because it is a metal, this material is the most durable and long-lasting of the lot. It is highly resistant to dents and cracks and has the added feature of being both fireproof and waterproof. Enamel paints now give homeowners a variety of color options for their aluminum siding. The reflective property of the metal makes it great at reflecting the heat away from your home; thus, minimizing added electric heating or cooling costs.

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t like how aluminum siding may look with their homes, which is why it is one of the more uncommon options for residential siding. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good material to use. With the right home design, the aluminum siding could work to create a good aesthetic.

Hardie board Siding

A rising trend in construction is the use of Hardie Board Siding in Cherry Hill, NJ. Offering a wide range of colors and board textures that are affordable, this material has many advantages. Also known as cement board siding, this is a long-lasting, fire and storm-resistant material that is affordable. It also looks great on your home. Because it is partially made from a cement-based material, Hardie board siding is resistant to rot and insect infestations.

The different textures available also make it look like other types of board materials, like your wood lap boards and cedar boards. Design, durability, and cost are the main pros of this material. There are, however, a few downsides to using Hardie boards. It takes longer to install and requires more people to work on it. It is also relatively high-maintenance, requiring constant re-painting to maintain its color and design.

With the many options available, making the right choice may seem daunting. An expert’s opinion might be useful if you are still left undecided. What is important is to determine which features weigh more towards your long-term needs. When you break it down, the materials differ mainly in cost, design, durability, and maintenance. Each material is individually stronger in each department.