Real Estate Tips: Home Siding -- What Is the Best
Option for You?
Home siding does more than give your home its characteristic appearance
as it represents you and your family to all who pass by. Day after day,
year after year it protects your home from the ravages of the sun, wind,
and rain while coping with the moisture coming from inside of the home.
When choosing a type of siding for your home, you must take into consideration
the local climate, the building's design, and the various characteristics
of the different types of siding materials. There are many different types
of home siding to choose from, and each variety has its own strengths
and weaknesses.
Brick Siding
Many individuals choose to use brick as their siding material. It is
a common misconception that houses with brick exteriors use brick as
a structural material. In most modern construction the brick is just
a veneer, protecting the home from the weather and creating a beautiful
appearance for the home. If the homeowner chooses a good quality product,
the brick siding will withstand many of the forces that cause other
types of siding to deteriorate.
The maintenance required for brick siding mainly consists of replacing
the old mortar between the bricks when it has begun to break down. This
can be a costly repair, costing anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000
to do an entire average sized home. The upside is that it will typically
be a very long time before this becomes necessary. Brick siding may
also require water sealing and moss control to retain its beauty and
protect the home effectively.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding, most commonly made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC, is
durable and lightweight. It has the advantage of not having to be painted
since the color is blended into the material. It is fastened to the
structure, either during he original build or over older siding, using
special clips and brackets to snap precut pieces into place. It may
need to be washed from time to time, particularly if the home is in
an area with airborne particulate pollution. It resists dents and scratches
fairly well and is generally considered a low-maintenance choice. It
is usually made to simulate a painted wood board finish, giving the
appearance of anything from old-fashioned shiplap construction to large
wood shingles or wide smooth overlapping boards.
Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is another popular choice. This type of home siding
requires very little maintenance during the first few years after it
is applied and after, individual pieces can be replaced by a skilled
craftsman. Aluminum siding does need to be washed regularly and will
need repainting every few years to maintain its appearance. The appearance
of dents and blemishes can mar the appearance of the aluminum siding.
The decorative patterns can be discontinued by the manufacturer, so
replacement pieces may be hard to find after several years.
Stucco Siding
Houses with stucco siding are common in areas with a climate that is
considered "Mediterranean" or relatively dry, since stucco
has a high failure rate in wet climates. It is generally made out of
cement, sand, and lime. The materials used must be of good quality and
it should be professionally installed to ensure the longest life. Installing
stucco siding requires high quality felt impregnated with tar, expansion
joints, wire mesh, flashings, and good gutters, downspouts, and overhangs
to ensure that the stucco siding is not exposed to too much water.
Wood Siding
There are many different varieties of wood siding for homes, including
traditional siding products to engineered wood siding. Most types of
wood siding are economical, though over time they may require more maintenance
than other types. When properly maintained, wood siding can retain its
original beauty for years. Pieces that are damaged, or in need of repair,
can be replaced individually, avoiding a costly renovation of the entire
exterior of the home. Variations of this type include such related products
as Masonite, chipboard, hardboards, and plywood siding, usually with
a wood-like finish. Fiber cement siding is another alternative, with
cellulose fibers mixed into cement and formed into large panels. These
are used on commercial buildings and may be appropriate for parts of
design-built homes.
The available choices in siding products cover a wide range in both
quality and suitability for your application. Plan on doing some careful
research before you decide which type of home siding to purchase.
Content provided by Automated Homefinder, Colorado's Boulder
real estate experts
