If you are considering remodeling your house, you might want to know the different types of siding available. One of the most common types of siding is wood. Engineered wood is stronger than real wood, and fiber cement is resistant to termites. Stucco is made from cement and is resistant to weather and termites. Learn about the pros and cons of each type of siding. This article lets you choose a siding that best suits your home.
Wood siding
Redwood is one of the strongest types of wood available for siding, with its rich texture and color. The material does not shrink, and it accepts finishes well. Cypress, cedar, and wood fiber cement are other types of wood that are durable and have the highest quality of finishes. Plywood, pine, and engineered wood are also popular choices among homeowners. They are low maintenance and require very little upkeep.
Engineered wood siding
According to experts like https://peaktopeakroofing.com/siding/ the primary difference between real wood and engineered wood is its strength. Both materials are made of wood fibers, but engineered wood is stronger and more durable. Engineered wood has more resistance to rot and water than natural wood. It is also lighter and less expensive. While real wood can be expensive to install, engineered wood siding is far less expensive than real wood. Unlike natural wood, engineered wood requires minimal maintenance and can be made into panels, planks, shakes, and trim for windows.
Engineered wood is made of strands of wood coated with resin and wax and then heat-pressed. The resin makes engineered wood stronger and less susceptible to rot and insect activity. And since it is manufactured from recycled wood, engineered wood is a green building material.
Fiber cement siding
Compared to traditional wood siding, fiber cement siding is maintenance-free, requires no power washing, and lasts nearly 100 years. Although fiber cement siding should be repainted after some years, it is very low maintenance. Cleaning the siding is important since unwashed fiber cement will harbor mold, which can degrade the paint and risk your family’s health. In addition, you can have your siding inspected by siding contractors.
Another benefit of fiber cement siding is its natural resistance to termites. This siding is made of a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Because of this combination, fiber cement siding is durable and low maintenance, which is perfect for homeowners on a budget. On the other hand, termites attract wood because they can be easily recycled into the soil, so fiber cement siding doesn’t have any natural ingredients that would attract them.
Stucco siding
While stucco has been a popular siding material for decades, there are many disadvantages. It can be expensive, contribute to poor indoor air quality, and need frequent repair. It is also more likely to wind up in the trash compared to fiber cement. On the other hand, fiber cement requires less maintenance and has a lower carbon footprint than stucco. In addition, it does not require annual painting or staining, which are common downsides to stucco.
When it comes to applying stucco, masonry skills are required. A professional must have a strong understanding of masonry principles. Stucco is traditionally applied in layers. A wood frame requires more layers and, therefore, will take longer to install than brick or concrete frame. Typically, three coats are applied, starting with a scratch coat to adhere to the exterior metal lath. The second coat is the base layer and will create a textured finish.
