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New siding can give your home a much-needed makeover, not only in terms of aesthetics and curb appeal, but in weather protection and energy efficiency as well. This is because replacing your old and worn-out siding can dramatically change the way your home looks from the outside while eliminating performance problems such as poor insulation and water and moisture penetration. However, before you strip off your home’s old exterior cladding, it’s important that you already know what you’re going to replace it with. Here, we’re going to help you figure out the best choice for you and your home by discussing three of the best siding materials around: fiber cement, vinyl, and stone veneer.
PART 1: JAMES HARDIE FIBER CEMENT SIDING
Choosing a siding material can prove to be a challenge, what with having to decide on the right balance of good looks, durability, ease of maintenance, and overall cost efficiency. If you’re a practical homeowner, however, you want all of these characteristics in your siding. Thankfully, fiber cement siding has you covered. WHAT IS FIBER CEMENT SIDING? Made from a mixture of sand, cellulose fibers, and Portland cement, fiber cement is a building material that started to gain popularity in the 1990s. As siding, it typically comes in traditional lap boards and panels. Because of its composition, fiber cement siding is generally considered as the only siding that combines the level of performance masonry is capable of with the elegant look of wood. Furthermore, fiber cement siding is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, making them compatible with any home style and theme.
THE BENEFITS OF FIBER CEMENT SIDING Fiber cement siding products, such as those from James Hardie, won’t be as popular as they are today if they don’t offer irresistible benefits, like:
PART 1: JAMES HARDIE FIBER CEMENT SIDING
Durability. The composition of fiber cement siding makes it a highly durable building material. Recommended for any climate, it can resist damage brought about by changes in temperature. Additionally, its cement and sand content allows it to resist rot no matter the level of moisture exposure. Fiber cement siding is also durable enough to withstand termite and pest activity and provide fire resistance. Ease of Maintenance. Fiber cement siding is virtually maintenance-free. Because of its innate strength, it only takes regular, light cleaning just to remove dust and other debris and maintain its good looks. It doesn’t need to be repainted, but can benefit from refinishing years after installation to restore its appeal or change its color. Aesthetic Appeal. As mentioned earlier, fiber cement siding comes in a number of colors and finishes, and can mimic the look of wood effectively. This allows the siding option to complement any home style and design. Cost Effectiveness. Fiber cement siding can be pricey but it lets you make the most of every dollar you’ll be spending given the benefits it offers. It can also increase the home’s value, allowing homeowners to recoup their investment, even without selling. ooooo
Need to work with a budget? In the next post, we’ll be taking a look at today’s most affordable siding option. Stay tuned!
PART 2: VINYL SIDING
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, 33% of all new homes constructed beginning 2012 had vinyl siding, making it one of today’s most popular siding options. If you are looking for a siding material that is affordable yet can still offer considerable aesthetics and performance, then vinyl siding may be right up your alley. VINYL SIDING: AN INTRODUCTION Vinyl siding started out slow but gained steady growth and popularity among American homeowners between the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time, aluminum siding held the top spot in siding choices. Early vinyl siding products were besieged with problems like cracking and sagging because of inferior construction and materials but, as time passed, technological advancements have made it possible for manufacturers to innovate and make their siding products more durable and reliable. Typically, vinyl siding is built with long strips of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in finishes and textures that mimics the appearance of wood siding. However, it can also feature different colors, allowing homeowners to choose whatever will complement their properties best.
PART 2: VINYL SIDING
THE BENEFITS OF VINYL SIDING One will only understand the popularity of vinyl siding once they know more about its benefits. Here are some of them: Affordability. When you’re a homeowner, every dollar counts. With vinyl siding being by far the least expensive siding option available today, it’s understandable why it would be on every homeowner’s radar. Durability. Although more budget-friendly, vinyl siding can match the strength of most of its counterparts. For starters, it is known to withstand winds of up to 110 mph, with some products enduring up to 200 mph, and it can also effectively resist heat, cold, and moisture. Sustainability. Because it does not rot and decay, discarded vinyl siding can still be recycled to be made into other products. Versatility. Vinyl siding comes in a huge array of colors, textures, and finishes, making them versatile enough to match any home style and design. Maintainability. Vinyl siding usually only needs regular cleaning, which can be done with just some soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. ooooo
Looking for another siding option to compare? In the next post, we’ll be walking you through stone veneer siding and its benefits, so stay tuned.
PART 3: STONE VENEER
Stone has been used in historic houses and buildings as exterior cladding material. There is no doubt that it can effectively add timeless character to a home or building and enhance its aesthetic value but, stone siding has special structural requirements, which can jack up costs. Thankfully, stone veneer is now available for homeowners who wish to channel the vintage vibe of stone or brick siding without its complications. WHAT IS STONE VENEER SIDING? Stone veneer is basically a factory-manufactured and fabricated material that is also known as “man-made stone,”“manufactured stone,” or “architectural stone.” This material is typically molded from actual brick, clay, and other natural materials. Compared to stone siding itself, stone veneer siding are lighter and easier to install.
BENEFITS OF STONE VENEER SIDING Indeed, stone veneer siding is the next best option if you want the look of stone siding but do not want to spend a fortune, but what more does it offer? Here are some reasons why you would want it for your home:
PART 3: STONE VENEER
It’s more economical. Stone siding is generally expensive as they can be difficult to source and may require additional construction to support its weight. Stone veneer siding, on the other hand, is less expensive than stone, and other siding options for that matter, and come with little to no lifetime or maintenance cost. It’s highly durable. It might not be natural rock throughout but it does have natural material improved upon by manufacturing advancements that offer outstanding durability that can weather through whatever the elements will bring. It’s beautiful. Stone veneer siding looks exactly like stone siding. Unless you tell them, most people won’t be able to tell the difference once it’s installed. Stone veneer siding is also available in a range of options to help you choose what will best complement your home. It’s easier to install. Because stone veneer siding is lighter than stone siding, it is easier to handle, which makes it easier to install. It also won’t require footings or foundations like full-dimension stone siding. This installation ease also helps in bringing overall costs down. ooooo
Picking a siding material can be tricky at first, but knowing what each option has to offer, what benefits they have to bring, will help you in zeroing in on the best option for you. To learn more about fiber cement, vinyl, and stone veneer siding, don’t don’t hesitate to get in touch with a home improvement expert in your area.
Colonial Remodeling 11350 Random Hills Rd, Suite 800, Fairfax, VA 22030 VA: (703) 822-7222 Arlington, VA: (703) 534-0800 Gainesville, VA: (703) 754-8805 MD: (301) 269-3006 Potomac, MD: (301) 469-0002 DC: (202) 548-7700 Washington, DC: (202) 216-9797 colonialremodeling.com