Monday, November 30, 2009

Different Types of Siding

There are numerous types of siding available for today's homes offering different advantages and/or disadvantages. Certain types of siding are more popular in some areas of the country than others, influenced largely by climate and availability of product. Price also influences the type of siding chosen by a builder or a home owner.

Types of siding available:
1. Aluminum or Vinyl Siding These siding options are available on new homes as well as often put on over older types of siding. The biggest advantage of this type of siding is that they do not require painting. The disadvantage is that aluminum siding dents and vinyl siding cracks. Vinyl siding has improved over time as the quality of vinyl improves.
2. Masonite Siding or Hardi Plank These siding options have a similar appearance but offer very different results. Masonite siding deteriorates over time and requires painting, caulking and routine upkeep. Hardi Plank (a brand name) is a similar looking product but is made of cement and therefore does not rot. It is growing in popularity and is a terrific alternative to Masonite.
3. Brick or Stone Both of these products provide an excellent siding option. They are virtually indestructible as well as attractive. They do not require the routine maintenance that other types of siding require. The biggest drawback is price, although in some areas of the country it is still very affordable.

4. Stucco Traditional stucco is made with cement and offers a solid, lasting, moisture proof siding. It is seen a great deal in Florida where the climate would require constant upkeep on other types of siding and the solid cement siding keeps the houses cooler than traditional siding.
5. Cedar Shakes For those who love the look of cedar shakes, it is an excellent alternative to Masonite siding as it requires less maintenance. When treated with stain it does not rot or peel.
6. Veneer & Synthetic Siding These siding alternatives give you the appearance of other types such as stucco or brick, but do not give you the quality or longevity.
7. Clapboard Siding that is made from solid wood is more costly than other types of siding but lasts longer and looks better than other manufactured sidings such as Masonite. It is also a product that lends itself well to stain and therefore will not peel as siding that is painted.
8. Steel and Vinyl Coatings These are becoming more and more popular. They are more expensive but are nearly indestructible thus requiring little maintenance. Vinyl Coatings are applied like paint but are much thicker. Since it is a relatively new product it is important to find a company that will apply it correctly as applying incorrectly can cause many problems.


Sunday, November 29, 2009

Types of Wood Siding


Wood siding types that are manufactured today are many which include, clapboard, plywood, shakes and shingles, tongue and groove and hardboard. Choosing a type of wood for your house is a big step. By matching the style of your home to a unique wood siding type you will be have a more desirable looking house at the end of the day. Read on to find out more about the unique types of wood siding available.
Clapboard siding are long planks of wood that are lain horizontally overlapping one another on the side of the house. A big plus for clapboard siding is that it complements any style of architecture. Redwood and cedar are the most preferred wood variety to be used for clapboard siding while fir and larch are acceptable too.

Plywood siding is another type that is easy to install using the most minimum basic carpentry skill. It is typically made from Western red cedar, Douglas fir, Southern pine and redwood, giving off a variety of patterns and textures to choose from. Plywood siding that is painted or stained regularly can last up to 30 years and more.

Shakes and shingles are like clapboard siding as they are able to fit into any architecture style. They have an attractive and rustic appearance and are also decay-resistant. This type of siding is made of cedar that can come in a number of grades. Depending on maintenance and climate, shakes and shingles can last from 20 to 40 years.

Tongue and groove siding are lengths of boards that fit and lock together in a pattern. It is made from pine, cedar and teak and is valued by its versatility and attractiveness. This type of wood siding can be installed horizontally, diagonally or vertically with either a rough or smooth finish. Depending on the style of the home, it can come in a knotty or clear appearance.

Hardboard siding is made of wood chips that are compressed to form sheets that are cut to style. Styles like lapboard, stucco, board or batten are available for this type of siding. It less expensive than solid wood siding but has a good durability and strength.

You are now ready to choose from the variety of wood siding types, one that is going to match the style of your house architecture.

At the end of this article, I'd like to share cool websites with more information on topics like Roofing Shingles and Stucco Estimate. Visit for more information.