The architectural landscape of American homes has dramatically changed in the last century. Wood shingles, clapboards, and gingerbread trim are becoming features of yesteryear, as more and more homeowners go for painting aluminum siding bad idea. Which improves the question: "Why are so many Americans choosing vinyl siding?"
As they are often the case, cost is a determining factor. Vinyl siding appears like wood, but it's much less costly. Furthermore, ease of installation and breezy maintenance has made it popular with homeowners nationwide. All it takes is a bit of soap and water and the utilization of your everyday hose and voila - a clean and attractive facade!
Another benefit is durability. Vinyl siding is made of polyvinyl chloride, a material that is rigid, strong and resists damage. The colour goes throughout each piece, therefore it chips or scratches, the damage is virtually undetectable. That would be amazing news for homeowners, because vinyl siding never has to be repainted.
Vinyl siding also allows you to add a bit of personality to your residence. It is obtainable in a wide array of colors and forms. Styles include scallops, shingles, and fish scales. Traditional or Dutch lap installations permit you to create the look of old-fashioned horizontal clapboard, you can also choose a vertical the perception of a more modern appearance.
It is important to do your homework when searching for vinyl siding, since it is available in a number of different grades. This really is one time you wouldn't want the bargain basement cost. It is well worth the investment to pick a higher grade. Cheap vinyl siding does not offer the attractive appearance of upper grades, but more importantly, it does not endure as well in windstorms and temperature changes. Another advantage of opting for a higher grade is that all important lifetime warranty. Lower grades are generally only available with a five-year warranty. Your final thought: low-grade vinyl siding costs the same to install!
Despite your frequent trips by Depot and regular viewing of Trading Spaces, vinyl siding installation is not a do-it-yourself job. For proper installation, you will have to hire licensed skilled professionals. Keep in mind that, vinyl siding reacts by shifting to modifications in temperatures. If it is not properly installed, it's going to develop blisters and waves.
When seeing an industry expert, make sure to have this information on hand. Vinyl doesn't need the insulating properties that wood, steel and aluminum provide. It shouldn't be installed over old cladding without addressing water damage or rot underneath. If you don't fix those troubles before installation, they are going to worsen as time passes. It is often better to remove old cladding, pay an insulation layer after which install your vinyl siding.
Despite the many benefits of vinyl siding, it is not the perfect selection for everyone. Wood remains a desire of architects and custom homebuilders, along with those who own historic properties. Wood is considered more aesthetic, maintains the need for the home, and preserves the integrity of historic homes, while providing an insulation factor. Furthermore, people who are concerned with ecology prefer wood siding because vinyl siding is not biodegradable.
If you are considering wood, cedar and redwood shingles are beautiful choices. They're naturally resistant against insect and moisture damage and you can stain them in a variety of finishes. Keep in mind that cedar shingles, in particular, are expensive to install because they must be fastened individually.
You'll need to think about the maintenance associated with wood siding, since it will periodically require repainting. Before you repaint, you will need to wash and prime the top. If you skip these steps or neglect utilizing the proper care of your wood siding, mold, insects, algae, and mildew, particularly in a wet climate, could damage your home.
One additional trouble with wood siding is always that there is a shortage of wood in the usa. It is particularly difficult to find suitable knot-free pieces. For that reason, many homeowners are looking at composite woods. Irrespective of your choice, wood siding can last for years and years and looks after a natural beauty.
Your siding options don't end there! For those who can't afford wood and don't prefer vinyl, you might want to take a closer look at fiber cement. Fiber Cement is definitely an old material which is made up of 90% sand and cement and 10% cellulose fiber. A major selling point is the ability to paint fiber cement siding any color - pink, turquoise, lime green, or chocolate brown - this material will certainly enable you to express yourself! However, we have been sure your friends will appreciate a nice neutral beige.
The last note regarding fiber cement is it is expensive to set up due to the difficultly transporting this heavy material, also, since you must caulk in the joints. If fiber cement siding just isn't properly installed, it can break and crack off.
Metal siding, either steel or aluminum, rounds out one last siding options. Metal siding is more expensive than vinyl but cheaper than wood products. When it comes to metal siding options, you will need to keep your local climate in your mind.
Steel siding supports well in severe cold weather, hail and high winds. It may bend and nick, but typically does not break off. However, it may be costly to repair those scratches and nicks. If you're fortunate enough to live seaside, you will need to consider aluminum siding, which stands up very well in the salty air.
Metal siding can be painted a number of colors, just make sure that you choose a paint uniquely formulated for this kind of siding. The last consideration: metal siding conducts heat, which means you must careful when installing over wood. Rotting can happen when heat causes water condensation to create, under the metal siding in contact with wood materials. A licensed expert can discuss your viable options about the installation of metal siding.
To make sure you choose materials that will bring out the natural beauty of your house and best enhance its architectural style, take the time to consult with a designer. An architect provides you with a good breakdown of what will and does not work when re-cladding your home. Be sure to maintain your porch, trim and windows in your mind for an overall face-life, that you'll enjoy for a long time! After all, its everything about the details.
The architectural landscape of American homes has dramatically changed in the last century. Wood shingles, clapboards, and gingerbread trim are becoming features of yesteryear, as more and more homeowners go for painting aluminum siding bad idea. Which improves the question: "Why are so many Americans choosing vinyl siding?"