Choosing the Right Siding Material For Your Home
It can be challenging to decide which Greater Boston Area siding material would best suit your home. Often times, the final choice is of the result of personal taste. Some people prefer the look of natural, rustic wood, while others prefer the low maintenance and smooth look of vinyl. Appearance and maintenance are the biggest factors when it comes to determining which siding material will work best for you.
There are many siding options available to Greater Boston Area homeowners, including wood, aluminum, vinyl, hardboard, and fiber cement (Hardiplank). The most popular in modern construction are wood, vinyl, and fiber cement. Each of these siding materials has benefits that anyone looking to upgrade their home's exterior will find appealing.
Wood siding may look beautiful and natural, but you have to contend with some of the troublesome aspects of the material, such as rot, warping and insects. Wood will need to be repainted and re-caulked periodically in order to keep moisture out. While cedar is a type of wood that generally resists termites and other pest infestations, you will still be at risk for an insect intrusion that could cost a lot of money to remedy with chemical treatments and even siding replacement. Wood siding installation is fairly easy, with overlapping joints or cut, interlocking grooves.
Aluminum siding is a cheaper alternative to wood siding. It is relatively low maintenance, but is more prone to denting, fading and damage. It is, however, available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, mimicking the look of wood grain or other textures. Installation of aluminum siding is done with interlocking planks, so it is relatively easy.
Vinyl siding has been the most popular siding material for the past two decades, in part due to its low maintenance and low cost. The color options for vinyl siding are endless, and the installation process is fairly straightforward with interlocking grooves and perforated hooks. Vinyl is available in smooth or wood grain textures and will never need to be painted. Vinyl can become brittle over time and begin to crack, especially in colder climates. Also, the color will eventually fade and the vinyl itself can warp as the years go by.
Fiber cement siding (or Hardiplank siding) is a material that is steadily gaining popularity, particularly because of its unbeatable durability and maintenance-free care. It is made mostly out of recycled materials, making it the top siding material choice for environmentally conscious homeowners and green builders. It mimics the look of wood and can be also made into trim and detail. The biggest advantages to using Hardiplank are that it is insect resistant and prefinished - meaning you will not have to repaint it. It will not warp, bend or rot and will provide strong protection from high winds and impacting debris..