Which type of siding will you choose for your remodel?
February 19, 2021
VINYL SIDING
Vinyl siding tends to be the most popular siding (also called cladding) in America, largely due to its price, versatility and low maintenance. There are literally hundreds of color options – plus choices in style of panels, shapes and textures. The only maintenance required is an occasional wash, and the warranties we offer lifelong AND transferable.
You can also choose from uninsulated or insulated vinyl siding. Providing significant energy savings, insulated vinyl siding is particularly great for homes that have poor exterior wall insulation. While insulated vinyl siding is more expensive, Milwaukee-area homeowners recoup the added expense over time through lower energy bills.
If budget concerns are first and foremost for your home exterior remodeling project, another great thing about vinyl siding is that it tends to be the least expensive of all siding materials to install due to its ease of use.
VINYL CEDAR SHAKE
Vinyl cedar shake looks like real cedar wood shakes but are much less expensive than its real wood counterpart. Just like vinyl siding, it offers easy maintenance, too. Vinyl shake comes in a variety of shapes, never needs painting, won’t be eaten by termites and can handle harsh weather conditions.
ALUMINUM AND STEEL SIDING
Metal siding has come a long way in the last few years and metal siding is used to outfit many homes looking for a modern appearance. Aluminum siding is especially lightweight and cost-effective, which is a great bonus to those looking for an economical option. With multiple colors, textures and patterns to choose from, this fire-resistant and cost-effective siding option can last up to 20 years.
The beauty of metals is that it can be formed to fit many shapes, curves and edges. Its strength and longevity also surpasses most of the common house siding options currently on the market.
We use high-quality products from reputable manufacturers, so you can expect your aluminum or steel siding to maintain the factory finish indefinitely. Metal siding can also be painted, but keep in mind it will likely need to be touched up again in the future.
CEDAR SHAKE AND CEDAR SHINGLES
Real-wood cedar shake and shingles are often installed on historical homes and homes that are part of a homeowners’ assocation (HOA) that require natural materials. Cedar is a beautiful choice! Though not the most maintenance-free, if installed by Allrite experts and given routine maintenace, your natural cedar siding can last up to 25 years or more.
Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles and less uniform in appearance and thickness, but they last longer. Cedar shingles provide a more smooth and consistent look, and are available in an variety of shapes.
Cedar shakes and shingles are available with a fire-retardant treatment, which is a requirement in some areas. They require a finishing coat (paint or stain) and caulking on the outside. Cedar shake/shingle siding requires periodic maintenance including painting and caulking to prevent weather damage; expect to replace rotting pieces periodically.
COMPOSITE SIDING
Composite siding is another way to get the look of real wood without the high maintenance. Natural wood siding can get wet, rot and attract pests. Composite siding overcomes these problems – while also being non-combustible.
Made from a variety of materials – engineered wood / wood composite, fiber cement, PVC and fiberglass – composite siding comes in many different shapes and sizes. Composite siding can be used to update the entire exterior of your home, including siding, shakes, windown trim, door trim, soffit and fascia!
Engineered Wood / Composite Wood
Engineered wood siding and trim is a strong, lightweight product that is usually the most affordable of all wood siding options. It is made from wood castoffs (typically sawdust) held together with bonding agents. Because it is a manufactured material, there are no imperfections like you’ll find with real wood. Engineered wood siding and trill can be painted any color or you can select from factory-applied finishes. The life expectancy for this exterior home siding installed by Allrite and properly maintained is 20-30 years.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a manufactured product of high quality and durability. Comprised of cement, sand or fly ash and cellulose fiber, it comes in a variety of textures that give the appearance of real types of wood while being far more durable and lower maintenance. Fiber cement siding is termite-resistant, water-resistant, nonflammable and comes with warranties of 50+ years!
Fiber cement siding is typically more expensive than vinyl siding, but less than real wood siding. Factory painting is highly recommended, with finish usually guaranteed for 25 years.
PVC Siding
Like other composite siding options, cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), closely resembles real wood, while overcoming the disadvantages of the natural product. Colors are fairly plentiful, often factory finished, and warranties are typically 25 years. Engineered to resist expansion and contraction, PVC siding is lightweight and will not rot, crack, splinter or split. It is also resistant to mold and mildew. Ease of installation is a key benefit to this product.
STONE VENEER
Stone veneer is molded from real rock and stone, making its appearance virtually identical to its heavyweight original – while being lighter, just as durable and far less expensive.
No footings or added foundation is necessary. Installation is also quicker and more cost-effective than real stone or rock. With many different profiles, sizes, colors and styles to choose from, adding stone veneer to a small knee wall or a whole section is always in impressive, beautiful choice.
Source: https://allriteremodeling.com/services/siding/types-of-siding/