Our experts at Paramount Siding and Windows in Denver would like to share with you the different types of home siding. It is good to have basic knowledge to base your decisions on. When it comes to siding, there are benefits and drawbacks to each type. Carefully considering climate, humidity and more will add up to making the right decision when purchasing new home siding in Colorado.
So, let’s have a look at what is available and what is recommended regarding different types of home siding.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding is treated and designed to stand up the many environmental elements thrown at it, especially heat and humidity. In fact, it virtually repels the sun, all types of weather storms and other chemicals. It is treated with insecticides and fungicides to help keep those pests at bay as well. This includes repelling termites, all types of mildew, and moisture in general, much better than wood can. Engineered wood, such as LP SmartSide® with Diamond Kote® Pre-Finishing is easy to install and will last many years, holding up against cracking, splitting, and storm damage.
Fiber Cement
Made from wood fibers, cement, and sand, fiber cement resists termites, rotting, wind, and salt environments, as well as fire. It will only burn very slowly in the event of a fire. This makes it a great choice for hot and humid climates as well as areas that see a lot of wet weather. At Paramount, we use HardiePlank, which is the brand name for the fiber cement siding produced by James Hardie Building Products. It’s a great material and can last a lifetime.
Masonry
Stone and brick look great and work well in hot weather, as they cool down quickly, also helping keep the indoors at a cooler temperature. They do often chip in colder weather, so keep that in mind. Additionally, molds and mosses like to grow on top of them, so that will be a maintenance factor. Although built to last, (more than 100 years) masonry is a costly endeavor.
Fortunately, you can get the look of stone or brick siding with look-a-like siding in vinyl and fiber cement is very popular now and creates lovely curb appeal but without such a significant cost.
Metal
Steel siding is a great option for wet climates, as it can withstand storms and high winds relatively well. Its versatility with regards to colors and designs makes it easy to work with and match to your existing style. Also, it is easy to install, very low-maintenance, and bug-resistant.
Vinyl
As the most popular siding, vinyl siding is the most affordable option out there. Typically, it does better in warmer, more humid climates as opposed to cooler ones. However, there are many different vinyl siding products out there, with higher quality options available that work just fine in cold weather. Another great benefit to vinyl siding is the color and texture options, as well as mimicking vintage or wood siding styles. Downsides include the maintenance factor, which it requires plus the fact that it will fade due to the sun and other environmental factors.
We are glad that you had a moment to review the different types of home siding. Hopefully, this will help you decide which to choose for your specific area. Remember, Paramount Siding and Windows is here to help! Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.