Siding is a critical component of any home. It adds curb appeal, reduces maintenance costs, enhances energy efficiency, and adds value to your home. There is a wide variety of siding solutions for residential homes, including vinyl, cement board, and engineered wood. Depending on your specific needs and preference, you can opt for the maintenance-free freedom of vinyl siding, the endurance of cement board, or the elegance of engineered wood siding.
Vinyl Siding
If you’ve looked around your Twin Cities, MN neighborhood, you’ve probably noticed most homes have vinyl siding. This hard PVC plastic resin is so far the most prominent siding material in homes today, and for good reasons.
Vinyl siding is not only adored for its toughness and durability, but it’s also easy and quick to install, comes in a wide arrange of styles and colors, and is relatively affordable. Unlike metal or aluminum, vinyl won’t rust, dent, or conduct electricity. And unlike wood siding, vinyl siding doesn’t rot, chip, or warp. It holds well against outside elements such as rain, wind, sunshine, and hail damage. On average, vinyl siding can retain its physical qualities for up to 40 years or more.
In terms of maintenance, vinyl is typically maintenance-free. You may only need to wash it once or twice every year using a power washer or garden hose. It doesn’t attract termites or pests, and if you hire the right contractor to install your siding, it can protect your home against extreme temperatures, saving you money in energy bills. You’ll never have to repaint your vinyl siding as the entire product is cast in specific colors, with the shades going all the way through the material.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding is sold as a cheaper alternative to wood siding, both in the short-term and long-term. It is relatively easy to install and offers an aesthetic look of natural wood. For many homeowners, vinyl siding just doesn’t cut it even if it’s designed to mimic cedar siding. If you’re about 500 feet away from a house with vinyl siding, you’ll realize it doesn’t look as authentic as wood siding. However, engineered wood siding is made with resin composites along with strands of wood fibers, making it appear natural.
Wax is added to the fibers make them water-resistant, which is often a big problem with regular wooden materials. After different binders have been added, engineered wood siding is heat-pressed to make the material denser, stronger, and more durable. The material is further treated with zinc borate to make it resistant to pests and fungal infestation. The final overlay provides moisture resistance, protecting your home from outside elements like moisture and sunshine. It also keeps the siding from deteriorating quickly. Engineered wood comes in different styles such as panels, planks, and shakes.
You can expect engineered wood siding to last up to 30 years and include good warranties. It’s less expensive than traditional wood but not as affordable as vinyl siding. In terms of maintenance, engineered wood siding is easier to maintain than regular wood siding. However, it has been reported to fade after a couple of years. You may need to wash it periodically to maintain its physical appearance.
Cement Board Siding
Cement board siding is a prefabricated siding designed to protect the exterior of your home. It’s a mixture of different materials including sand and fibers made from cardboard. The siding stands up well against corrosive weather elements, making it extremely durable. Cement board siding protects your home from rain, wind, and hail – it can withstand hurricane-level storms.
The material is not flammable, giving you peace of mind about fire outbreaks. Cement board is typically made with 90 percent inflammable material, making it extremely safe from fires. Cement board siding can appear like wood planks or shingles. You don’t have to sacrifice the traditional look of your home to gain the impressive benefits of cement fiber siding. You can also find cement board siding in a wide variety of colors, and if you don’t like the precast colors they can easily be painted over.
You won’t spend a lot of time or money on maintenance since cement board siding is resistant to insects and rot. The siding has no overlapping seams, which prevents mold or mildew growth between the interior and exterior walls.
On the flip side, cement board siding is costly to install. Since cement board siding requires more manpower to deliver and install, labor costs can be a little higher. Typically, the cost of cement board siding can be two to three times that of vinyl or engineered wood siding. But if you’re planning to keep your home for more than five years, cement board siding is a cost-effective option. All you need to do is repaint your siding every 15 years or so.
Ultimately, your choice of siding material will depend on your budget as well as your willingness and availability to carry out routine maintenance. From modern to traditional to craftsman style siding, Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows provides a suitable siding solution for your home. We have several years of experience installing Vinyl, Engineered Wood, and Cement Board siding from trusted manufacturers. Contact us today for any inquiry about siding installation in Twin Cities, MN.