Whether you are starting from scratch or taking on a remodel, and major home construction project involves a whole lot of decisions. You're going to have to think about everything from floor to ceiling-even the beams and wires inside the walls. In among all of these big choices, there is one that often gets overlooked-your exterior siding.
Siding is the first line of protection, the thing that stands between you (and your plumbing, wiring, and vents) and the winter storms that come your way. According to an expert in the field, one of the top siding contractors in Vancouver, many homes could greatly benefit from new siding, seeing a reduction in rot, decay, and internal damage.
It can be a bit overwhelming to dive into the sea of materials and products. In order to help break it down, we've written up all of the need-to-know information about three of the most popular kinds of siding material-vinyl, fiber cement, and cedar.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl Siding is one of the most popular siding materials in all of North America. It offers high durability, a very versatile appearance, and requires little-to-no upkeep. Vinyl is a particularly well-loved material by many homeowners who are hoping to have their home stand out from the rest of the block. With an entirely synthetic makeup, vinyl can be pressed into nearly any shape and is available in nearly every color. Another advantage of the material is that the pigment spreads through the core of the product, making scratches virtually invisible.
Vinyl is also well-loved by those in colder climates. There is a version of the material that comes with an insulated foam backing, providing excellent energy efficiency. Some have reported impressive gains, seeing up to a 30% decrease in utility costs. While this iteration of vinyl siding is more expensive, it quickly makes up for the extra expenditure with energy gains.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is also called James Hardie Siding in much of the market. Much as facial tissues are often referred to as Kleenex, a brand name, so fiber cement siding is referred to as James Hardie siding. Originally invented by the man James Hardie himself, the product is created from a mixture of wood fibers and cement. Once mixed and moistened properly these materials and pressed into long, flat strips that greatly resemble traditional wood siding boards. They are then put through a high heat oven in order to remove moisture. When it comes out of the oven, fiber cement siding is a beautiful and durable product that can stand up to nearly any kind of weather, impact, pests, fire, and other unforeseen dangers. The average warranty for the product is an impressive twenty years.
Cedar Siding
Regularly regarded as one of the most beautiful woods on Earth, cedar is also an excellent building material. Naturally resistant to a wide variety of insects, including termites, it tends to last for a very long time. Its cellular structure also offers remarkable strength and longevity. Its aroma also cannot go without note-a lovely, woodsy scent often used in candles and perfumes. Cedar is also an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious consumer, as it takes very little energy to produce this highly natural product. This product does require treatment every five to ten years, so it is not the most low-maintenance option.
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