Durable siding protects home
Maybe you’re thinking about re-siding your house to increase your home’s value or to replace damaged siding. If so, be sure to evaluate all siding options, because not all residential siding exteriors perform the same.
Siding is vulnerable to weather year round with sun, severe storms, wind and water.
These elements, when combined with other threats from termites and normal wear and tear, can leave siding materials damaged.
There are numerous types of siding. However, engineered-wood strand lap siding offers the beauty of natural wood, with deep shadow lines for a premium cedar appearance. This siding is engineered to withstand harsh weather elements.
How do other popular siding products compare to engineered wood siding and trim? Do your own research to decide, but here is some information to consider. Fiber cement vs. engineered wood
In 2015, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 783 major hailstorms were reported in Texas. That’s a lot of hail with the potential to damage exterior siding.
Fiber cement siding is more brittle than engineered wood, making it more susceptible to breaking or cracking if impacted by things like an errantly thrown ball or hail.
LP Building Products asked NASA to evaluate the impact damage resistance of LP SmartSide strand substrate engineered-wood strand siding and fiber cement siding.
Impact damage resistance was compared by impacting each type of siding with rocks, which could be thrown from a lawn mower, and golf balls and baseballs, which could accidentally hit the side of a house.
From the NASA evaluation summary: “Under similar conditions with all four projectiles, more damage was sustained by the fiber cement siding product than the engineered-wood siding product.” Vinyl vs. engineered wood
Vinyl siding may fade over time to a different and unpredictable shade and it is difficult to refinish. Pliable vinyl siding is susceptible to damage when impacted by baseballs or stones thrown by a lawn mower.
Because vinyl siding is affixed more loosely on a house to allow for contraction and expansion, a strong wind may cause the siding to chatter on the underlying structure and adjacent pieces of vinyl. Also, because of its material properties, vinyl siding may be a bigger challenge to dispose of responsibly. Traditional wood vs. engineered wood
Traditional wood typically requires more maintenance — such as scraping and painting — than other siding materials. If neglected it can warp or crack, and the paint may peel. Engineered-wood siding resists warping, cracking and splitting. It’s typically factory pre-primed, enabling it to take and keep paint well. Performance and warranty
Look for a brand of siding that offers termite and rot protection, has proven impact resistance, and will perform for decades and increase curb appeal. Make sure your siding comes with a comprehensive warranty for up to 50 years.
This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. For more information on this article, contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting. net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, visit www.ghba.org.