Siding or exterior wall cladding is actually the decorative coverings applied to the face of a building or the wall of a home. It is used to protect the structure from weather elements like wind, rain, and snow. Exterior wall cladding is also known as siding, brickwork, gable, or other exterior walls. It helps in creating an attractive appearance of the building and makes it look more durable and strong. It can even be used to enhance the value of the property.
The siding of your home can either provide you with an attractive and long-lasting cover, or it can have the potential to make the building’s exterior look less attractive and appealing. There are many exterior siding options available these days, which make it very easy for homeowners to choose one that suits their own desired design style. The siding is available in different colors and materials such as wood, vinyl, metal, and bricks. One can choose the right material based on his requirements and budget. Bricks are usually the best choices for low-budget homeowners, while classy and elegant wood siding can be used for more luxurious homes.
When it comes to the type of siding, you should first consider the purpose of the siding and the aesthetic sense you want to impart to the whole building. For example, some types of exterior siding such as vinyl, wood and brick are ideal for external use only; whereas, the lap siding is ideal for internal use in the interior of the home. Lap siding, also known as flat roofing, is made from a series of strips, which are connected and nailed to each other. This type of siding does not need much maintenance and can even withstand extreme weather conditions.
Another type of siding is the exterior shutter. These siding panels are fixed to the exterior of the house. It is comprised of four to five panels. The most popular exterior shutter type is frameless. The panel size would depend upon the number of windows and doors that need to be covered.
Most home owners are reluctant to undertake the task of installation of sidings on their own, especially for those who do not have any experience with this kind of work. However, there are companies that offer full service siding, designed to provide expert installation services, along with full warranty and labor-intensive repairs and maintenance. You can ask your siding contractor to install it for you, so that it would take less time and energy. This would definitely be less labor-intensive and hassle-free for you.
Most home owners make the mistake of installing sidings and siding of inferior quality. Usually they prefer vinyl or aluminum siding for exterior application. However, neither of these materials last long and require frequent maintenance. They are also susceptible to corrosion and damages. In fact, the metal and aluminum may develop cracks during rainy seasons. Moreover, they have a shorter lifespan than wood or stone sidings.
The good thing about installing vinyl siding is that it is more durable than the other types. This means that the sidings will last longer and will have more life. Furthermore, vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It has been found to be more aesthetically appealing and very easy to maintain. Some of the pros and cons of using vinyl siding include the durability and longevity, however the pros and cons of using this material outweigh the pros and cons.
It is true that vinyl sidings are more durable than wood siding. However, it is also true that vinyl is not as attractive as wood siding. It is more difficult to repair stains on vinyl than on wood, due to its thin texture. Moreover, wood can be painted over and refinished whereas vinyl cannot. Therefore, before deciding on which material to use, it is important to assess your needs and requirements and choose the one that suits the best.