We Are On Your Side…Our Guide to Understanding Popular Siding Options!

The exterior of your home is exposed to the elements 24 hours a day 365 days a year so choosing the correct siding to fit your needs is something that deserves research and an educated decision. According to Remodeling Magazine investing in new siding can be an excellent choice in terms of ROI. The cost of siding in terms of resale value recouped is 69% in the Midwest. The type of siding you choose for your home not only will determine the cost associated with it, but also the aesthetic appeal you are striving for. There are many different siding materials on the market today to choose from.  Allow us weigh in on the differences between popular siding materials.

Steel Siding

Metal is the most durable and strong siding product on the market today. It does not shift overtime or absorb moisture. It is resistant to bumps, dents and dings that any of the other siding products will endure. Since you are dealing with a steel product the possibility of rust is possible, but most unlikely. This would only be caused if your product was installed incorrectly where the edges were not covered. Steel siding is essentially maintenance free by just needing an occasional power wash to rid it of dirt. Since the invention of seamless steel siding, it is hard to compare this amazing product to any other.  We would recommend using SeasonGuard Steel Siding. It will last a lifetime due to being made out of 26 gauge seamless steel and is 20 percent thicker than other seamless siding. It is beautiful, durable and energy efficient. It comes in over 50 different colors with a 35 year non-prorated finish warranty against fading, chipping and cracking.

LP^® SmartSide^®

When compared to fiber cement siding , LP^® SmartSide^® is easier to install because it does not require product specific equipment.  When water comes in contact with it, it beads up, rather than absorbing it.  It wins favor with homeowners for being impact resistant.  In terms of warranties, the company offers a category leading 50/50 warranty which provides a five year, 100% labor and replacement feature as well as a 50-year prorated product warranty.  In terms of aesthetics, LP^® SmartSide^® comes in 16’ lengths, which minimizes seams.  We appreciate that three of their mills are located in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  Innovation is top-of-mind for the company, as evidenced by their introduction of Diamond-Kote™ pre-finishing which comes in limitless colors and has iron-clad warranties against fading.

CraneBoard®

Available in an array of classic looks, CraneBoard^® vinyl siding works well with stone and shake accents.  The triple-width, insulated span bridges structural imperfections, producing an immaculate appearance.  The milled cedar-grain texture, straight face and deep shadows of the 6″ and 7″ profiles give your house a strong, authoritative presence. or the environmentally conscious homeowner, CraneBoard^® scores points for its ability to insulate a home, reducing energy costs.  In addition, the team at CraneBoard^® is committed to eco-friendly manufacturing and product development practices.  Focus points include emissions reductions, recycling, and water and energy conservation.Wood Siding

Wood siding has been used on homes for hundreds of years. Wood is a natural insulator so it will help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A big benefit in using wood siding is that it is a renewable resource unlike many of the other siding options available on the market. This type of sidingdoes require a lot of maintenance to protect it from the elements so painting and staining this product every 4-5 years is essential to avoid rotting, warping, cracking or splitting.  It’s imperative to know that wood siding must be properly sealed during the installation process or dry rot can occur.  Multiple wood siding options exist and they include:

Clapboard – Clapboards are long rectangular boards that are squared off and installed on your home overlapping in a horizontal manner

Shingles & Shakes – Wood shingle siding is very similar to roofing shingles except they are installed on the sides of your home. The shingles are wedge shaped and shakes are basically the same thing except they are thicker.

Wood Composite – Wood composite is a mixture of wood chips, glue and other types of debris that are compressed to make sturdy boards. It tends to be similar to plywood.