Sidings provide protection
from the
weather and,
depending on
the type of
siding or
exterior wall
covering and
the quality of
the
installation,
they minimize
the flow of
air, moisture
and heat into
or out of the
house. The
following
examples will
outline the
pros and cons
of some of the
more popular
sidings used:
WOOD:
Wood
siding comes in
many types,
forms and
shapes. The
advantages of
wood siding are
that it
provides unique
character to a
home and, with
proper
maintenance,
will provide
many years of
dependable
service.
Disadvantages are the
possibility of
mold growth on
the north side
and the
typical
vulnerabilities
(rotting,
termites, etc.)
when not
maintained
properly. The
sun damages
unprotected
wood, so we
recommend
applying a
preservative
stain or paint
to protect wood
from the UV
rays of the
sun.
VINYL:
Vinyl
siding is
similar to
aluminum
siding in
size, shape and
appearance. It
does not fade
because the
color of the
siding
permeates the
entire
thickness. It
does not dent
but will expand
and contract
more than
aluminum. This
makes proper
installation of
vinyl siding
more critical
than aluminum.
Vinyl should
last longer
than aluminum.
However, it is
vulnerable to
cracking when
struck in low
temperatures.
ALUMINUM:
The
advantage of
aluminum siding
is that it is
non‑corrosive.
The
disadvantages
are that the
paint on the
siding fades
over time and
it is subject
to denting.
Outside air
easily gets
behind the
siding and
reduces the
insulation
qualities
that might
otherwise be
expected.
When the paint has faded
after
approximately
20 years,
replacement is
recommended.
However,
repainting is
acceptable.
STUCCO:
Stucco
is excellent
for controlling
air
infiltration
and losses,
which can be a
major heating
or cooling
issue. If
stucco is
painted at 10
years old or
younger, and
painted every
six to 10
years, it may
last 100+
years. The life
expectancy is
50‑60
years on the
south side of
the property if
it is not
painted or
protected.
Most sidings are dependable
when properly
installed and
maintained.
Appearance
and character
of the siding
should match
construction
types.
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