New siding options offer improved performanGer trad itional aesthetics

/-\ven rHE pASr several decades, the \-Zpopularity of manmade siding has grown exponentially. Builders have latched on to products with a wide range of offerings and varying value propositions, while architects seek both aesthetic and performance advantages.

Manmade sidings try to replicate wood with faux grains and attempts to match traditional profiles, although they may not be suited to the local environment or meet the architectural style. Consumers are faced with making a choice that balances installation, longevity and aesthetics.

Despite beneficial qualities, many manmade siding products still suffer from a number of functional issues. Homeowners are faced with ill effects of faulty over-hyped materials and installation. Issues include funsal decay. buckling panels. .*."rriu. moisture retention, and cracking edges. Builders also face challenges in product thickness and overall shape, making it difficult or impossible to recreate the profiles used in traditional construction.

Some common problems relate to:

Installation: Various offerings of manmade materials can be difficult to handle and may require special tools for installation. Manufacturers' guidelines may be hard to follow and go against field installation methods, making it difficult to achieve a warranteed install. Due to their weight, brittleness or lack of impact resistance, boards can be difficult to handle and install.

Moisture : Several exterior products are susceptible to moisture, leading to failure of the product if not properly installed. Depending on the material, moisture will affect it in various ways including delamination, expansion and contraction-even all the way to product failure. When using these products, moisture management must be constantly considered during install. Even if installed properly, due to environmental exposure some products may experience moisture cycling, which can lead to paint failure or additional maintenance.

Aesthetics: Manmade siding products have attempted to mimic the look of historical wood profiles, with varying degrees of success. Many are limited in their profile offerings. They may have eased edges, or lack the fit and finish of classic wood siding.

To address demand for lower-maintenance, longer-lasting siding with improved aesthetics, vinyl manufacturers have introduced beaded. shake. and other profiles.

Fiber cement manufacturers have developed thicker and more ornate offerings to attempt to mimic wood.

New materials have also been introduced. Poly-ash represents a category of siding and trim that offers a balance of performance and the looks customers are demanding.

Boral is pioneering this category with its TruExterior Siding Craftsman Collection, making available an array of full-thickness profiles based on regional needs and a long history of architecturally prefened styles, including shiplap, v-rustic, channel, channel bevel, and cove/Dutch lap. Along with a full offering of profiles, poly-ash siding products have desirable low maintenance traits and a simole installation message boasting superior workability, durability and dimensional stability.

Adding to the appeal of poly-ash siding is its ease of install and being suitable for use at grade and other moisture-prone areas. Installation with traditional woodworking tools and common field practices will not affect or void warranties. allowing contractors to continue working with their tools and shortening the learning curve for proper application.

- Tom Zimmerman is direc.tor of sales & marketing for Boral's Light Building Products Division.