Basic Types of Home Siding
Installing or replacing your home siding is an easy way to raise the value of your home as well as improve its appearance and appeal. There are many different types of home siding to choose from, each with its own benefits, difficulties, and distinctions.
The basic types of home siding are:
Asbestos Wood Aluminum Cement fiber Vinyl Hardboard composite Fiberglass
Fiberglass, asbestos, and hardboard are no longer used because they have been replaced with more modern and effective materials. Wood, vinyl, cement fiber, and aluminum are the most popular home siding choices today. Here is a basic guide to these home siding materials to help you decide which is best for you and your home. Each type differs in cost, appearance, and maintenance level.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is the oldest type of home siding, and it is often considered the most attractive. However, it requires a lot of maintenance such as caulking, painting, and pest control. It can be painted almost any color, and comes in many shapes and sizes. It is not that expensive, but it is difficult to maintain. But, if you are able to take care of it, it will lend your home old world charm and beauty.
Aluminum Siding
Unlike wood siding, aluminum is very low maintenance. It comes in strips of material for easy installation, and has plenty of weather protection. It is not that expensive, and it comes in tons of colors, styles, shapes, and sizes. But, the color often rubs off over the years. Aluminum siding is often used to cover up old wood siding, as it is very easy to install.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is very low cost and even lower maintenance. It comes in horizontal or vertical sheets, and is installed to resemble shingles. It is easy to install, and also comes in a variety of colors. However, if your vinyl siding cracks or breaks, it will need to be replaced. Just like aluminum siding, it is often used to cover up or replace old wood siding.
Cement Fiber Siding Cement fiber siding is the most modern type of home siding available. Not only is cement fiber durable, low maintenance, and attractive, but it is also made from recycled materials. It can be made to resemble wood siding, but it is not at risk of rot, insect damage, or weather damage. Cement fiber siding, however, can be on the expensive side. But, as it requires no maintenance, it can be considered an investment. Your siding is one of the first things someone notices about your home. Therefore, it needs to be wellmaintained, attractive, and fitting to your style. You can pick any one of these types of home siding and create a beautiful and easy to maintain home. Always be sure to consider your budget as well as your maintenance capabilities before you make any home siding choices.
Resources: http://paylesssiding.net http://ezinearticles.com/?Basic-Types-of-HomeSiding&id=8355261