abodes
EXTERIORS
SIDING BY SIDING COMPARISON Maintenance-free options may lack durability by THOMAS J. MONIGAN
108
March-April 2021
TALLAHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM
S
iding is a key element in the overall appearance of a house, and contemporary options are attractive. Scott Williams, a sales manager at NRG Industries Inc., and Debbie Reynolds, owner of Reynolds Home Builders, suggest alternatives to traditional materials such as wood, metal, brick and stone. “Nowadays, there are three main types of siding,” Williams said, “PVC composite, vinyl and fiber cement, or what most people refer to as Hardie board.” In his experience, most clients pick a siding based on their household budget. While vinyl may be the most cost-effective and maintenancefriendly option, many new homeowners are electing to invest in fiber cement. However, this material does
need to be refreshed with paint every six to eight years. “I’ve had fiber cement on my house for the past 20 years,” Reynolds added. “So long as you keep it caulked and painted, it will last. It won’t rot, and you won’t have any problems with wood-boring bees or termites.” Unlike vinyl, fiber cement siding is usually created to mimic another material, typically natural wood. Its composition consists of cement, sand and cellulose fiber. While durable and aesthetically pleasing, it is harder to install than composite siding made of other materials. A composite, Oriented Strand Board (OSB), is made from sawdust with a bonding agent for extra strength. It resembles natural wood, making it a popular option, but OSB may be susceptible to water damage
PHOTOS BY PC PHOTOGRAPHY / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
↖ Fiber cement board, pictured here, presents some installation challenges but typically comes with a 30- or 40-year warranty.
