Adding new Charleston Siding Pros can drastically improve a home’s curb appeal and resale value. But it’s important to consider cost, durability, maintenance and insulation before choosing a material.
Siding is available in many styles to complement any architectural style or aesthetic preference. From traditional lap panels to shingles and shakes, there’s something for everyone.
Vinyl
As the name suggests, vinyl is composed of up to 80% polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin along with other ingredients that determine some of its characteristics. It is highly durable and can withstand very heavy wind without tearing, buckling, warping or fading from harsh sunlight. It’s also able to resist moisture that causes rotting, mildewing or rust.
Vinyl siding has come a long way in recent decades, with manufacturers now offering a wide variety of textures, colors and profiles to suit any aesthetic. You can choose from a range of natural hues like Marigold or Autumn Red, or you can opt for calming shades like Coastal Blue or Classic Cream. Some manufacturers even offer faux-wood grains and textures to add elegance to any style of home.
One of the biggest benefits of vinyl siding is that it requires very little maintenance, making it a cost-effective option. While it is not impervious to dirt and debris, it’s easy to clean with water and a hose or power washer. And while it is not as sustainable as wood or metal, vinyl is still less damaging to the environment than other types of exterior cladding.
Whether it’s for energy efficiency or curb appeal, vinyl can help you achieve the look you want while improving your home’s resale value. And because of advances in manufacturing technology, vinyl is now available in realistic wood-like finishes that mimic the texture and grain of real cladding.
A quality installation is essential for any exterior project, including vinyl siding. Proper installation techniques and the use of corrosion-resistant nails, staples or screws will ensure that your vinyl lasts as long as possible.
A proper installation includes the use of sill trim at the soffit, undersill trim around windows and doors and j-channel around window frames. Seaberg Construction matches j-channel to the color of the vinyl siding unless requested otherwise.
Wood
Wood is a classic siding option that can be used to create a warm, rustic cabin look or a sleek modern exterior. It’s highly versatile and can be stained or painted to suit individual tastes. Wood can also be carved and cut to create unique patterns and textures. It’s one of the greenest siding choices as it is a renewable resource and, when properly cared for, can add significant value to your home.
However, it is important to note that not all wood is created equal. Most of the pine commonly used in wood siding today is harvested at a younger age and therefore has less durability against outdoor elements. This lower grade wood is more likely to splinter and be susceptible to moisture damage. It’s important to choose a quality vendor who can walk you through wood species and wood grades to ensure that you are getting the best performance out of your siding.
The most popular woods for siding are Cedar, Redwood, and Pine. They are known for their natural beauty and resistance to insects and decay. They’re not as affordable as other options, but they are a great choice for those looking to get a high-end look for their home.
Other popular woods include Cypress and Pinewood. These are more affordable and also have some resistance to insects and decay. Pinewood isn’t as durable as cedar or redwood, but it still holds up well against moisture and pests if treated correctly.
Engineered wood is another option that combines real wood with modern technology’s enhanced durability and lower maintenance requirements. It consists of various layers of real lumber that are bonded together under pressure and can be crafted to resemble a wide range of traditional wood styles.
There are many things to consider when choosing the right wood for your project, including color, thickness of the lower edge (also known as the butt end), and design pattern. Color is based on the tree it comes from — lighter colors come from white pine, while darker tones are created with spruce and redwood. The thickness of the lower edge is determined by how it’s split, with shingles being uniformly 3/8th inch thick and shake ranging from a half to 7/8ths of an inch.
Metal
Metal siding is a popular option that can help a home or building look modern and sophisticated. It is also very durable, able to withstand harsh weather conditions. In addition, it is fire-resistant and often comes with insulation materials that improve energy efficiency, potentially saving homeowners money on utilities. It is also recyclable, making it a great green choice.
Metal is available in a wide variety of colors, designs and finishes to match any design aesthetic. It can be installed horizontally or vertically, and the orientation has a significant impact on the appearance of the home or building. For example, horizontal metal siding can create long lines that add depth and visual interest, while vertical metal siding gives the building a taller appearance.
The longevity of metal siding depends largely on its coating, which is what protects it from the elements. The resins used in the coatings bind the pigments together for color and protect the substrate from harmful UV rays. A straight polyester resin is the least protective option, while silicone-modified polyester (SMP) is a step up from simple polyester resin but is still inferior to PVDF. A straight PVDF finish is the best choice for metal siding because it provides superior protection against fading and chalking.
Another consideration is whether the metal is galvanized or stainless steel. Galvanized steel is vulnerable to rust because the zinc coating may wear away over time, leaving the steel exposed to corrosion. Stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion because it contains chromium, which can’t wear away.
Choosing the right type of metal siding and having it properly installed are key to maximizing its performance and longevity. Installation is more complex than it looks and requires a high level of skill to ensure proper alignment and fastener attachment spacing. It is important to choose a licensed contractor for the job to avoid potential errors that can affect energy efficiency and durability.
Composite
Using recycled materials, composite siding offers homeowners the beauty of natural wood with the durability and resistance to mold, stains and pests that other products simply don’t have. Resysta’s unique formulation of OSB and fiber cement binds together cellulose fibers to form a durable material that is resistant to weather, insect infestation and more.
Unlike traditional wood, which is susceptible to fungal decay and swelling, composite cladding is designed to be moisture-resistant and won’t warp or buckle in hot or cold environments. Its design also makes it more resilient against environmental hazards like high winds, tornadoes, heavy rains and hot or freezing temperatures.
Another advantage of composite is that it can be cut and installed much easier than traditional wood. This reduces installation costs, which in turn can help lower the overall cost of the project. Similarly, composite can be painted or stained with ease, giving you the freedom to customize your exterior to suit your specific aesthetics.
With a wide range of colors available, you can easily find a color that fits your home’s architecture and complements its surroundings. Composite is also more affordable than vinyl in terms of upfront costs and ongoing maintenance. In comparison, wood requires a lot of upkeep, including frequent painting and staining, as well as regular inspection and treatment for issues such as rot, insect damage and mold growth.
Lastly, composite can also offer improved fire ratings, which is an important feature for many property owners. This is not something that can be guaranteed for vinyl, which may crack or warp under extreme temperatures.
With all of these advantages, it’s no wonder more and more homeowners, builders and contractors are choosing to choose composite for their projects. However, it is important to partner with a company that has experience working with composite, as this can make the difference between a successful project and a costly one. A reputable contractor will be able to ensure the proper flashing, layering and alignment for long-lasting results. For the best outcome, look for a team that is trained and certified in working with both composite and vinyl.