Siding is not just a decorative cladding that gives your house a fresh new look. It is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. While it might seem obvious that you should go for the cheapest option, or to just paint your house instead, new siding can improve the appearance and value of your home in Schaumburg while preventing potentially expensive structural damage.
The most important consideration in regard to siding in Schaumburg, IL is the material from which it is made. Its composition will affect the cost of the project, its final appearance, and its lifespan. There are five main materials used for house siding: vinyl, plastic, aluminum, wood, and fiber-cement.
Vinyl
Vinyl is by far the most popular of all the types. It is comparatively inexpensive and requires little maintenance. It doesn’t need painting and won’t warp or twist. Vinyl’s downsides: It can melt, burn, crack and rattle. It can look like wood from afar, but up close, it’s easy to tell that it is artificial.
Plastic
Plastic is a far more expensive option, costing 2-3 times more than vinyl, but it has many benefits over its less expensive rival. Plastic tends to be thicker and able to withstand colder environments better than vinyl. Plastic siding emulates a realistic wood look, even up close, and doesn’t require much upkeep.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an excellent material to use for siding because of its durability and insulating properties, particularly useful in colder climates. With aluminum, it is critical to know that if you don’t install the proper insulation between layers, then you will drastically reduce the efficiency of the siding. Furthermore, it is not conducive to large-scale repairs. Dents are fairly simple to remove, but hard to patch. Removal of a large piece of siding is often needed in order to repair.
Wood
The obvious charm to wood siding is that it exudes class, tradition and a tenured quality. Wood does, however, come with more downsides than the other materials: It can warp, burn, twist, and is vulnerable to infestations such as rot, insects, and woodpeckers. If you paint your wood siding, you must refinish it periodically. Wood is the far more expensive material and costs can add up if you don’t take proper care of it.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement offers the look of various other materials, from wood to masonry. It is versatile and economical while maintaining a realistic appearance. It is a low-maintenance siding that is fire proof and insect proof. It is susceptible, however, to moisture-related problems. If paint is allowed to deteriorate, then moisture, freezing and thawing can damage it.
Choose the siding material that best suits your needs and the aesthetics of your property. There’s no wrong decision to choosing siding, but just be knowledgeable of the pros and cons of the material you are choosing.
Sources:
Siding Buying Guide, Consumerreport.com
Top Six Siding Options, HGTV.com
