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Siding: The latest trends
Sooner or later, most siding needs to
be replaced. This is a good investment
when it comes to resale. Vinyl siding
is the most popular choice and has
practically eliminated aluminum from
the marketplace. Siding materials are
sold at lumberyards and many home
centers.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Vinyl. Quality standards requiring
consistent thickness and resistance to
wind and fading have improved vinyl
siding, making it easy to work with and
maintain. However, it does not show fine
trim details and may crack in extreme cold
if struck by a hard object.
Wood shingles/clapboard. These
appealing materials can be stained,
painted, or left natural. They are durable
and resistant to impact, even in cold
weather. However, they may require
regular painting or staining and can be
damaged by water and insects.
Fiber cement. Relative ease of maintenance
and real-wood look make this an
appealing option. It doesn't need frequent
repainting and resists impact and insects.
Because it's relatively brittle, it can be
damaged if water gets between shingles
and then freezes.
Masonry. This option includes brick,
stucco and stone, which require little
maintenance. They are resistant to impact
and insects, but are pricey, require
repainting and are susceptible to damage
by freezing water. Brick requires periodic
repainting, and cracked stucco needs
repair.
Simulated stucco. This petroleum-based
alternative to cement-based
stucco resists insects and creates a waterproof
barrier when properly applied, but
it can trap moisture. It can fade or require
refinishing, and can be damaged on impact.
It is also expensive to install.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Vinyl siding offers various colors, trim
accessories, and surface textures. Shape
or profile choices include two depths of
single, double, or triple "lap" boards.
Double-hem mounting areas are also
available. Wood shingles and clapboard
come in varying widths, thicknesses, and
surface textures. Fiber-cement siding
choices include surface textures, while
masonry varies by type of brick, stone, or
stucco style.
How to Choose
Performance differences.
Tests have shown that when it comes
to vinyl siding, added color retention and
rigidity, more than thickness, are important
aesthetic features. Wood shingles
and clapboard provide a pleasing traditional
look, but require considerable
upkeep. Fiber-cement siding is relatively
inexpensive and easy to maintain, while
masonry and simulated stucco provide
classic good looks and little upkeep-but
are costly to install. Professional installation
costs as much as materials, but
may vary. Estimates are recommended.
Recommendations.
Vinyl is the first choice for price and
maintenance considerations. Choose the
colour from actual siding samples, since
catalog colours may not be accurate.
Before signing, check that the contractor
is properly licensed, if applicable, and is
insured for workers' compensation and
liability. Have him fix uneven or rotting
sections of wall before installing the new
siding. If existing siding is covering older
asbestos siding, consult an asbestos-
abatement contractor.
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