Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Evolution of Siding and Your Available Options


We’ve come a long way from the thatch roofs, dirt walls and glassless windows of early American civilization. Protection from the elements was subpar, at best, back then. Among the many things to evolve in the construction of a home is siding – even now we’re seeing new options for optimal protection from the outdoors.

If you’re looking to have HA Construction build a home, replace your siding, or you just want a history lesson on what siding options are still available, then read on.

wood siding
Wood – the Forever Friend
As one might deduce, the next step from dirt in protecting one’s home from the elements was wood, and it’s still used today. In fact, most all other siding options available try to emulate the look of wood because it has the most aesthetic appeal – it adds character to a home, which is often lost if the wood siding has to be replaced due to years of damage and poor maintenance.

Speaking of maintenance, if you’re considering wood as a siding option for the beauty of it, you’ll want to remember that a lot of work goes into keeping it in tip-top shape. Think about how much you have to do in order to keep your deck looking great – wood siding is the same way. There’s annual painting/staining needs, as well as caulking. It’s certainly something you must go all in for if you plan to use it.

Wood siding is moderately priced, with the least expensive option being a plywood version. There are several styles available, including horizontal clapboard with overlapping joints and vertical plank board. The look is, of course, enhanced by your choice of paint or stain color.

asbestos siding
Asbestos – It’s Got a Bad Rap
Around the 1920s, manufacturers started mixing asbestos with cement to form a siding that had fire-retardant properties and was quite resistant to the elements. Asbestos siding saw its peak usage from the ‘20s to the ‘40s. However, in the 1970s the use of asbestos in building materials was banned because airborne or inhaled fibers caused health problems.

It’s hard to determine what manufacturing year for new home construction saw the extinction of asbestos siding in use because there was no official ban date. And, since asbestos is very durable, you’ll still find many turn-of-the-century homes with asbestos siding in good condition if it was cared for properly. Unless it’s in disrepair, there’s not much of a reason to replace asbestos siding, since there are no health problems associated with it as long as it remains undisturbed, and replacing asbestos siding is quite the expensive ordeal. The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has a lot of helpful information for repairing and removing asbestos siding, should you see the need.

damaged hardboard siding
Hardboard – Better Known as Masonite
First things first, Masonite is a brand name (and the most popular one, at that) for hardboard siding, which is a made of compressed wood fiber, wax, resin and wood chips. Hardboard was introduced in the U.S. in the 1920s. Lap (board) and panel (sheet) options both provide a textured look to resemble wood grain.

While hardboard is still available for use today, it dwindled in popularity because of manufacturing issues over the years. Hardboard is a reliable siding option if it is properly manufactured, properly installed and properly maintained. However, in most cases, one of these elements is lacking and the product is known to take on moisture in less than optimal conditions. Moisture causes hardboard to swell, crack, break and deteriorate in general.

If you’re looking for a economical feasible option that you don’t mind caring for in order to keep it working for you, then just remember that your hardboard siding will need:
·         An annual inspection for problem areas
·         Proper guttering and no contact with sprinklers (i.e. keep the water away)
·         A six inch clearance from vegetation
·         Applications of paint, caulk, sealant and mildew control products as needed

aluminum siding
Aluminum/Steel – It’s Everywhere
At one time or another, most anything went through an aluminum-stage, and siding is no exception (steel was also part of this craze). This was the first alternative to any wood-based siding available and saw the most use in the 1940s to 1970s. It comes in strips and fastens to external walls with perforated holes at the top. The pieces interlock at the top and bottom to seal out the weather.

This moderately priced option is durable and comes in a variety of textures and colors. The paint, however, may fade or runoff, which is why, for a hefty additional cost, you can get plastic or vinyl coating. If you’re considering this option, keep in mind that aluminum siding dents easily and, in the midst of a storm, can be very noisy.

vinyl siding
Vinyl – Everyone’s Go-To Siding Product
Vinyl is currently the most popular among siding products available. Hitting the market in the 1960s and ‘70s, vinyl quickly deteriorated the aluminum siding market because aluminum became more expensive as energy costs increased around the 1970s. Vinyl was the more economical alternative and still remains so today in most cases.

The design and installation of vinyl siding is nearly identical to that of aluminum, with the exception of the fact that the color of vinyl siding is much more reliable (and there’s a broader range of color options). The downside to vinyl is that it cracks upon impact in cold temperatures and, if it’s not installed properly, it can warp and buckle. Fortunately, it’s a low maintenance product and even cracks can be easily repaired.

fiber-cement siding
Fiber Cement & Fiberglass – The New Guys
There are two other siding options available that, while growing in popularity, have yet to become household names. Fiber cement was manufactured in Europe for over 100 years, but didn’t hit the U.S. market until the 1980s. This product is hard to distinguish from wood siding because of the wood grain design element. As an added bonus, it may look like wood but isn’t subject to rot or insect damage. It’s a durable low-maintenance product made of recycled materials, and it often comes with an extended warranty from the manufacturer.

Fiberglass siding hit the market around 2006. It’s similar to vinyl in design and installation. However, there is one benefit: plastic (vinyl) expands when it’s exposed to heat, causing it to sag, but, because glass doesn’t expand in hot conditions, using fiberglass siding eliminates this problem. The color of fiberglass siding can fade, but it’s easily painted.

Whatever type of siding you choose, HA Construction can help you. And, if you’re still uncertain, Andy will gladly chat with you about what option would be best for your budget and your needs.

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