Siding, in particular, should be a major focus point for home and business owners, whether they are building a new business or home, or just replacing the siding on an existing one. As an alternative to wood siding, cement siding is a popular choice. Cement siding is popular among homeowners looking for siding with a painted surface that does not require as much maintenance as wood siding. However, composite siding may be a better choice, especially in terms of maintenance.
Natural Wood Siding
To keep it looking new, natural wood siding will require routine care. Depending on the environment, the siding will need to be painted or stained on a regular basis every 4 to 6 years. The possibility exists that painting will be done even more frequently during long, hard winters. In order to keep the wood free of ants, termites, bees, and even woodpeckers, frequent pest control will need to be used. Natural wood can also serve as a breeding ground for pests. Siding made of fiber cement and composite materials requires less upkeep.
Composite Siding
Although they are completely distinct from one another, the terms "composite siding" and "engineered wood siding" are sometimes used synonymously when referring to siding materials. Often, fibrous wood pieces are combined with other materials to create composite siding. Yet, the basis for composite siding can also be made of cement. Composite siding is renowned for being incredibly strong and even having a 30-year lifespan. The material hardly ever cracks and is incredibly durable. The fact that engineered wood siding needs to be painted periodically raises the cost and workload associated with maintaining it. With time, the color saturation will decrease, somewhat altering the original color from the moment it was installed. However, appropriate upkeep of this siding necessitates ongoing care.
Fiber Cement Siding
The components of fiber cement siding include concrete, sand, and cardboard. The end product is a long-lasting, weather-resistant siding material for homes or businesses that is intended to resemble wood yet appears unnatural. There is a large selection of siding colors. Nonetheless, unpainted fiber cement can be done and the owner can select any color if a color option is not provided. In comparison to many other materials on the market, fiber cement is also far more heat resistant. The major drawback of installing fiber cement siding on your home is the higher cost of installation. When compared to solutions that are more lightweight, this material requires more labor to install. Additionally, fiber cement siding requires repainting after years of use, which raises the overall cost of the material.
