Investing in new siding can feel quite overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done it before. Many websites provide information with the idea that you already have a basic idea of all of your options—when in reality, you probably landed there to get those basic ideas!
Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors, your Sauk Rapids siding company, is ready to go back to the basics; if you’re looking to get a cursory idea of what siding is available to you, you’re on the right blog post. Below, we’ll talk siding as it relates to two factors: style and material. You’ll also find some handy tidbits of knowledge on if a given type is right for you.
Siding Styles: The Basics
Materials aside, siding comes in a few basic shapes and orientations. These have far less of an effect on the siding’s functionality than what it’s made of, with a few exceptions. The primary thing that the style of siding affects is, of course, your exterior’s looks. Indeed, it can radically transform the aesthetic of any exterior, going straight from “rustic chic” to “marvelously modern” in a single installation!
The most common type of siding style you’re likely to see is lap siding. It refers to siding that lays parallel to the ground in long planks that sit somewhat on top of one another. Common with vinyl siding and engineered wood siding, its traditional looks appeal to a variety of homeowners and exterior styles.
Vertical siding, as its name implies, sits parallel to the ground. It brings a modern look to any exterior and no doubt catches the eye. It can be found in a variety of siding materials, though it’s a common choice for steel siding, which on its own has a contemporary flair.
Shake siding, probably the most nominally confusing of the three, refers to siding made of small trapezoids or squares of material. Generally, it’s most associated with purely wooden siding, but siding companies everywhere have made shake-formed products that make up for wood’s numerous shortcomings.
Finally, seamless siding is , in short, siding that comes in flat swaths of material that are affixed as wholes onto your home, joining at the corners. This siding type provides supreme protection from the elements and thus is another common choice for steel-siding seekers who want to capitalize on durability.
Siding Materials
Now for the nitty-gritty: the materials. It’s important to know that siding contractors are constantly learning to work with the newest and best products on the market; the following by no means is a comprehensive list. However, it’s a great look at a few of the most common siding materials and what your siding contractor is likely to propose.
Vinyl Siding
Probably the most common siding material in American suburbia, vinyl siding is well-loved for a variety of reasons. Made up of a substance called Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), the color is immensely fade-proof, meaning that it shouldn’t need painting—though, in some circumstances, you can do so, as we talked about in our blog entry “Can Vinyl Siding Be Painted?” Given that it’s available in a huge variety of colors and textures, you can pick one you love off the bat.
It’s also incredibly affordable, if not the most budget-friendly siding on the market. On top of all that, it’s also low-maintenance, requiring only conscientious washing with a garden hose and mild detergent to keep it looking its best.
Engineered Wood Siding (LP Siding)
If you must have real wood in your siding, you best choose a material that makes up for wood’s moisture susceptibility and pest-prone nature. Luckily, LP Smartside is just that material! While it does contain wood, it also is specially made to resist termites and fungi, hold strong against freeze-thaw cycles, and resist moisture intrusion. Check out LP’s product description for all the details.
Composition-wise, every kind of engineered wood siding is different, though LP is made up of zinc borate, wazes, resins, and overlays. It’s a tough-as-nails siding choice that, appearance-wise, mimics wood without any of the latter material’s drawbacks.
Steel Siding
Few things in this world are stronger than metal—and that also holds true in the siding field. Steel, whether you opt for seamless siding or seamed, is awesome at resisting impact and protecting your home. It’s naturally resistant to termites, fungi, and moisture damage as a bonus!
If the thought of steel siding brings to mind pole barns, don’t fret. Modern sensibilities have transformed this siding material into one that’s more than fit for residential use, with a variety of colors and patterns available. It can even imitate wood! Just check out our siding company gallery for an idea of this material’s potential.
Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors: The Siding Contractors That Are Here for You
Our Sauk Rapids team can install any of the aforementioned siding types with the efficiency that only comes from years of hard work on the job. Give us a call today at 320-252-9086.