Siding Has Evolved: It’s Not Just Vinyl Anymore
Vinyl siding has quickly been overtaken by stone siding.
As a decorative element, siding makes your home look attractive and gives it character. It also has some functional uses because it provides weatherproofing and protects the inside walls. Vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners. It came into play in the 1980s, and while better than previous options like wood and aluminum, it still had issues. Some homeowners are selecting another, newer option: veneer stone siding. Here are some of the most common types of siding.
Wood
Wood has been a popular siding option for hundreds of years, with its heyday going way back to the colonial era up to the 1950s. It was attractive, but it didn’t handle extreme weather like rain and snow well and could rot over time. It also needed to be painted, cleaned and maintained, which could eat up a homeowner’s time and money.
Modern wood siding, such as cedar, is strong enough to withstand harsh weather. It is low-maintenance because it does not require painting or staining, though you can do so if you want. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, wood is a good choice because it is a natural insulator. This means it blocks the cold and keeps in warmth, resulting in lower utility bills.
Instead of vinyl siding, consider wood siding instead.
Aluminum
Later in the 20th century, aluminum siding became popular. Homeowners liked that it didn’t rot or crack. It was also more airtight and had strong wind resistance. It did not need to be painted. Problems with aluminum siding include it can easily dent, the paint fades and it is difficult to clean without taking off some of the paint. Another big issue in today’s eco-friendly society is this type of siding makes homes less energy efficient since aluminum conducts heat.
Vinyl
Vinyl siding, still a popular option today, was originally seen as better than aluminum because it had many of the same benefits and came in a variety of colors for personalizing. In addition, the color didn’t wash off like it did with aluminum siding.
In its early days, vinyl was prone to buckling because it would expand and contract when the temperature changed. Manufacturers improved upon the siding’s design to fix this problem and also added chemicals to protect the siding from sun damage and color fading. Today’s vinyl siding is considered maintenance free because it does not need painting, there is little fade and the panel floats.
Veneer Stone Siding
Thin stone veneer is a newer option some homeowners are choosing. It is aesthetically appealing, as well as permanent and maintenance free. Many styles and shapes are available. Options include real stone veneers cut from quarried building and manufactured stones.
Siding has continued to evolve over the years. Early varieties of siding were prone to rotting and drafts and needed time-consuming maintenance. Now there are energy-efficient options that need little to no maintenance.
If you are thinking about vinyl siding or looking for wood siding in MA, contact us. Our contractors can install your beautiful new siding.
