Siding For Your Home. If you are looking to install siding on your home, you will want to ensure that you take the time to consider the various types of siding available. There are both engineered wood and vinyl options, as well as fiber cement siding. These are all great choices for your home’s exterior, and will provide you with a variety of benefits.
Engineered wood siding – Siding For Your Home
If you want to make your house look more stylish without sacrificing your wallet, then installing engineered wood siding may be the solution you’ve been looking for. This product is constructed of recycled materials, is environmentally friendly, and is designed to last.
Besides the beauty of the material itself, engineered wood products offer enhanced weather resistance. These include features such as rot-resistant properties and anti-fungal qualities. Also, they can last twice as long as natural wood. With a variety of finishes and textures to choose from, you can find the perfect one for your home.
It is important to be prepared for a siding installation project. You’ll need to have all the supplies you need before starting the job. Having all the correct tools can help save you time. Another thing you’ll need is a good nail gun. Be sure to set the pneumatic gun to sink the nails flush with the surface of the material.
Engineered wood is more durable than some other options, including vinyl. However, it is also more prone to water absorption. Moisture can cause buckling, edge checking, and expansion. That’s why it’s important to store the material indoors for a few days after installation. Make sure to check the moisture content of the material, which is a combination of relative humidity and air temperature.
One of the most interesting things about engineered wood is the wide variety of colors and finishes available. You can choose from horizontal laps, vertical panels, and even shakes. They can be cut with conventional woodworking tools. Some manufacturers even offer custom designs for customers.
Using an engineered material can increase your resale value.
Most manufacturers offer warranties for up to 30 years, so you can enjoy your new siding for as long as you own the property.
Engineered wood is more environmentally friendly than fiber cement. Moreover, it is more lightweight and easier to install. In fact, it’s more durable than other types of siding. For example, fiber cement can crack due to freeze/thaw cycles. On the other hand, engineered wood siding is more resistant to moisture and wear and tear. The product is designed to strengthen and flex with changing weather conditions.
Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or a professional, you’ll have no trouble figuring out which type of engineered wood is right for you. As a result, you’ll have a beautiful home that’s durable, easy to maintain, and affordable. Despite its high initial cost, engineered wood siding can save you money over the life of your home.
Regardless of which siding product you choose, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Failure to do so can lead to delays. Fortunately, some manufacturers provide custom options and warranties to suit any homeowner’s needs. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Vinyl siding – Siding For Your Home
Vinyl siding is low-cost, durable, and offers long-term protection. It also hides cracks and moisture problems. However, there are some factors that can affect the overall cost of installation. Home size, location, and labor costs will all play a role.
For instance, a home that is more complex will result in higher materials and labor costs. Two-story homes will need more labor, too. If you are installing vinyl siding on a porch or deck, it’s important to consider your area’s climate. Some places are colder than others, making it harder for siding to expand and contract properly. In warmer regions, you can install siding with a little less risk.
The next step in vinyl siding installation is to nail the panels together. Make sure to use a level. Your fasteners should be driven straight and level. They should penetrate into the wood framing and foam plastic sheathing. This will ensure the siding will expand and contract without distorting.
Once you have determined the thickness of the nails, set the screws and nails on the top and bottom of the pieces. Leave a gap of 1/8 of an inch between the top of the nails and the top of the siding. Nail the bottom row of panels at least every 16 inches. You should also push up the bottom edge of the panels until the locks engage.
Next, you should measure the height of the house.
When you are ready to begin the actual siding installation, remove any debris that may be obstructing your work. Also, be sure to tie back plants, and scrape off any old caulking around doors and windows.
Then, cut your siding to fit your house. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and styles. Most cuts can be made with a utility knife or tin snips. Be careful not to make a ragged cut. Instead, score the vinyl on the face and re-score it on the other side.
Apply a water-resistive barrier before installing the vinyl. Plywood or OSB are common substrates. Installing siding over a continuous barrier will minimize moisture damage and reduce the likelihood of fading.
Vinyl siding is generally installed in 12-foot lengths. Longer panels can be a little trickier to adjust, however. The best way to avoid seams is to keep the panels at least 16 inches apart. That way, you have extra room for expansion.
If you have a lot of rotten or loose boards on your siding, you will need to replace them. If you are using a new material, be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty and prorated 50-year warranty for subsequent owners.
Aside from repairing holes and other defects, you will also need to tighten up any loose boards or structures. This can involve replacing old sealant from frames or replacing rotten or deteriorated wood.
Fiber cement siding – Siding For Your Home
Fiber cement siding offers a variety of options for homeowners. The material is a good choice for homes in a hot climate since it is fire-resistant, non-combustible, and lightweight. This type of siding is also durable against pests and insects. It does not warp or rot in a wet environment, making it ideal for exterior walls.
When installing fiber cement siding, it is important to use the right tools. These are specialized pieces of equipment that will help you complete your project with precision. In addition, it is important to follow the installation instructions carefully. If you do not follow these instructions, you may run into problems.
Before starting your project, ensure that the siding is clean and dry. Using a soft brush, sweep away any debris or grease that has built up on the outside of the siding. You can also rinse off the siding with a hose. Make sure that the area is free of any mold or mildew. A damp cloth can also be used to wipe the siding.
Next, install the starter strips. Start by setting the starter strip a couple of inches above the wall sheathing.
Then, hang the first row of siding about a quarter of an inch away from the starter strip. Ensure that the top edges of the siding match the chalk lines. Finally, install the next piece, butting it lightly against the first.
When you’re ready to install your fiber cement siding, begin by measuring the area. To make sure that the siding is installed properly, check the width and height of the siding. Once you know the measurements, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Then, you’ll need to cut the fiber cement siding. There are special shears available for this task. They are handheld, and have a carbide-coated blade. With the back of the siding facing up, make your cuts. For straight cuts, you can use a jigsaw. But for curves, a polycrystalline diamond-toothed blade is best.
Once the siding is cut and the pieces are aligned, you’ll need to fasten them. It is best to use a roofing nail for blind nailing at the top and siding nails for face nailing at the bottom. However, you can also use screws that do not corrode.
When you’re ready to finish, you’ll need to paint the fiber cement siding. Paint should be applied in thin layers and applied a few hours between coats. Also, sealant should be used after the paint dries.
Whether you’re replacing the siding on your home or just adding to it, you should take the time to ensure that the siding is installed correctly. Even a small error can affect the performance of the siding. After all, it’s an investment in your home.