Vinyl Siding Is No Longer Just The Cheapest Option
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Choosing vinyl siding used to be like going to McDonald's for dinner - you did it because it was the easiest and cheapest choice. But lately because they have improved dramatically in appearance, durability, and energy efficiency while maintaining their reputation for low maintenance, new and luxurious homes are being built with vinyl exteriors. Drive down a road of nice homes and you'll have difficulty determining which are sided with wood and which have a vinyl exterior.
Getting at least a 60 percent return on money you spent by replacing your siding with a high-quality product is a good investment.
The latest development in vinyl is insulated siding, which is a good choice to consider if you are doing a renovation on an older home. So that there is no space between the siding and your home, rigid foam insulation is attached to the back of the siding. It might be 30 percent more expensive, but it will save you more on the heating and cooling bill especially over the long term.
A variety of colors, styles, and textures are now available for vinyl sidings. Some are made to simulate the look of wood and you never have to paint them, just power wash them once a year and they will look like new. It also does a good job of standing up to all kinds of weather, including changes in humidity.
For those who are interested in the environment, vinyl is still a good choice because it can be ground up and recycled into new siding. Chemically, it is also stable hence it can be used in a landfill without worrying about any harmful chemical leaching out into the environment.
Fiber-cement siding is the latest development in home exterior choices. It's a mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose that is manufactured as thin, hard shingles. It looks great on your house and you won't be able to tell the difference because it looks so much like wood or in some cases bricks or stone. It is so durable that some manufacturers even offer a 50-year warranty, it's also more fire-resistant than vinyl or wood sidings. It is resistant to termites and UV rays, that's why fiber-cement siding is highly recommended for houses conditioned for all climates.
Though fiber-cement siding will cost a lot more than vinyl, it'll cost less than refitting a house with wood.
You can still find find a large variety of natural products for remodeling, if you live in a historic home and you just don't find the same charm in synthetics. Wood will require regular painting or staining and will come in a variety of styles, textures, and finishes.
There is perhaps nothing more warm and beautiful than cedar siding, which comes in a color range from pale yellow to the popular red to deep brown. Cedar siding or shingles that have been pre-stained by the makers are also available for a more convenient, faster and easier job.
If you really want wood but are on a tight budget, the T-111 is basically exterior plywood with grooves. This kind of wood will hold up for years if stained or painted properly, even if it is more commonly known as a material for shed or garage. It comes in 8 foot by 4 foot sheets that are fairly easy and quick to install if you plan to stay in your home, if you're planning to sell your home however, you best look at the other options.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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