Wood Siding is one of the most common and popular sidings around the world especially for areas having mild climate. Many people don’t even consider any other type of sidings. While there are many varieties for home sidings, wood has certainly overcome the test of time and is still one of the top choices when it comes to any siding applications.
Wood brings many advantages with it that makes it seems appealing. However, it has its dark side which costumers should consider before ordering any. It is important to be aware of both pros and cons of wood sidings in order to make a right choice for the interior or exterior design of the facility.
Advantages of wood sidings
Almost every wood siding manufacturer tries to imitate the look of real wood. As it is obvious from its texture and characteristics, it has timeless, classic looks that simply makes people feel comfortable and secure.
Real wood sidings come with variety of styles and types which surely satisfies costumers need for any application. Some of the few styles available around the world are hand-cut shakes, clapboards, machine-cut shingles, and solid wood. Cedar and redwood are two of the most common woods when it comes to choosing wood sidings, due to their decay resistance. This cladding is available both in vertical and horizontal styles ready to lodge virtually any home remodeling plan.
One of the most important factors for wood is its capability of being installed very quickly. Thus many home owners with only modicum carpentry skills are able to install their own wood sidings.
Another advantage of wood siding which should be introduced, is its capability of being replaced easily when its being damaged. Many other sidings can be very difficult to be replaced. However, in this type, parts can be easily removed and replaced. In many cases, customers can repair the siding without needing any help of experts, thus they can save both money and time.
It is important to notice that woods are environmentally friendly. It is the real definition of biodegradable. Wood sidings almost never end up landfill but even if they do, they decay into some substances over time, making them one of the most environmentally friendly type of sidings available.
Ability to painted is one of the essentials to be considered when choosing a siding for remodeling a home exterior or interior. Woods are easy to paint in almost any desired color. It is obviously an advantage to be painted easily, however it aesthetic purpose is not the only reason woods should be painted. If a wood siding is not painted properly, it can be damaged by insects or be cracked and rot over time.
Disadvantages
Like every product available, wood sidings also have disadvantages. Water and insect damage are two of the most noticeable drawbacks for this type of siding. It must be maintained precisely to increase its life time. This means that it should be strained or painted at least every three years. Without this maintenance, water can find its way into the wood’s structure and cause issues such as rotting, warping, twisting and potentially damage the structure of the facility.
Termites are one of the most common wood damaging insects existed in the nature which home owners must be aware of. A colony of termites left alone in a house for even a one year can cause extreme damage to the facility.
Preventing Disadvantages
These problems can be prevented by the choice of the wood and proper maintenance. Redwood and cedar are both good choices which bring natural protection against both threats of weather as well as insects. While no wood is guaranteed not to warp or rot, cedar and redwood are considered having higher resistance against the effects of water than the other woods. These woods contain chemicals naturally which are distasteful for insects. Thus they are offering natural barriers to most insects.
Also they are other solutions for this purpose which is important to know as a homeowner. Cracks and holes around windows, doors, dryer vents, etc. should be re-caulked using high quality acrylic latex. It is very applicable to repair roof of the house from time to time in order to prevent leakage and greater damages.
The vents must be clean from leaves and other debris which surely block free space and cause damage. It is also important to clean dirt and leaves which are stuck between decking boards and can trap moisture and lead to rot, and it can be done using a screwdriver or awl. It is very common to use pressure lumber for wood sidings especially for the ones which ground contact. Leaning any object such as tools, ladders and old plywood may damage the outer paint layer.
