A Complete Guide on Siding Materials

Picking the right siding for your residence can take time and effort. Sidings are an integral part of the house and ensure the protection of the interior look and design from all weather elements. However, with a variety of sidings available in the market, it has grown to be a popular choice for homeowners. Seeking higher longevity, an aesthetic look, and low maintenance, homeowners select these sidings. So, if you are thinking of installing these now, here is a quick guide to help you learn more about it.

An Overview of Siding

A generic question amongst the proprietors is: what is siding? In short, this is a cement siding built up of fiber. This has become a preferred choice of the residents and is ruling the market for its impressive resistance and various other benefits. It is composed of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers that make it more stout to stand up to every climatic condition.

Its Varieties

The lap sidings come in two main varieties, and they are:

1. Select Cedarmill: The lap siding comes with a natural cedar look and a soft, wood-like texture.
2. Smooth: This is sleek, aesthetic, and modern lap siding with a soft look and smooth texture. Select the perfect color from the Statement Collection, or pick your siding paint.

The Installation Process of Sidings

The process to install siding is straightforward and quick and includes the following simple steps:

1. Preparation

• Gather Materials: First of all, you should get ready with the siding, nails or screws, flashing, caulk, and tools like level, saw, measuring tape, etc.  
• Check Local Codes: Then, the technicians must ensure compliance with local structural codes and rules.
• Remove Old siding: The next step includes stripping the present siding down to the sheathing and keeping it a clean surface.

2. Installation

• Inspect Sheathing: Further, the technicians should check for damage, replacement, or siding repair as per the requirement.
• Install House Wrap: A house wrap is installed by applying the weather-resistant layer to grant protection from moisture.
• Measures and Cuts: It is indeed important to measure the wall sections and cut the to the required measures. You can use a circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade to do so. 
• Note Stud Locations: Then, you should mark all the vertical studs on the wall with a stud finder for nailing.

3. Installing the siding

• Begin from the Bottom: The best way to start the siding installation is from the bottom of the wall to ensure the first plank is level.
• Nail Placement: The proper placement of nails is essential, and only corrosion-resistant nails should be used, driven at an angle into the studs at a difference of 6-8 inches. 
• Stagger Joints: The technicians follow an alternate joint pattern between rows for a more pleasing appearance and added strength.
• Leaving Expansion Gaps: It is essential to leave a 1/8-inch gap between planks and at trim intersections for reliable expansion and contraction.

4. Final Finishes 

• Install Trims: Further, the corner sidings, window trim, and any necessary fascia are added.
• Joint Sealing: The siding experts use caulk to fix all the gaps or joints to avoid all sorts of water infiltration.
• Paint/Stain: It is recommended to stain or paint the siding for an appealing look. 

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

• Remove Debris: The best way to maintain the life of a siding is to keep it free from debris and away any leftover materials.
• Inspect Installation: You should cross-check for any missed fasteners, damages, or gaps.
• Regular Checks: Regularly look over the siding for damage, paint wear, or signs of moisture.

Benefits of siding

The sidings offer eminent advantages other than adding value to your property. Some of the best benefits of the siding are:

• It has excellent lastingness and is resistant to rot, warping, and insects. 
• There is minimal maintenance with sidings compared to wood sidings.
• These sidings are highly fire resistant and are composed of non-combustible material that can help ensure fire safety.
• Siding is highly weather resistant and therefore performs exceptionally well in various climates, including harsh winds and heavy rain.
• It has good energy Efficiency and provides effective insulation that helps to reduce energy costs.
• There is a great variety of styles available in different colors, textures, and designs to suit different architectures.
• The sidings are eco-friendly and are made from sustainable materials, making them recyclable.
• You can add fantastic value to your property with these designs as they are appealing.
• It is easy to paint the sidings in any color, allowing you to customize them further.
• Often, a warranty check is included with these siding for a prolonged period that provides peace of mind.

Final Verdict 

With this comes an end to this comprehension of siding. It is one of the highly durable, reliable, and stout siding materials that can be the perfect pick for homeowners. Infact not just this, it gives a woody finish, giving an aesthetic and appealing look to your property. Thus, while considering other options, you should go with the sidings for their low maintenance and resistance properties. Indeed, the siding will be an outstanding fit for your home!

Commonly Asked Questions