Wood Siding
The Best of Siding
Overview: A
fresh exterior for your home can make it seem new again, while
offering energy savings and other benefits.
Wood siding can last decades if it is well maintained.
There
are several categories of wood siding that includes clapboard,
plywood and hardwood sheets, and shingles, and shakes.
Wood siding is the usual choice for homeowners concerned about
restoration of historical homes or maintaining the value of upscale
homes. Wood siding is the most costly type of siding (next to
masonry), but can pay dividends when your home is on the market in
curb appeal. Wood siding comes in clapboard, shakes and shingles in
a wide selection of different wood materials. It can last many
decades, but requires regular maintenance, sealing, staining, and
repainting to prevent water damage and sun damage.
Although wood siding is cut into many different styles and patterns
the most common wood siding is in clapboard that is nailed to the
exterior sheathing in a horizontal pattern. Each board overlaps the one
below by approximately two inches. Although pine is used the most common
material is cedar, either white or red. It can be installed with either
the smooth side or the rough side out for different appearances. Wood
siding can be painted, stained, or left to weather. In seacoast areas
unpainted cedar weathers to a rustic gray as a result of the salt air,
which is very appealing.
Sheet siding such as
plywood and hardwood sidings come in sheets that are 4 feet wide and 8,
9, or 10 feet long, as well as in boards that mimic the look of
milled-board siding. It is generally nailed directly to the studs
without including a separate layer of sheathing. Sheet siding is less
expensive than clapboards, wood shingles or shakes. It is used in new
construction because it is less labor intense and is inexpensive.
Except for seacoast areas
wood siding should be sealed, stained, or painted for protection from
the weather. A transparent or solid paint stain is better than regular
paint as stain can breath to prevent peeling. All wood siding is subject
to damage from flying objects and requires periodic repairs. Repairs can
be easily performed by the home owner using common carpenter tools. Most
wood siding will require re-painting every four or five years depending
upon the quality of paint. If you are restoring an older home and want
to retain the original look, wood siding is an excellent investment. If
you are considering siding for a new constructed home I recommend
composite
siding.
Related articles:
Composite Siding
Vinyl
Siding
Vinyl and Fiber-Cement Siding
Composite Wood Decking
Composite Doorway Sills
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