When it comes to home exteriors, the siding might be one of the most critical parts that protect your home. Sure, it maintains the appearance and style of a home, but the main objective of siding is to protect it from the many harmful outside elements it may be subjected to. In addition to this, it’s also worth mentioning that although there are several different siding options available on the market, not every siding option can work for all homes. Given this information, we’re going to explain some of the best low-maintenance siding available on the market and how it may be of service to you. One thing that will always remain true, having your siding professionally pressure washed will keep it looking its best!
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Vinyl Siding
For decades, vinyl siding has been known as the siding that requires the smallest amount of care. As far as coloring, it can go straight through the vinyl product, and the color does not chip away – yet it will fade over time. Vinyl siding fading isn’t necessarily a problem unless you have a damaged piece and need to replace parts on your home. It is often best practice to replace an entire elevation or the whole house if it can’t be matched due to fading.
Damage can occur in severe weather, and high temperatures can warp the material over time, but vinyl siding remains at the top of the heap despite these cons. In addition to this, vinyl siding can be recycled, but finding recycling centers willing to do so may be difficult.
Modified Wood Siding
Treated with chemicals, heat, or biochemicals, softwood or modified wood is a harder, durable, and attractive option for individuals who want actual wood siding on their homes.
However, it should be mentioned that even though it is eco-friendly and it’s real wood, it isn’t the perfect option for one’s situation.
Some of these modified wood sidings are designed to fade and weather over time, making them vulnerable to ultraviolet light. Sure, this may be a perk for rustic or rural homes, but for other homeowners, it means that the siding will have to be stained or painted every few years. In addition to this, wood is porous, making it at risk for moisture swelling, insect activity, and staining. Long story short, although it won’t rot, it will require maintenance over time.
Aluminum Siding
This type of siding was a hit around the time vinyl siding hit the market, dipped in popularity for a moment, then jumped back into the spotlight as of late. What’s great about aluminum siding is that it’s impervious to insects, it doesn’t stain, it doesn’t warp, and it doesn’t rot. To make this siding even better, it offers an embossed wood grain that can make it appear like real wood.
However, just like any other siding, aluminum can fade and develop a residue that can be cleaned off. The colors on aluminum siding won’t chip or peel like other sidings, so a fresh coat of paint will make it look as good as new.
Fiber Cement Siding
Made to handle everyday use, fiber cement siding is known to be low maintenance. It’s a human-made material comprised of Portland cement, cellulose fiber, silica, and sand. It’s a very heavy, dense material to be installed on one’s household. Created in a mold using actual wood, it can have realistic wooden grain. However, it will have seams that need to be caulked for it to be watertight and frequent inspections are required to make sure water does not seep into any seams. Prolonged contact with snow or moisture can cause the fiber cement to expand or swell, which may warp over long periods of time.
Fiber cement siding has many drawbacks. It’s hard to work with, it can produce hazardous dust if cut improperly, and the caulked seams can be seen from very far away.
Considering the information above, keeping the outside of your household can be quite a handful. Thankfully, Squeegee Squad is here to help you maintain the exterior of your home. We’re here to help, whether you have house siding, window cleaning, or pressure washing needs. Contact us today for further information!