Your home’s siding is – at least visually – the most important aspect of its “curb appeal.” In many cases, the right siding can make your home the envy of your neighborhood. But nothing lasts forever, siding included.
As a homeowner, you will eventually reach the day when you must decide whether to replace your home’s siding – and it’s not always obvious when the time is right. If your home has wood siding, a simple eye test is a great start. You most likely already know if your siding looks like it needs some TLC. However, until you see what’s underneath it, you won’t truly know whether your siding needs a complete overhaul or a restoration.
A great way to make this determination is a spot check. Find a board on your siding that looks less than stellar – broken, chipped, warped – and remove it. You’ll be able to get a peek inside of what’s going on behind the facade and determine how to proceed. And don’t worry – you won’t leave an unsightly hole in your siding. Simply bring the removed board to your local JW Lumber. We can match just about any type of wood, and cut a perfectly sized replacement.
Should you decide that it’s time for a complete residing, there are a vast amount of outdoor building materials that vary in price, durability and of course “look.”
Softwoods
When it comes to beauty, durability and affordability, it’s tough to beat Redwood and Cedar. Both woods are termite and rot-resistant. Both are easily stainable, allowing you to create the perfect look for your home. It’s no mystery why this makes Redwood and Cedar the most popular options for wood siding.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods – those that come from trees with broad leaves that go dormant in winter – have become an increasingly popular choice for siding, and with good cause. Hardwoods are the most durable wood available, completely resistant to termites and rot. Common hardwood siding choices include IPE and Mangaris, which are available at J&W Lumber.
Fiber Cement
Of all siding options, Fiber Cement offers the best mix of affordability, durability, low-maintenance, and looks. Created by mixing wood pulp with cement, profiles resemble most common wood siding styles – and can be designed to fit your design aesthetic. Over the last 25-30 years, fiber cement has been the most popular option for outdoor building materials due to its undeniable benefits.
Composite
Composite siding is a durable, affordable solution that holds up particularly well against the elements while retaining a look of quality and beauty. A single coat of paint or stain will last 15-20 years on composite, and the material itself will last much longer. It’s durability and modern styling and warranty makes it an excellent choice to complement a building’s architecture.
Shake Shingles
Looking to give your home a classic “Cape Cod-Style” makeover? Shake shingles siding is for you. Comprised of weather-resistant, lightweight shingles and typically made of cedar, shake siding will give your home that classic American cottage look. Shake shingles bring back a look of yesteryear, and can also be purchased in fiber cement so they will last for many years to come.
Stone
Stone siding will give your home an appearance of ageless elegance, strength and class. And while stone siding can be expensive, there are new technologies – including stone veneer – that provide the classic stone look at an affordable price and a much more practical application process.
Metal
Steel-based metal siding is, without a doubt, the longest lasting and most protective siding solution for any home. If you’re interested in a look that will last a lifetime, you can’t do much better than steel. There are a variety of looks and finishes to choose from, ensuring your home blends beauty with fortitude.
Engineered
As siding technology has evolved, “engineered” siding has become a popular option for homeowners. Engineered siding allows you to place a thin layer of whatever material you prefer – hardwood, cedar, stone, etc. – on top of plywood substrate. Engineered siding makes more expensive materials lighter and more affordable.
Ready to turn your home into the neighborhood showstopper? Come into your local J&W Lumber and talk with a siding consultant. We’ll review your needs, your desires and your budget to come up with a customized plan to improve the curb-appeal of your home.