Stucco homes are fairly common in Southern California, but eventually, there may come a time when a change is needed. Stucco can crack and become damaged. Additionally, it lacks customization that siding offers.
The beauty of siding is it allows you to tailor your home’s outdoor appearance. Whether you’re aiming for a simplistic result or an upscale appeal, there are plenty of choices to make your vision come to life. If you’re ready for a spring refresh or have been considering making the switch to siding for a while, here are some advantages to consider.
Material Options for Siding
Overall, the biggest advantage of switching to siding for your home is the variety of options. With stucco, you’re limited to color and design. Whereas, with siding there’s plenty to choose from depending on the style you want. Material selection comes in two main categories, wood and manufactured.
WOOD:
Traditional Softwood
Traditional softwood siding like redwood and cedar offer the most customizable design options. Your local lumberyard will stock a few patterns; plus, it can be milled to match nearly any pattern or look you are aiming to achieve. Softwood siding creates a lovely, warm exterior.
Hardwood
Hardwood siding offers an upscale appearance including a tongue-and-groove board option that can also deliver a rustic appeal. Choose from IPE hardwood, which showcases the beauty of the natural grain, or Mangaris Red, which is often used as a rain screen, though can be milled to your desired pattern. Borneo Mahogany is another alternative with a classic appeal and natural resistance to decay, insects, and mold.
MANUFACTURED:
Fiber Cement
This low cost, low-maintenance siding presents the opportunity for a range of designs, such as scallop or fish scale, overlap, and board and batten. The versatility works just as well for a quaint, country style as it does for a finish that’s sleek and modern. Additionally, the pre-finished convenience of Allura fiber cement siding can provide the appearance of wood or be painted to your color preference.
Metal Siding
When seeking an industrial aesthetic or country style, ASC metal siding is an optimal choice. It can weather harsh conditions due its exceptional durability. Also, its long-lasting performance makes it less expensive because replacement and repair are not as frequently needed. Metal siding can be used as a primary material or serve as a secondary complement to another alternative.
Composite
Composite siding is becoming increasingly popular due to its lasting performance and low maintenance. The Boral TruExterior™ lineup of products blends the best of both worlds. It provides the look and feel of traditional wood siding but with the favorable characteristics of composite.
Read More: The Latest Advancements in Composite Siding.
Siding Color Variety
Another advantage of switching to siding is the spectrum of colors available through different stains and/or paints. There’s not as much variety with stucco and other materials. Whereas, siding allows you to create a specific look, which can also be changed over the years to adapt with modern home design trends.
Messmer’s U.V. Plus
With 12 rich colors – ranging from Natural to Charcoal Gray – you can personalize and protect your home’s curb appeal at the same time. The Messmer’s U.V. Plus stains have resistance to UV degradation and mildew and when properly applied, it won’t peel.
Ultra Premium Red Label Penofin
This Brazilian rosewood oil stain penetrates to protect against moisture, mildew, and sun damage. The high pigmentation won’t fade or wash off. Plus, it’s also available in several colors, including clear, if the goal is to simply enhance the original siding.
Once you know the look and feel you want for your home, stop by your local J&W Lumber store. Our specialists are ready to assist you with locating the products you need to start your siding project.