james hardie siding for your specific home style

CHOOSING SIDING SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR HOME


Siding may not seem as important to a homeowner as one’s roof or windows, but unbeknownst to many, it does play an equally important role in a home’s weather protection, aesthetics, functionality, and even energy efficiency. The various options available on the market today usually feature a combination of several options to bring you all the benefits that are most important to you, so there’s no need to compromise and pick one feature you like over another. Choosing the right siding, however, is a process that requires careful consideration of several factors. We take a

closer look at those factors in this e-book.

ONESIDING OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

PART


SIDING OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

One of the first -- and usually, most intimidating -- things you will have to contend with when choosing siding for your home is the wide range of choices, some of which include the following.

TYPESHorizontal lap siding. One of the most popular types of siding in America, horizontal lap siding features an upper board that laps over the board below it. In thicker profiles, nails are driven into the upper portion of the board while in other profiles, they are hidden by the lower parts. This type of siding comes in various colors, and is suited to Colonial, Cape Cods, as well as boxy or symmetrical-styled homes.

Board and batten. Unlike horizontal lap siding, board and batten siding creates the illusion of “taller” houses. It is traditionally used for barns and farm buildings, but it is also ideal for traditional homes.

Shingles. Shingle siding is another good choice for your home if it has clean, structured lines. Shingles are slightly more expensive than other siding types, though.


SIDING OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

MATERIAL CHOICESStucco. Stucco is available in natural and synthetic forms, with either fine or coarse textures. Natural stucco allows your home to “breathe”, but synthetic stucco does not – which is why it requires a vapor barrier or drainage plane.

Metal. Metal siding is available in corrugated or stainless steel and copper. While it is not a popular siding choice, it still suits different types of homes. This material is known for being long-lasting.

Brick. Flexible, brick can be stacked in a variety of patterns. It is also very durable, and requires almost no maintenance.

Composites. Vinyl and fiberglass are among the most widely-used composite siding materials. Like brick, composite siding does not require much in the way of maintenance and cleaning. Handling temperature extremes is another matter, however, and largely depends on the material. For instance, fiberglass usually has little to no contraction – but vinyl siding can warp or buckle if it is not installed properly.

How do you know which siding will work well for your home, though? Which factors should

you consider? Find out in part two of our three-part blog post.


TWOPICKING THE BEST FOR YOUR HOME

PART

We familiarized ourselves with the different types of siding in part one. Now, let’s look at how each of them factors into our home.

Finding the best fit for your home is made easier if you make a list of the factors that matter most to you, and check off on them as your compare the different types available to you. Consider things such as:


PICKING THE BEST FOR YOUR HOME

Your cladding is an investment, but that does not mean that you should consider your expenses as “money spent and gone.” Often, you can get significant, and almost immediate returns on your money through its:

• Recoup value. Because people have different tastes and preferences, siding materials will appeal to potential home buyers in different ways; these quirks are one reason why the most expensive material may not necessarily be the ticket to selling your home at the most profit. Vinyl is a safe choice overall, though. Remodeling Magazine says that, with vinyl siding, you can easily recover around 80% of what you spent.

• Energy efficiency. Lower energy loads mean lower energy bills. There are several energy efficient siding materials available today, including:

* Engineered wood. Wood is a great insulator, although it has a low R-value. On the sustainability front, it scores well. Many wood siding products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which means they came from forests that are well cared for.

* Fiberglass. Most fiberglass is made from 60% sand, and 40% resin. Thus, it takes very little (if anything) away from the environment during production. It has the same insulating capacities as vinyl, but it does a better job of weathering the elements.

COST SAVINGS


PICKING THE BEST FOR YOUR HOME

LIFE SPANAccording to the surveys conducted by the National Association of Home Builders and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, your siding should last for as long as your home does. Aluminum is expected to last up to 40 years. Stucco, on the other hand, can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. And fiberglass, according to the surveys, can last a lifetime.Those are just ballpark figures, however. How long your siding lasts will depend on a lot of factors, such as:

• Your climate zone• Maintenance; and• Proper installation

Speaking of installation, there are several considerations you should keep in mind if you want to make the most of your siding investment. Find out what they are in the

closing segment of our blog.


THREEINSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

PART

Parts one and two took us through the different siding types and materials on the market, as well as the different factors we need to look at before we choose which one to use. Once we have chosen, the next thing to do is install the product -- and that, in

itself, requires careful thought.


INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS. Different siding materials need to follow differing technical procedures during installation to ensure optimal performance. Vinyl siding, for instance, is not meant to be a water tight covering, so it needs to have a housewrap. Steel siding, on the other hand, should have proper locking and alignment to prevent water penetration.

In addition to the specific installation practices, siding installation should also factor in your building codes, as well as energy and aesthetic goals.

PRODUCT QUALITYGood workmanship is only half of the package; your siding product should, in itself, be a good investment. Various advances in manufacturing have led to products that are engineered for maximum returns. A trusted brand name such as James Hardie, for instance, is a much better option than other less established brands. The brand’s HardieZone system, in particular, makes sure you get the right siding products for your specific climate zone. As such, you can look forward to exterior cladding that can ably take on your area’s elements.

In addition, trusted brands offer extensive product support and warranty. This can help you save on costs if the siding has issues.


INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

PROFESSIONAL HELP.Lastly, who you hire to install your siding is important. Your chosen contractor should be licensed, insured, and bonded -- at the very least -- for your own security. In addition, your contractor should have years of experience in the industry. Experience is not only a measure of the siding professional’s skills; it is also a testament to the way he or she delivers results. Poor results, after all, will be evident in the number of jobs the contractor has.

Before making a choice, schedule a consultation with your potential contractor and ask for:

• A proposal. Your proposal should include everything that is important to the project such as start and completion dates, modes of payment, and materials to be used.

• References. As much as possible, ask for references. These will give you a better idea of the kind of work your contractor does and, subsequently, the kind of work you can expect.


TWIN CITIES SIDING PROFESSIONALS664 Transfer Road, St. Paul MN 55114

(651) 967 0873www.tcsidingprofessionals.com

http://www.tcsidingprofessionals.com

james hardie siding for your specific home style

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