Exterior sidings are recognized as a way to enhance the appearance and also increase the value of homes. Sometimes called cladding or clapboard, exterior siding is the outermost layer of a home. It is meant to protect walls from different conditions, insulate walls and also adds to the aesthetic appearance of homes. Sidings can’t be added to to buildings made of stones but can be added to log buildings.
Siding or cladding are made of different materials. Like how the clothes we wear depends on the climate of the location and the image we want to portray, exterior of the home is the identity of the home and tells a lot about the owners/residents. But changing the exterior or siding of a home is not easy like changing the clothes. Thus the siding of a home should be selected after much research and thought because it can be considered as ‘once in a life-time’ choice. Though remodeling is an option, we wouldn’t want to spend our money redecorating our home frequently and hence make sure to buy long-lasting siding.
Sidings are made of materials like brick, or tiles but Fibre Cement Siding, metal, and wood are more fascinating options. Apart from their characteristics, factors like durability, price, colour, and quality are also deciding factors.
Some exterior siding options are listed below.
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Horizontal lap siding
Made from variety of materials like Vinyl, wood, Aluminium, and fibre cement, they come in different colors. A perfect choice for traditional style homes.
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Board and Batten
Available in wood and fibre cement. Good choice for traditional homes like the horizontal lap siding. It can create a vertical emphasis thus giving an impression that the rooms are taller than they really are.
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Bricks
Bricks are available in different sizes, colours and patterns and are hence a good choice for home exteriors.
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Fibre cement
Use of large fibre cement sheet panels can form plat and uniform surface providing a contemporary appeal.
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Metal
Sidings made of corrugated Steel and Copper are durable and are chosen for contemporary homes for an aesthetic appeal. It is not a commonly used material for exterior siding.
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Shingles (shakes)
For homes with an aesthetic appeal, shingles are more suitable. They are made of materials like wood, polymer, and fibre cement.
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Stone
Stone sidings are low maintenance and durable. They come with variety of textures and colours and suits any surface.
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Stucco
Available in natural and synthetic forms, and coarse and fine textures, it is an all-time favourite for covering large surfaces of home exterior. It is commonly associated with colonial Spanish style homes though it suits any type of home. Natural stucco allows air and moisture to pass through it easily thus allowing the walls to ‘breathe’.
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Wood Strip Siding
Generally used as flat or horizontal siding, though wood sidings provide the exteriors and attractive look, has a disadvantage. The one disadvantage is that it allows water to seep through and damage the interiors if sufficient waterproof membrane is not provided on the inside.
Now that you have familiarized with different types of sidings, you can go on and choose one that fits your design tastes, needs and budget.