What is the best wood to use for siding?
Some of the most popular types of wood used for siding include cedar, redwood, and thermally modified wood. Cedar is a durable wood that is resistant to rot and insect damage. It is also available in a variety of colors, including natural, stained, and painted finishes. Redwood is another durable option that is resistant to rot and insect damage. It has a natural reddish hue that can add beauty and warmth to your home. Thermally modified wood is a newer type of wood siding that has been treated with heat and pressure to improve its durability and resistance to weathering. This type of wood is an excellent choice for homes in areas with extreme weather conditions.
What affects the price of wood siding?
The cost of your project will depend on a number of factors including: the size of your home, climate, quality of wood you select and other design elements. The local cost of labour also will have a bearing on the overall price. Reputable companies should be able to give you a detailed, accurate and itemized quote for your project and can explain all aspects of it too.
Don’t make this decision alone: obtain quotes from at least three companies – two local ones and one national company that has a local representative in your area.
Remember, when it comes to wood siding, you get what you pay for. A cheap price usually means corners were cut to save money and the quality of the work will be inferior.
The types of wood used for siding can also influence your choice. For example, cedar and redwood are both very durable and weather well. Make sure you do your research to find out which type is best for your home.
Another important factor is the type of wood siding you choose. Before making a final choice on this aspect, don’t forget to take into account the climate where you live as some types of wood will weather better than others.
What are the disadvantages of wood siding?
Problems with wood siding include:
- Wood is a poor insulator;
- Water damage and rot; and
- Wood doesn’t last forever.
Wood siding will also delaminate or lose its paint, making it unattractive. Wood’s other disadvantages include: Wood is hard to maintain because nails can come loose and water seeping into the wall can cause damage. Wood also has a tendency to expand and contract with changes in humidity.
In short, wood siding is not a good choice for any home that will be heated or air conditioned because it is difficult to insulate the house adequately. In addition, wood siding can’t handle moisture well and doesn’t last forever, so it will need replacement in 10 to 15 years.
Finally, wood siding is not good for homes that are more than one story high because the weight of the upper floors can cause problems with sagging and warping. For these reasons, fiber cement siding is generally more popular than wood siding.