Wood siding has been one of the most-used building materials for centuries. This is mainly because it’s readily available and easy to work with. While you could have natural wood siding on your home, there is an innovative alternative. Engineered wood siding gives you the ability to have a more durable and protective siding on your home.
What Is Engineered Siding Made of?
You may hear engineered siding referred to as manufactured, composite, or synthetic. They are all essentially the same product. They will all provide you with the same benefits and looks.
To make engineered siding, wood fibers or strands get formed and glued together with a composite resin material. High levels of heat and pressure are then applied to bind it all together and form it into the siding shape. This heat and pressure ensure that there is a solid bond throughout, giving the siding durability and stability.
Once the siding is formed, it’s then finished with a wax coating. This seals each piece to give it even greater durability, helping to prevent moisture from getting in and mold from growing. The final step is to treat the siding with a zinc borate treatment. The coating helps to prevent infestations and fungal growth.
This manufacturing process makes engineered siding incredibly versatile. It can be formed into planks, panels, shakes, or even window trim.
Installing Engineered Wood Siding
This composite formulation makes engineered siding lighter weight than wood, making it easy to work with. With advancements like self-aligning edges, it’s also easier to lock into place. It can come pre-primed or pre-finished – reducing the time and labor required to install it.
Benefits of Engineered Wood Siding
The primary benefit of engineered siding is that it’s more affordable and easier to install than real wood siding. It also comes in a broader range of colors, textures, and finishes than real wood. This gives you greater freedom in designing the exterior of your home. Once installed, it’s durable enough to last for years and has low maintenance requirements.
It’s also a smart home siding option in Florida because it can withstand temperature fluctuations and high heat. It’s also durable, helping it withstand the abuse from Florida thunderstorms. It won’t chip or peel even with prolonged exposure to the elements.
Finally, buy your engineered siding from a reputable contractor that’s an approved installer for a high-quality siding manufacturer, and your home’s new facade will come with a long-term warranty. This is something you won’t get with real wood siding. Should there be a defect or issue later on, you can make a claim through the warranty and easily get your home fixed.
The Cost of Engineered Siding
Installing engineered wood siding on your home is more affordable than wood. However, there is more to consider than just the siding cost. You need to consider the cost to remove your current siding or prepare the wall for the new siding. Then there are labor costs and cost of scale. The larger your home is, the more expensive the project will be.
When pricing siding for your home, it’s best to buy the best quality that you can realistically afford with your budget.
Blindly selecting the cheapest material and labor options will result in a subpar product and workmanship. However, you also don’t want to purchase above your budget. Working with a reputable contractor, like those at Big D Building Center, can help you determine the best quality product and installation options for your home.
Maintenance Requirements
The maintenance requirements of engineered wood are low. It’s resistant to water damage, weather damage, warping, fungus, pests, mold, and mildew. This means it’s less likely to get damaged and require repair. Most homeowners can expect to get 20-30 years out of their siding.
To maintain your engineered wood siding, you should inspect it twice a year. Most people do this during the spring and fall seasons. First, wash the siding to remove mildew, dirt, and spiderwebs. Next, check for any cracks and fill them with sealant. Then touch any areas with paint. Plan to paint the entire siding about every ten years.
Replace Your Home’s Siding With Engineered Wood
If you are ready to improve your home’s curb appeal, durability, and value, then it’s time to consider adding engineered wood siding. Start by contacting a reputable contractor with experience in working with and installing siding. You can secure a quote and learn about the different options that would work for your home and budget. Once you’re ready, the contractor will install your new siding.
Request a quote today, and one of our knowledgeable team members will meet you at your home to provide you with a competitive quote.