Whether you’re building a new home, putting on an addition, or upgrading your home’s exterior, you’ll need to make a choice about siding. Decades ago, many homes used aluminum siding, which is no longer available. You will be left with a choice between vinyl siding, wood, fiber cement, and engineered wood. Here is what you need to know about engineered wood siding so that you can make an informed decision.
What Is Engineered Wood Siding?
Engineered wood siding is a composite material. It consists of strands of different types of hardwood mixed with other fibers and adhesive materials. These strands are compressed and formed into sheets, which are then sealed, scored, and cut. The siding planks are available in sheets measuring four by eight feet or in lap panels, which can be connected piece by piece. This type of siding has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, depending on your home’s location, the amount of sunlight and precipitation, and the temperature range.
Cost of Engineered Wood Siding
The installation costs range from $3.58 to $8.58 per square foot. The cost of natural hardwood siding is $8 to $12 per square foot, so you would spend considerably less. The cost of vinyl siding is $2 to $8 per square foot.
Benefits for Your Home
There are many benefits to choosing this type of siding for your home. It requires virtually no maintenance. If you notice that it is dusty or dirty, all you need to do is spray it with your garden hose. No detergents, painting, or sealing are required in order to keep it in pristine condition. The color is uniform, so less of the material goes to waste. This siding is available in a range of colors and textures. Choose a style that mimics cedar, yellow pine, or other type of natural wood. It does not split, crack, or warp. The engineered wood siding is resistant to mold, mildew, wood-destroying insects, rot, decay, fading, hail damage, and wind damage. Most engineered wood siding offers a 20- to 30-year guarantee from the manufacturer. Engineered wood siding is environmentally friendly, too. It makes use of sawdust and fiber strands from wood that would otherwise go to waste.
Drawbacks of
Before you decide on this type of siding for your home, there are a few drawbacks to consider. When you look at it closely, you can tell that it is not genuine hardwood. Its planks are too perfect and lack some of the natural variation and faults of hardwood, such as notches and discolored areas. Modern engineered wood siding is a relatively young product. Some early versions, which are no longer made, had issues with moisture intrusion. There is not a lot of information about its durability, but you can rely on the manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind. Contact us, here at Steele Restoration for more information.