There are many types of exterior wood coverings available in the market. It is possible to get the exact look that one has in mind depending on what type of siding they use. Many coverings today can accommodate various shapes, colors and purposes. Some of these include the following:
Brick veneers
This type of exterior wood covering is a single layer of brick wall. It is one or more inches from the inner wall. The construction of the brick wall is at the outer edge of the foundation wall.
Unlike the construction of masonry walls, all the bricks here lie horizontally. They get their support from the wooden frame. When the wall is being constructed, metal ties come into use. These hold up the brick veneer while receiving support from the frame. Thus the frame is the support for the brick veneers.
It isn’t always easy to distinguish this type of exterior wood covering from solid masonry walls. In appearance the only difference is that brick veneers have no header bricks. The bricks in solid masonry walls have header bricks placed at intervals.
Brick veneers will also have weep holes at the bottom. Moisture that goes through the back of the brick seeps down onto an installed flashing. The water then goes out through the weep holes. As the sheathing has covering of moisture proof paper, water does not penetrate into it.
Brick veneers are generally much cheaper as compared to solid masonry walls. They can last for many years if installed well and maintained.
Natural wood siding
Exterior wood coverings made from natural wood give the home a more traditional look. The woods preferred for this exterior covering include red woods and cedars. This is because they are highly durable.
Wood can accommodate various shapes and sizes. The clap board siding is made of long horizontal pieces of wood that lie overlapping each other. The shingle siding has small pieces of wood overlapping just the way a shingled roof does.
Wood siding comes in many colors. Different colors combinations provide something that fits the taste of every person. Light colors often come recommended as they do not expand or contract much with changing weather.
This type of exterior wood covering is easy to install and cheaper than brick veneers. Some people even install it for themselves as it is a relatively easy thing to do. Replacing a damaged piece is also a quick and cheap task. This makes it a preferable siding material to others.
Natural wood siding has some few drawbacks though. It has to be maintained regularly through painting or covering with varnish to protect the wood. Wood has many enemies when left exposed. These include UV rays, water and insects. If not well maintained, it will certainly rot, or deteriorate in some way.
Aluminum siding
This exterior wood covering was commonly used in the past. Though it is rarely used now, it still has some advantages over wood. Besides being fire-resistant, it also requires little maintenance over long periods of time.
Aluminum comes with an enamel finish over the desired color. This finish allows it to last up to 25 years. It can last twice as long if it is well taken care of.
Aluminum is ideal for practical purposes rather than aesthetic appeal. It is cost effective and is available in the heaviest gauge for a reasonable price per square foot. It is fairly easy to install and only requires cleaning. Cleaning is done once a year. The enamel covering lasts up to 15 years before repainting
Aluminum does not allow moisture in and also does not rust. It is very durable in this respect. It will also not attract any insects. This type of exterior covering offers excellent insulation. The house keeps warm in cold months and cool during summer.
For areas prone to wildfires, aluminum is an excellent exterior covering. It is fire resistant and favored by insurers.
There are a few disadvantages to aluminum. Dents and scratches top the list here. These can result from normal movements around the home. A ball hitting the house can cause a dent. Hail also causes this kind of damage. Heavier gauge aluminum is not so prone to scratches and dents.
As rain and hail fall on the aluminum, they make noise which to some people is a turn-off. There is also the popping sound because of the expansion and contraction of the metal during hot and cold days.
Aluminum is not very appealing to the eye. The factory look that metal gives a home is thus a serious disadvantage. Today aesthetic appeal is a serious consideration for many people when choosing exterior coverings. This consideration puts aluminum at the bottom of the list.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding as an exterior wood covering is quite popular. It is built to look like wood and comes in various colors and styles.
Vinyl exterior covering comes is a wide variety of styles.
Lap siding just like the wood clapboard siding, uses long planks that overlap. This type of exterior covering offers protection from moisture. Dutch lap siding mimics wooden planks that are hand carved. The boards overlap at sharper angles than normal lap siding.
Log siding is designed make the structure look like a log cabin. This vinyl covering offers the look without the cost of maintaining wood. The panels are thick and durable. They can endure harsh weather and are resistant to insects and mold.
The above are only a few examples of vinyl siding. Vinyl is preferred because of the numerous benefits that it offers. It is easy to maintain and offers good insulation. It comes in a wide variety of designs and colors thus appealing to all tastes. Installation of vinyl covering is also an easy task that will take a short time.
As with all other exterior wood coverings vinyl also has its disadvantages. Under high temperature conditions it may release toxic substances. It also requires frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.
Exterior wood coverings are many and diverse. The list above is by no means exhaustive. The choices the homeowner has available to them are many. Price, durability, appearance and function will determine what works best for you.
