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Wood siding has long been a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance the look and feel of their homes. The natural, warm, and rustic aesthetic of pine or cedar wood has made it a go-to material in the home improvement industry for centuries.
Homeowners are now more concerned about whether the type of house siding they choose is in line with their budget and preferences. Luckily, a better alternative provides the same timeless beauty of wood without the downsides: Vinyl siding that looks like wood. In this blog post, we’ll explore eight reasons why wood grain vinyl siding is superior to real wood siding. So, let’s get started!
Getting To Know Wood Siding And Its Problems
Wood siding is one of the popular types of siding used on homes across the county. It is a type of siding made from pieces of natural wood and you can find it available in a variety of styles, textures, and colors.
Some popular styles include:
- Lap Siding
- Shake Siding
- Board and Batten Siding
Overall, wood siding adds a touch of natural beauty and warmth to a home, but it also has some problems that have led to the rise of other roofing materials gaining popularity. Here are some common problems with natural wood siding:
- Wood siding requires regular maintenance to protect it from the elements and prevent decay, rot, and insect damage.
- Wood siding is highly susceptible to moisture damage, which can lead to rot, warping, and decay.
- Natural wood siding contributes to deforestation and other environmental concerns associated with logging and wood production.
- It can be costly compared to other siding options, such as vinyl or fiber cement siding.
The Benefits Of Vinyl Siding That Looks Like Wood
Now that you know the pitfalls of using natural wood siding on a home, it’s time to look at the benefits that vinyl siding can offer. With advancements in technology over the years this siding is great because it provides the look of natural wood grain without the same disadvantages.
#1 Resembles Natural Wood Siding
We know that one of the strongest attributes of natural wood siding is its exceptional aesthetic appeal. It has a rugged appearance that can add a touch of class and an old-school charm to your property, but with these good looks come certain problems.
One of the most impressive aspects of vinyl siding that looks like wood is how closely it resembles the real thing. Modern advancements in vinyl manufacturing have allowed for incredibly realistic wood grain patterns, texture, and color variations to be replicated on vinyl siding.
Overall, the visual appeal of this siding is unmatched, and the fact that it is virtually indistinguishable from real wood makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who want the natural beauty of wood without the upkeep.
#2 Low Cost
One of the biggest advantages of wood grain vinyl siding over real wood is its affordability. Wood siding can be quite expensive due to the cost of materials and the installation cost associated with it. In contrast, vinyl siding is relatively inexpensive for manufacturers to make, and for contractors to install, making it a much more cost-effective option for homeowners. In fact, vinyl is one of the least expensive siding materials available on the market.
In terms of specific numbers, the cost of wood siding such as cedar wood can range from $5 to $10 per square foot, while vinyl siding typically costs between $2 to $7 per square foot.
#3 Low Maintenance
Wood siding requires a significant amount of maintenance to keep it looking and functioning at its best. This includes periodic painting or staining, sealing, and cleaning. Failure to keep up with these tasks can result in moisture damage, rot, and pest infestations. Not to mention, the cost of maintenance for wood siding adds up quickly over time.
On the other hand, vinyl siding requires minimal maintenance, one of the major reasons for its popularity. Unlike its natural counterpart, vinyl siding that looks like wood is generally not susceptible to rot, insects, or moisture damage, so there is no need for you to paint, stain, or seal your siding regularly. Additionally, vinyl siding can be easily cleaned with a power washer or a simple solution of soap and water, so you will not require special cleaning products that are expensive.
#4 Energy Efficient
In the section above, we saw how there’s quite a difference in the pricing of vinyl and wood siding. Additionally, vinyl siding helps homeowners save money in the long run by reducing energy costs. Vinyl siding is an excellent insulator and can help keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
A roof or siding with proper insulation can help keep the temperature within a home at acceptable levels so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work hard. This means less money is spent on heating and cooling bills. You can also install more advanced, insulated vinyl siding that is thicker than basic vinyl siding to further improve the energy efficiency of your home.
What Is Insulated Vinyl Siding?
Insulated vinyl siding is known for its thickness and high R-value. This insulation is typically made of foam and is added to the back of the siding to provide an additional layer of thermal protection for a home. That being said, this siding may be slightly more expensive than traditional vinyl siding if you intend to utilize it for your home.
#5 Resistant To Pests
As a homeowner, a common problem you may face with your home is pest damage. Homeowners face millions worth of damage every year, all due to pesky little creatures. One major drawback of traditional wood siding is its susceptibility to pest damage due to being an organic material. Siding manufactured from real wood looks great but is susceptible to rot and moisture damage which tends to attract pests such as termites, ants, and wood-boring beetles. These pests cause significant damage to the wooden siding, leading to costly repairs or even replacement.
In contrast, vinyl siding is a man-made siding manufactured from PVC, so it doesn’t attract pests like natural wood does. Instead, it aids in the protection of your home by acting as a barrier against pest entry.
#6 Resistance To Moisture
Moisture is also a key factor to consider when selecting a new siding material. Traditional wood siding is highly susceptible to moisture damage, and when moisture starts to accumulate, it can lead to extensive damage. Siding that is frequently covered with excessive moisture may begin to rot, warp, and decay. Since wood is a porous material, water seeps into it, causing the wood to expand and contract, which compromises the integrity of the siding and creates gaps that allow even more moisture to get through.
Other Types Of Siding Susceptible To Moisture
Wood siding isn’t the only siding susceptible to moisture, other popular materials such as cement, brick, and even fiber cement have issues with moisture resistance. Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is practically moisture resistant. Vinyl is a non-porous material that does not absorb moisture, which means that it is not susceptible to the same problems as natural wood.
#7 Eco Friendly
Sustainability has become quite a crucial issue as homeowners look to improve their property with products that are not only durable but also don’t harm the environment.
Vinyl siding that looks like wood is an eco-friendly option for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact. Despite the wood grain appearance, vinyl siding does not use real wood and therefore there is no need to harvest beautiful cedar or pine trees.
This siding is also known to produce less waste than its natural counterpart, and other more popular siding options, such as brick siding.
Additionally, many manufacturers of vinyl siding, such as CertainTeed and PlyGem are committed to sustainable and eco-friendly production practices. Many companies claim to manufacture vinyl siding with zero waste, which means that the production of vinyl siding has a lower carbon footprint than the production of traditional wood shake siding.
#8 Vinyl Siding Provides More Style Options
Over the years, the siding industry has seen significant changes. Now it has several purposes apart from keeping your humble abode safe from harsh weather and pest infestation. One of these purposes is to enhance the curb appeal of your home.
Both natural wood and vinyl siding that looks like wood can improve the appearance of your home, but vinyl siding provides more styles options to choose from. Whether you want the look of cedar, or a more rugged wood grain or wood shake appearance, you’ll find endless possibilities.
Best Vinyl Siding Lines That Look Like Wood
The market is constantly changing, and now many vinyl siding manufacturers produce vinyl siding that looks like wood. Here are some of the popular lines available on the market.
Mastic Cedar DiscoveryⓇ
Mastic has been a dominant company in the industry when it comes to siding manufacturing, and just like with their other products, their Mastic Cedar Discovery line will have a lasting impact on your home. As the name suggests, this siding will give you the appearance and feel of real cedar shakes but with the added durability of vinyl. This siding is available in 17 standard color options and 24 premium options to help you get the right look for your home.
CertainTeed MonogramⓇ Siding
CertainTeed is the leading siding manufacturer in the U.S., known for its exceptional range of rustic vinyl siding lines that look like wood. The Monogram line is a heavy-duty siding line that can elevate your home’s look. This vinyl option is available in several styles, such as clapboard and Dutch lap, and comes with CertainTeed’s own CertiLock technology for a better fit. It’s also Class A fire-resistant and can withstand wind speeds of up to 210 mph.
Other lines available by CertainTeed:
- CedarBoards™ Insulated Siding
- Northwoods® Single 7” Straight Edge Rough-Split Shakes
Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior with Professional Installation Services
As you’ve seen, vinyl siding that looks like wood can offer numerous benefits at a lower cost than natural wood siding. However, each style has its pros and cons, and it’s better to research various options before installing new siding.
If you have any questions regarding the type of siding that will suit your needs, feel free to contact the team of Kickapoo Roofing. Our team of experienced professionals can help you with our siding services.
Not only do we install vinyl siding that looks like wood, but we can also offer other siding options, and can improve your home with other exterior services. All you need to do to transform your home’s exterior with quality siding is to contact our team at (608) 352-8688, and our experts will help you move the process forward!
