Have you ever noticed that just about every type of home and commercial siding that isn’t brick or stone veneer seems to mock the look of natural wood? Vinyl siding and Hardie plank are two of the most popular knock-off exemplifications that exhibit the appeal of wood siding’s attractiveness. Why? Because people love the natural, timeless look of wood, which is why many choose to go with the ‘real deal.’ Let’s discuss the styles and types of wood siding available and the pros and cons of choosing this eco-friendly siding.
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Popular Styles and Types of Natural Wood Siding
Real wood siding is highly versatile and can be clad horizontally or vertically. The most commonly requested styles are hand-cut shakes, classic clapboard, machine-cut shingles, tongue in groove, bevel, and board and batten.
Many wood species make attractive additions to homes, with the two most recommended being cedar and redwood. These two hardwoods are in demand because they are pest and rot-resistant and are highly attractive to most home styles. Other good species for wood siding include:
- Cypress
- Spruce
- Pine
- Fir
The possibilities with custom wood siding are virtually limitless, making this an ideal choice of siding for new home constructions for owners with a unique vision.
The Practical Benefits of Wood Siding
Wood siding boasts an array of benefits when installed on structures. Here’s a breakdown of the top perks of going ‘au natural.’
Ease of Installation: Wood siding is typically readily available, and it installs quickly and easily amid most applications with professionals doing the work. However, handy owners can often handle the task themselves.
Easy Repairs: Wood can be replaced relatively easily without the hassle of full panel replacements that vinyl, Hardie board, and other siding alternatives often require.
Excellent ROI: Wood siding is considered high-end in the real estate marketing scene, and it brings in a good return on investment concerning resale value.
Ecological Responsibility: As a product from Mother Nature, there are not many more environmentally friendly housing components than renewable wood. Even if the siding ultimately ends up in a landfill, it will decompose rather quickly to rejoin the earth.
Limitless Finish Options: Want the wood to retain its natural hues and look? Stains and varnishes in a wide range of tints and sealants can provide the perfect finished results. It can also be painted just about any color imaginable. That being said, this benefit can lead to one of the potential drawbacks of wood siding.
Potential Challenges of Wood Siding
Continuing with the topic of painting, varnishing, or staining wood siding, choosing one of these options is required to protect the surface from insects, birds, critters, and the elements that can result in rotting, decay, and moisture penetration. Repainting or staining must be performed every two or three years, which can be both inconvenient and costly.
Neglecting this vital aspect of maintenance can lead to an invasion of insects such as termites, wood-boring beetles, and certain species of ants. Wasps and birds such as woodpeckers can also penetrate the wood siding and cause holes that give water and insects easier access. A bat only requires a hole the size of a nickel other animals won’t need much more.
Those who opt for an overlaying pattern of wood siding may face the additional challenges of battling cobwebs, mildew, or dirt buildup beneath the panels. An annual soft hand scrubbing or low-pressure power washing is needed to remove this debris—a chore often best left to professional commercial or home siding cleaners. Using the wrong pressure while pressure washing can cause damage to your wood siding.
Looking for Professional Wood Siding Cleaning Services?
If you need a soft hand or pressure washing for your wood siding, you’ll be glad to know that a Squeegee Squad team is nearby, ready to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. In addition to cleaning siding, you can have us clean your roofing, windows, and solar panels, too. We have the expertise, equipment, and environmentally friendly cleansers to suit all situations, so find the nearest Squeegee Squad and contact us today!