The Common Types of Siding Found In The Capital District
Here in the Capital District, you can expect to find these common siding types installed on properties.
Why Is Siding Important?
Siding plays a vital role in protecting your home from the elements outside. It also helps to add to the curb appeal of your home, but damaged or poorly chosen siding can have a huge impact on the comfort and beauty of your home. That's why your home inspector is going to carefully review your home's siding to determine whether or not it's in good condition, and if it's appropriate for the area.
While expensive siding may look great during the first few years, over time, it may get worn down quickly if it can't withstand the elements or if the maintenance is not properly kept up. Reasonably priced and durable siding that requires minimal maintenance is typically the way to go. Here's the appropriate siding types you'll find here in the northeast.
Vinyl
As the least expensive siding, vinyl is also very popular for warm and humid climates. However, although often found in colder areas, it is very vulnerable in the colder weather and it will not necessarily hold up well to the elements.
It does not flake or rot and it comes in a wide range of colors. It also closely resembles vintage or wood grain siding. It only requires occasional maintenance, but it will fade a bit overtime. It's very often found in the south. If you find it here in the northeast, keep in mind it will likely need repairs after a major storm.
Masonry
The expensive look of masonry can be achieved with look-alike versions too at a much lower price point. But, in either case, you are likely to find masonry showing itself in the northeast in both stone and brick from. Masonry is very strong and, in the heat, it's favored because it cools down faster than other siding types. But, it will chip and wear overtime as it is exposed to the elements. Moss may also develop, so occasional maintenance is required to keep it looking great. With the right care, it can easily outlast 100 years.
With regular maintenance, your wood siding can last for years! And that's a good thing too, because it's rather expensive to install. Keep in mind that it is prone to cracking, splitting, and mildew, but you have a wide range of classic looking choices that come in pre-primed shingles, shakes, and planks. Power washings staining, and sealing is important in the cold weather.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood holds up a lot better than natural wood. It's treated to withstand the elements and it's also easy to install. Fungus repellents and insecticides help keep it looking great and it can handle moisture, mildew, and termites with ease. It also repels the sun along with storms and chemicals.
Fiber cement
This type of siding is often called hardie board siding. It's composed of wood fibers, sand, and cement which mix together to form an extremely durable siding that's resistant to termites and to rotting. It's also very slow to burn and it's wonderful for the northeast since its resident to wind along with heat, cold, and moisture. It requires minimal maintenance.
The Author Adam Clark is the owner and operator of Shield Guard Home Inspections. Adam Clark is a local Home Inspector located in Albany NY that has performed over 6000 Inspections Book online Phone: (518) 720-7152
