Choosing the right siding for your house is an important decision, as it not only affects the aesthetics of your home but also its durability and energy efficiency. There are many types of siding available and selecting between engineered wood and composite siding for your home exterior involves considerations such as your budget, aesthetic preferences, climate, and maintenance requirements.
New Windows for America has put together some steps to help you make an informed decision when it comes to replacing your siding.
MATERIAL COMPOSITION
Some composite sidings are made up of cellulose fibers that are bonded with additional materials, while engineered wood uses treated wood strands combined with a resin binder for strength.
Engineered Wood Siding: This siding is typically made from wood fibers, wax, and resin, which are compressed and formed into boards or panels. It provides a more natural wood appearance.
Composite Siding: Composite siding is usually made from a combination of wood fibers, recycled plastics, and binding agents. It may have a more uniform and consistent appearance compared to wood.
COST OF SIDING
Engineered Wood Siding: Engineered wood is often less expensive than composite siding, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Composite Siding: Composite siding tends to be pricier than engineered wood but may offer longer-term benefits in terms of durability and lower maintenance costs.
DURABILITY OF SIDING
Engineered Wood Siding: Engineered wood can be susceptible to moisture, which may lead to swelling, warping, and rotting. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to prolong its lifespan.
Composite Siding: Composite siding is more resistant to moisture and insects, making it a durable choice that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It generally requires less maintenance and is less prone to rot.
MAINTENANCE OF SIDING
Composite siding may require some maintenance. LP® SmartSide® offers a simple checklist for cleaning and maintenance that will help keep your siding looking beautiful.
Engineered Wood Siding: Engineered wood siding typically requires more frequent maintenance, including repainting or staining, to protect it from the elements and maintain its appearance. Engineered wood can be more flexible than composite siding making it less prone to breakage.
Composite Siding: Composite siding is low maintenance and often requires only periodic cleaning to keep it looking good. It doesn’t need to be refinished as frequently as engineered wood.
APPEARANCE OF SIDING
Siding options come in all sorts of colors and texture combinations. LP SmartSide offers a home visualizer where you can pick your home’s style or even upload a photo of your home to begin. Select an area of the home to visualize materials and colors.
Engineered Wood Siding: If you prefer a more natural wood look, engineered wood may be the better choice. It can be stained or painted in various colors and finishes.
Composite Siding: Composite siding provides a consistent appearance and can mimic the look of real wood but with less variation and more uniformity in color and texture.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Choosing a siding material that uses products that contain material that has been sustainably sourced, adheres to forest sustainability standards, and ensures compliance with SFI Standards is important to the team at New Windows for America. LP SmartSide® is committed to providing the best construction materials using sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
Engineered Wood Siding: It is made from wood fibers and can be considered more environmentally friendly, especially if sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Composite Siding: Composite siding often contains recycled materials, such as plastics, which can be seen as a sustainable choice. However, the production process may involve energy-intensive manufacturing.
CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS
The best type of siding for Colorado homes depends on various factors, including the climate, your aesthetic preferences, budget, and maintenance considerations. Colorado experiences a range of weather conditions, from hail to harsh winters with snow and freezing temperatures to hot, dry summers, so it’s important to choose a siding that can withstand these extremes. LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding is designed to hold up to harsh weather and provide a home with superior resistance to impact damage from everyday bumps and bruises to golf ball–sized hail.
Engineered Wood Siding: In very wet or humid climates, engineered wood siding may require extra maintenance to prevent moisture-related issues.
Composite Siding: Composite siding tends to perform well in various climates, thanks to its moisture resistance and durability.
Are You Ready to Replace Your Siding?
The right siding choice should be a balance between your budget, aesthetic preferences, durability, and maintenance considerations. Careful research and planning will help you make an informed decision that will benefit your home for years to come. Ultimately, choosing the right siding for your home depends on your specific needs and priorities. Click here to learn more about the differences between Engineered Wood Siding and Composite Siding, and what options might be best for your home. As a Certified LP Installer, New Windows for America is trained and educated to help you answer any questions you may have.
If you are looking to replace your siding, windows, or a new front door, we invite you to contact our team at New Windows for America. We can provide you with options based on your style and budget when it comes to siding replacement, new windows and even updating your front door.
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New Windows for America has been a local and family-owned business for over 25+ years, installing a wide range of energy-efficient windows, doors, and siding. With our trained and professional installers, you can trust New Windows for America as your local window, door, and siding installer to perform a quality installation. We have a 5-star professional and knowledgeable team to help you choose the best windows, siding, and doors for your home, to fit your style, and budget.
Contact us today to schedule your FREE In-Home Estimate.