Masonite Siding

Which Siding Is Right For You Home?

One of the biggest and most important home improvement projects is the residing of your home. New siding will make your house look new again if properly installed. The correct choice in siding can make your home look like a more expensive house. A bad choice of siding can make your abode look cheap and cause you endless problems. This is no project to take short cuts on, or to try to get by too cheaply. The little bit of money you save may come back to haunt you in a product that looks bad and does not perform well.

There are many different materials to choose from when it is time to re side your home, or when you are building a new home. Some of the materials you may be considering are: Masonite Siding, Cedar shake or board siding, hardie siding, concrete or cement board siding, vinyl or insulated vinyl siding, plywood or exterior wood siding, real or faux stone or brick, metal and stucco. All of these siding materials have good and bad features. Some siding materials are better in one climate, some in others. Some materials are susceptible to insect damage and so on.

One group of siding materials is wood or wood product based and is paint able or stain-able depending on the product. Masonite Siding and plywood siding can come in 4 x 8 foot siding sections or in boards or shakes. They can have many different textures and designs that come prefinished, primed or unfinished. The advantage to large sheets is that the home can be sided faster and with fewer seams to worry about. these materials are easier for the home owner to install themselves or with help. The cost is usually on the lower end so they are good for smaller budgets. Exterior wood board and batten siding and cedar siding boards or shakes give a richer, more complex look especially for traditional style homes. Since individual boards or shakes take longer to install and each row must be level, it is better to have a professional roofing crew tackle this job. All wood and wood by-product sidings rely on good finishes and upkeep for long lasting service.

The cement based, vinyl and metal sidings come in many patterns, textures and finishes. They are more likely to come prefinished and advertise low maintenance and no need to ever repaint. Low maintenance is a plus for many homeowners. These materials are also less likely to be affected by moisture and insects. The proper installation and trim are important for these materials to perform at their best, so professional installation is advised.