Wood siding is one of the oldest siding options but is it still good enough when you have modern options. You do have to choose the right siding material before you have a siding contractor install it so here what you should know about wood siding.

Pros And Cons Of Installing Wood Siding

Pros Of Wood Siding

When it comes to wood siding, things like durability, maintenance, price, and variety are some of the key factors that are looked at. Here are all the great things about wood siding that will make you want them in your house.

Classic Option

It’s wood – a classic and timeless option for siding. The look of wood is something that can’t be mimicked and it’s a very beautiful, warm, and cozy material that has a lot of benefits as a house siding. Wood is truly a material that will never go out of style.

It can be used for decades and no one will tell you that your siding looks outdated, because it simply won’t. Wood is among the classics for a reason, so it will be a great option if you want to jazz up your siding.

It Is Durable

Even though wood might seem and look pretty fragile, it’s anything but. Wood is a highly durable material and if you can maintain it properly, then it will last for decades to come.

Usually, the need to change wood sidings is because of reasons of not maintaining it timely, so if you can take care of the siding well, then wood will thank you in ways that you never even imagined. Wood is a material that surprisingly looks great as it ages, so it’s worth a go.

It Is Environmentally Sustainable

Wood is not a man-made material per se. As we all know, it’s a naturally sourced material and even though trees are cut to obtain wood for siding, there are many options available in which you can source wood without compromising the health of your planet.

Also, wood is not treated with any harsh chemicals either, so it won’t expose the environment to harmful toxins, which is amazing. Some materials can put a toll on Earth’s atmosphere after manufacturing and treatment processes, but luckily wood doesn’t fall in the same category. So, if you’re someone with a green thumb, then definitely give wood a shot.

Stained In Multiple Colors

You might think that wood only has one or two color choices, but you’re wrong. One of the great things about wood is that you don’t need to paint it. When it comes to siding, wood can be stained in a variety of beautiful colors and the rest is history.

Wood staining is not as harsh as painting and it’s amazing when it comes to adding a subtle tint of color that looks just like wood. So, if you’re someone who wants to enhance the natural color of wood without coating it in paint, then stain is the way to go.

It Adds Value

When it comes to wood, it is loved by a lot of people and you already know why. But the beneficial thing for you, in this case, is the fact that it adds value to your house if you go ahead and sell the property.

Wood is a material that people will try to bend over backward to get their hands on, so it is only fitting that you give the buyers what you need and in turn, you can get a great return on investment after the fact. It’s simple math and you will love wood even more after this tidbit.

Cons Of Wood Siding

Wood is an amazing option, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the best. Here are all of the downsides to this material as a siding, and these can change your perspective on getting it for your house.

It Is Very Expensive

As great as wood is, it can also be very expensive. A lot of the time, people have the conception that wood is too expensive for them, even though the qualities are amazing. But still, these things aren’t enough to justify the price of wood.

This is why a lot of people tend to go for other materials that they know will serve the purpose within their budget. Since wood is a naturally sourced material, it is going to be a bit on the expensive side, which is why people seldom reach for it, even though it is very popular.

It Can Get Spoiled

Water and wood is a combination that you don’t want to have in any case, but it is also inevitable. When it comes to wood, water damage is really common and it’s not something that goes away without leaving a honking mark.

Wood can easily get spoiled by water and this is something that you can’t do much about since house sidings are exterior structures and they will be exposed to all kinds of damages. This is why it’s recommended that you seal wood siding, as well as waterproof them.

Fungus & Mold Is Common

Speaking of water, another thing that it can cause is mold formation. Fungus and mold thrive inside wood and if the wood is wet and surrounded by water, then it’s only a matter of time until the siding gets completely infested with fungus.

This is bothersome about wood siding because even after waterproofing it, there is still a very high chance of it getting ruined by fungus and mold. After all, it is exposed to the outside weather conditions. So, this is the main reason why a lot of people don’t go for natural siding materials because they’re not as strong against outdoor damage.

It Needs A Lot Of Maintenance

When it comes to wood siding, it will knock you off your feet with its huge maintenance list. Firstly, it needs to be sealed and made waterproof. This is something that a lot of people have to do almost annually or more frequently, depending on the damage severity and exposure to water and other damaging agents.

Next, it also needs to be stained from time to time, not only to preserve the color but also to keep it strong. These things can add up over time and it can be tiring to do all of these every couple of months.

Wood & Fire – Not A Good Combo

Wood is also a material that catches fire very easily. It is a huge hazard when it comes to fire and there can be a lot of reasons why fires can break out.

They can either be spontaneous, they can be because of the high temperature and other things, but one thing is for sure: Wood will catch fire, rather than repel it, so you want to understand this fact and this is why a lot of people go for other materials as they, at least, don’t let fire consume them.

Conclusion

Wood siding is one of the most popular siding options out there, but you should remember that it’s not resistant to water, rot, and fire. Discuss your preferences with siding companies Port Jefferson to find the right siding material for your house.