A drab exterior can dramatically lower the value of any home, but it can be tough to decide the best material for replacement siding. One possible solution is vinyl, and this material has become quite popular in recent decades. However, vinyl siding has a few issues that people may not be familiar with. For instance, vinyl does not anchor directly to the building because this could cause it to warp or twist when the home shifts and settles. Instead, the vinyl must float over the house and is attached using specific anchors. This is one reason that expert Siding Contractors in Lexington KY recommend products such as fiber-cement planks.
Fiber-cement siding is a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose. This combination creates a product that does not burn, is resistant to insects, and handles most weather with very little damage. In fact, fiber-cement siding cannot rot like real wood or OSB (oriented strand board) because the cement protects the cellulose filler. Cement is also the reason that the siding does not burn. Surprisingly, the use of cement does not make this type of siding excessively heavy because of its cellulose filler.
Another benefit to fiber cement planks or shingles installed by professional siding contractors in Lexington KY is the ability to cover them with paint. Vinyl siding does not require paint, but it usually fades as the material ages. Paint must be used to protect wood and OSB, but fiber cement only needs paint for decorative purposes. In fact, some types of fiber-cement may never need paint because the manufacturer uses a baked finish. Sealing the siding in this manner creates long-lasting color.
One decision that will need to be made is the design of the siding. Fiber cement siding comes in the familiar plank style, but it is also possible to get the appearance of shingles. Lap planks can be beaded and may have a cedar grain finish or a smooth surface. Shingle siding can come as an individual shingle, the straight edge shingle, a staggered edge version, or a half-round notched panel. Sometimes, the architecture of the home will limit the choice of siding style. For example, the colonial styled building typically uses a plank siding while the craftsman style of the home may be covered in a variety of ways including shingle or beaded lap. Get more information from the experts at Business Name.
