House Siding Ideas

Cladding, more commonly known as siding, is used on almost any home built these days. There are many types, but all of them serve the same purposes. The issue is not purely aesthetic, though that is where the majority of the decision-making lies. The primary use of siding is practical: it serves to divert water from the house, thus preventing moisture damage. Sometimes, it can also be useful for additional insulation purposes, although this is mostly accomplished by proper insulation inside the walls. Siding is never part of the structural make-up of a house; even with stone and brick, it only serves as a facade.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

There are many types of siding, and it would be fruitless to list every kind here. With that said, we will endeavor to help you in your research by listing some of the attributes of the following types. Those most commonly used today are vinyl, fiber cement, stone, brick, and wood. Naturally, each has a great many attributes that should affect your final decision. Let’s briefly go over some of the details of these great home siding ideas, concluding with what we truly believe to be the best choice.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is possibly the most commonly used type of cladding there is. It is, in fact, so ubiquitous that if someone says “siding,” this is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Vinyl is a good, cheap option that serves its purpose. However, there are a number of considerable drawbacks to this option. Not only is it not especially attractive, but it is also easily damaged. It is an all-too-common occurrence that someone will place their gas cooker too close to the exterior wall and end up melting the vinyl, causing permanent warping. It’s also not uncommon to see chips and holes made by hail or something as simple as small debris thrown from a lawnmower.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes as an affordable and more durable replacement for vinyl. Although it’s been in use since 1901, fiber cement is now in its zenith. Initially, it was a composite of asbestos and cement, but due to health concerns in the 1980s, the asbestos was replaced by wood fibers. Because of its make-up, it is not only sturdier but also has more aesthetic potential. It can be molded to have the appearance and texture of wood or left smooth. It can also be primed for paint or manufactured in the preferred color. Fiber cement is much more durable than vinyl and is also highly flame-resistant.

Stone and Brick

We’ll lump these two in together, as they both have similar benefits. Both are generally quite durable, and they have great longevity. If you’ve ever looked for a house, you’ve probably gotten advice from multiple people to look for a home with brick siding. This is not bad advice, as it does tend to last longer than other materials. Brick can really take a beating, and it can be beautiful on its own or painted. It is also not damaged by vines or other vegetation (though it’s best to keep foliage trimmed at least two feet away from the structure). All told, brick and stone facades are perhaps the best choice mentioned up to this point. After all, both options have been used for ages.

There are, of course, many other types of cladding, including tin, aluminum, flagstone, plastic, asphalt, and even thatch. However, without further ado, let us present what we honestly believe is the best.

Wood

Wood siding may seem like a thing of the past, and in this case, you’d be partly right. Wood has been used for human shelters for millennia in various styles and methods. The fact that wood degrades over time, of course, made it necessary to come up with ways to preserve it. In ancient Greece, they used olive oil to preserve the wood, and in the late 1800s creosote was used to treat railroad ties. The wood we’re talking about is finished using a Japanese wood preservation method dating back hundreds of years. The face of the wood is burned and the soot scraped off, leaving a beautiful, dark, natural finish you have to see to believe.

Shou Sugi Ban (Yakisugi) Wood

This method is called Shou Sugi Ban, also called Yakisugi, and though it may be old, it’s making quite the comeback. The term translates roughly to “burned cedar,” but in fact, any softwood can be used, including Accoya, larch, pine, and spruce. This unique style gives your home a modern yet rustic look. Many of us love that natural cabin look, but there’s also no beating the modernity of monochrome.

Longevity and Top-Notch Style

In addition to its beautiful and versatile look, Shou Sugi Ban also helps to protect the wood. Burning the wood seals off the grain to moisture, thus repelling water. Termites also stay away from charred wood. Best of all, Shou Sugi Ban can last up to 100 years before needing to be replaced, which makes it a fantastic long-term solution.

Order Charred Wood

Maybe charred timber is a thing of the past, but we say it’s also a thing of the future. At Degmeda, we provide charred wood cladding for interior and exterior projects, from the traditional deeply burnt look to sleek contemporary texture variants.