The Pros and Cons of Wood Siding for Your Home

Looking to install or replace your home’s siding? It’s important to weigh your options. Four of the most popular types include vinyl, fiber-cement, PVC, and wood. They’re all fantastic choices, but today, we’re going to focus on wood shingle siding. In this article, we’ll present the pros and cons so that you can make your own decision about whether it would be right for your home.

At Legacy Service, we’re here to improve your home’s exterior, whether you need roof installation or siding replacement. Upgrading your home’s siding will give it the facelift it deserves while improving its ability to protect your home and family. Wood is one of the best types you can choose because it not only increases your home’s value, but it also provides an extra layer of protection against the elements. As one of the leading siding contractors in the local areas, Legacy Service has the knowledge and experience needed to complete your project so that you’ll be happier than ever with your home’s new exterior.

So, without further ado, here are the advantages and disadvantages of wood siding. To schedule a siding consultation with one of our experts, give us a call at 215-798-9790 or contact us at https://legacyusa.com/contact/.

Advantages of Wood Siding

Wood siding offers tons of advantages, which is why it’s so appealing to homeowners. Here’s why many people choose it to clad their house:

• It has a timeless appearance – Real wood has a timeless, classic appearance that will appeal to just about anyone. In fact, most people feel that it has a comforting effect, similar to sitting by a fireplace as snow gently falls outside.
• It can be installed quickly – Wood is readily available, and it can be installed quickly. Those who have even the slightest experience in carpentry will be able to install their own, which also helps them save money in the process.
• It’s a low-cost alternative to other materials – Despite the fact that it’s one of the most beautiful types, wood is also a cheap, low-cost alternative to other materials.
• Repair and replacement are quick and easy – Since it’s so readily available, it can easily be repaired or replaced when damaged. With other types, small replacements tend to be difficult, but with wood, parts can be quickly and easily removed and replaced.
• It’s eco-friendly – If eco-friendliness is important to you, then wood should be at the top of your list. Since it’s biodegradable, it will decay into a compost-like substance over time. So, even if it does eventually end up in a landfill, it will be able to decompose.
• It’s designed to last for a long time – If you keep up with the proper maintenance, wood siding can last for decades.
• There’s a variety of styles to match your tastes – Every individual has their own tastes, and believe it or not, siding is one of the best ways to express your style in regards to your home. Species include cedar, redwood, pine, spruce, fir, and cypress. And styles include machine-cut shingles, clapboard, solid wood, and hand-cut shakes in either a vertical or horizontal pattern.

These are just a few of the reasons why this type of siding is so popular.

Wood Siding Disadvantages

There are also some disadvantages of using wood for your house’s siding. Read through our list and see if you consider any of them to be dealbreakers. If so, you might want to reevaluate your choice. The cons of wood include:

• Wood offers no insulation – Since this type of siding offers no insulation itself, you’ll have to spend more on actual insulation. Your local hardware expert can help you select the best type of siding for your home.
• It’s prone to damage (especially insect and water damage) – While the good news is that it can be repaired quite easily, wood is prone to damage, especially from water and insects. You’ll need to proactively maintain it to protect it from the elements, so it may require more work than other types. This includes inspecting it regularly to look for any problems as well as routinely checking for and plugging weak spots to protect against pests.
• It requires frequent coats of paint – Wood typically requires more repainting and restaining jobs than other types. You’ll most likely need to repaint or restain the siding every 3-7 years, which might not seem like much initially, but you’ll be surprised how quickly the time comes to repaint the wood again.
• Wood may attract termites – Remember that wood isn’t just attractive to homeowners; it’s also attractive to pests like termites. If you choose this type of siding, we recommend scheduling an annual pest control inspection to prevent infestations. This can help you save money down the line so that you’re not paying for costly repairs.

If you really want to use wood for your house, don’t let these disadvantages turn you off. With a little bit of extra maintenance, it can last for decades and look great throughout the years.

Installing Wood Siding

Some people would rather complete home projects themselves than hire a professional. If you have experience in carpentry, installing this type of siding shouldn’t be too difficult for you. However, before you begin, make sure you know exactly what to do, gather the necessary tools and materials, and grab a friend to help you out (don’t forget to pay them in some way!). In this section, we’re going to briefly go over the steps to take when installing this siding. They include:

1. Gather your materials.
2. Remove the existing siding.
3. Inspect the wall for damage. Replace anything (from plywood to insulation) that is damaged.
4. Install a moisture barrier.
5. Cut and install a starter plank.
6. Cut and attach the vertical planks. Make sure you’re installing them around the windows and doors.
7. Wrap the edges that meet at your house’s corners.
8. Add the trim.
9. Caulk, stain, and seal the wood.
10. Enjoy your new siding!

This is just an overview of the steps to take when installing or replacing your siding. For more information about siding replacement, please feel free to contact us by calling 215-798-9790 or filling out a contact form here.

Any Questions About Wood Siding?

“Is wood siding bad?” some of you may be wondering.

Of course not! Whether you want this type for your home does depend on your preferences, though.

At Legacy Service, we take pride in our siding installation expertise as well as our eye for design. If you’re considering wood, you’ll be pleased to know that it not only adds an extra layer to protect your home from the elements, but it also improves its value and curb appeal. As one of the leading siding contractors in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, we have the knowledge and experience to complete your job on time and within a reasonable budget so that you’re fully satisfied with your new exterior.

We also provide a variety of other services, which we can customize to fulfill your needs as a homeowner. For example, you might need roof replacement or gutters installation to go along with your new siding. We have you covered. This is your home! Do what you want with it to make it your favorite place.

To schedule an appointment, you can contact us at 215-798-9790. From there, you’ll meet with one of our specialists to see what we can do to improve your home’s exterior.