Homeowners usually wonder when it is time to deal with siding. Several signs might warn you about the need for fixing and repairing. These are holes and cracks in sidewalls, their ugly look, and uncomfortable conditions inside the house created by worn-out siding. For example, you might have high humidity or an inability to keep the desired temperature inside. Board and batten siding can solve these problems. It lets a house look modern, cozy, and new daily.
Types of Exterior Siding: Pros and Cons of Board and Batten Siding
A person can choose one of the following types of siding:
- board and batten
- log
- beaded
- vertical
- shake
- clapboard
- shingle
Board and batten siding is one of the most chosen variants. If a person selects the right material and color, he or she will get a luxurious exterior and/ or interior. As a rule, each board and batten needs a vertical position, though a person can ask for either vertical or horizontal positioning or their combination.
Experts recommend turning to professionals. They know details about the installation, the best material, size of boards, and their right position. Nobody wants to get loose boards and incorrect visual position of boards and battens. Besides, it is better to spend more but enjoy a gorgeous facade that serves longer. Professionals recommend paying attention to the material. The less maintenance and care it needs, the better.
So, board and batten siding provides 3 indisputable benefits as improved curb appeal, long-time service, and a chance to experiment with its vertical and horizontal application. It is hard to find disadvantages. Though, one might consider such siding to be expensive because a person buys materials and pays for professional installation. The wrong selection of materials or service companies might lead to extra expenses. Moreover, it is time-consuming, so one needs to be patient to do everything right.
Selection of the Material: Pros and Cons
The right choice of materials for board and batten siding guarantees its long service. Nevertheless, a person has to consider climate characteristics and family budget.
Steel
This variant suits those who prefer durability to other benefits. People who live in countries with very unstable weather conditions full of storms, rains, snows, and the exhausting sun should select this type of siding. Besides, one can paint it the way one likes and make it look like wood.
Pros: it is durable with a long-term warranty and can be properly styled.
Cons: Expensive, adds more degrees in hot weather.
Wood
Classical siding involves the use of wooden battens and boards. Natural materials always look gorgeous and stylish. This material is breathable and causes less harm to the house compared to steel or plastic. Wood siding fits more interior purposes because it poorly withstands the weather impact.
Pros: natural, breathing, brings esthetic value.
Cons: it is expensive and vulnerable to water, moisture, changes in temperature, weather changes (sun – rain – wind – snow), insects like termites, and it needs extra care to keep it modern and attractive.
Vinyl
This variant is the cheapest among the existing ones. Such siding offers a variety of colors, and its texture is ecologically safe. There are no problems with its installation because it is not heavy.
Pros: it is cheap, light, durable, and not vulnerable to insects.
Cons: in case of fire, it starts burning very fast and spreads much unhealthy smoke; it is vulnerable to sudden weather changes and can be easily deformed (one must be careful with its installation and prevent its bumping).
Fiber Cement
This variant is the best one. It is safe, durable, and resistant to weather and temperature changes.
Pros: durable, ecologically safe, fire-resistant, customizable, long warranty, stylish.
Cons: high initial price, costly installation.
Conclusions
Excellent installation of battens and boards siding guarantees the supreme look of your house. Hard materials can protect it from weather damage and slow down its aging. So, it lets you make your house serve longer.
