Pros and Cons of Choosing Wood Siding for Residential Homes

Posted by Manny DeMelo on March 23rd, 2016

Wood SidingWood siding is a popular choice for many homeowners. It’s a time-tested material that gives homes a distinct look and a natural, timeless beauty. Before choosing wood siding for your house, however, you need to weigh its advantages and disadvantages to decide if it’s the right choice by your home.

Pros of Wood Siding

1.       Wood Siding Is Easy to Paint

Wood is the ultimate chameleon, being easy to paint or stain to suit your home’s character or your aesthetic preferences.

2.       Wood Siding Is Eco-Friendly

When it comes to siding, wood is one of the most eco-conscious materials available.

Wood is environmentally friendly because it is:

  • A Renewable Resource: Some types of trees – notably cedar – grow especially quickly, making them a sustainable resource.
  • Biodegradable: Even if wood ends up in a landfill, it will decay to a compost-like substance.
  • Energy-Efficient Production: Wood siding takes less energy to manufacture than petroleum-based siding options.

For homeowners focused on reducing their environmental footprint, choosing wood siding can be a proactive decision.

3.       Wood Siding is Easy to Repair

Wood siding is easy to repair and replace if it’s damaged:

  • For small holes, use wood putty to fill them.
  • With warped siding, you can screw it tight. You might also need to shorten it with a saw.
  • Replace boards completely if the damage is extensive

As you’re making repairs, make sure you investigate what’s causing the problems and fix underlying issues quickly.

Cons of Wood Siding

1.       Cost of Wood Siding

Although it is attractive, wood siding is also one of the most expensive types of siding available on the market, though it might be an investment worth making depending on your home – including its location and how long you plan to live there.

2.       Maintenance Requirements

To keep wood looking its best and protect your home from the elements, you need to proactively maintain your wood siding:

  • You’ll need to repaint or re-stain your wood siding every 3-7 years.
  • Inspect your siding regularly to locate any problems (including mold and mildew). Leaving issues unattended to can lead to rotten wood, which means you’ll have to replace your siding – a costly undertaking that can be avoided with simple, routine maintenance.
  • Protect against pests by routinely checking for and plugging weak spots. Animals like squirrels have a bad habit of gnawing on wood and can fit through holes as small as 3.8cm, so it’s important to find and fill holes early to prevent further damage.

Remember, do not plug holes if you suspect animals might be already living in your home as that will only trap them in. If you suspect animals might be making a house out of your home, call a professional to assess the situation and remove any critters before you close off access points.

Ultimately, the best way to keep your wood siding looking and performing its best is to inspect it routinely and perform regular maintenance – whether you can handle it yourself or need to call in a home contractor to ensure your siding is in tip-top shape.

Composite Siding: The Best Alternative to Wood Siding

In your search for siding, have you considered composite siding?

Composite siding is commonly made from wood fibers, which are heated and compressed to transform them into hard boards. Composite siding gives you everything you’re looking for with wood – the deep texture, rich colour, and natural beauty – while giving you freedom from maintenance and high costs.

The benefits of composite siding include:

  • Minimal Maintenance: With composite siding, the colour is baked in, which means there’s no need for you to paint or stain it.
  • Superior Variety: Composite siding is available in a range of colours, textures, and styles that can mimic other siding materials.
  • High Affordability: Compared to wood, composite siding is a more affordable option for many homeowners.
  • Proven Durability: Composite siding is engineered to keep moisture out and resist warping, buckling or shifting.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Wood-based composite sidings are energy efficient, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer

Work with an experienced home contractor to help you choose the right siding for your home.

Quality Exteriors are experts at installing wood siding. Get in touch with us today to discuss your vision for your home.

Serving homeowners in St. Catharines, Burlington, Hamilton, Niagara, and Oakville.

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