Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Here in Northern California, protecting your home from the sun and our dry Sacramento summers starts by choosing the right siding material. The right material will not only protect your home, but it can also increase its value and raise curb appeal.
Siding Factors
When choosing a siding material for your home you want to consider five important factors beyond cost. They are:
- Water Resistance – Better water resistance will provide a longer lifespan.
- Energy Efficiency – Always check the siding’s R-value rating for energy efficiency and savings.
- Aesthetics – Your siding is a major factor when it comes to the beauty and curb appeal of your home. Make sure you choose an aesthetically pleasing material.
- Versatility – Choose which material meets the needs of your specific project. Make sure you understand the limitations of certain materials and any costs involved when making any necessary adjustments during installation.
- Durability – The right material will resist temperature shifts and stand up to the California climate and everyday wear and tear.
Siding Options
There are many options available to homeowners when it comes to siding materials. From stucco to brick to vinyl to wood, your siding options are nearly limitless. Picking the right siding material is a balance between good looks, durability, maintenance, and affordability. Most of your choices will cover one or two of these bases. These three cover all the bases and are available in a number of different styles. These materials meet the needs of most Northern California homeowners.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement was first introduced about 25 years ago. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, today’s fiber cement gives you the performance of masonry with the look of painted wood (brick, stone, or shingles). This cost-effective material is a durable, resilient mixture of wood pulp and Portland cement. It is low-maintenance and resists rot, fire, and pests. It doesn’t expand or contract due to heat or cold. However, it’s a very stiff material and installation can be hazardous – it contains silica and carcinogens. Fiber cement is also prone to scratching, easily damaged by impact, and can crack with structural movement.
Wood
While wood siding is beautiful, and popular in some regions of the country, here in California it is rarely used these days. Wood requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep. It also burns well, which is a problem because we experience frequent fires. Wood is an expensive choice and can warp, crack, or split. It doesn’t hold paint well, requiring a fresh coat every few years. However, if you choose to stain it, wood can work.
LP Engineered Wood
LP engineered wood offers the look of wood and the durability and benefits of fiber cement. It resists rot, fungal decay, pests, and fire, protects against hail, wind, and rain and is incredibly durable. LP engineered wood is scratch-resistant, holds paint well and resists impact damage. In fact, unlike fiber cement siding, you can hit it with a sledgehammer and it will not break. LP engineered wood is durable and low-maintenance material making it the perfect choice for Northern California homeowners.
Wide Range of Styles
Siding comes in a wide variety of styles. From various sizes of lap siding to shingles, shake, board and bat, smooth sheet, and groove sheet. Whatever style of siding you’re looking for, you’ll find a style and color to meet your aesthetic and stylistic needs.
LP engineered wood is the perfect material if you like mixing siding styles, for example having lap siding on a lower portion of your home, and using shingle or shake siding on the upper area. It also integrates perfectly with other materials like stucco, stonework, brick, or metal.
At Straight Line Construction, we are a leader in siding installation and services. We proudly offer products like James Hardie, LP Smartside, and Roseburg DuraTemp Siding in a wide range of styles and colors to meet your individual needs.
If you live in the greater Sacramento, California area and are considering replacing or upgrading your home’s siding, visit our showroom and meet with one of our experienced consultants, or connect with our team today. Straight Line Construction has been providing residential services since 1999, including siding replacement to homeowners in greater El Dorado County.
