What Is Single Siding?
A single siding material is used to add texture and visual interest to the exterior of a home. This style can be installed as a replacement or as an accent to existing siding materials.
Wood siding offers natural beauty that, with dedicated maintenance, can last generations. However, it can also be expensive and requires regular refinishing.
Types
Siding performs a significant task: it protects the interior of your home from the elements and keeps it looking welcoming no matter what Mother Nature throws its way. As such, it must be able to withstand the onslaught of sun, wind, rain and debris. Choosing the right type of siding is a decision that requires weighing your budget, DIY aspirations and how long you plan to live in the home once it’s finished.
Wood siding is the most popular choice among homeowners because it’s attractive, affordable and available in a variety of styles. One of the most common is plank siding, a style that uses wide boards and battens to create panels that run the length of the house. The planks are either left in their natural state or painted to add color and character. Split log siding is another option that uses real cedar, cypress or redwood logs to side the house and provides a rustic look.
Vinyl and composite are also options that provide a great look and can mimic the appearance of traditional wood. Composite siding is a bit more expensive than vinyl but it has a higher R-value, which means it better insulates your home. Both of these types offer a wide selection of colors and styles that can suit any taste.
Fiber cement comes the closest to emulating the appearance of natural wood siding and is virtually indistinguishable from some wood options. It is available in beveled lap siding planks, shingles and shakes and stucco-panel styles. It is also easy to maintain and can withstand the elements with minimal damage.
To calculate the amount of siding needed to side a structure, start by drawing a general diagram of the shape and size of the exterior. Then, use a calculator to determine the square footage of each rectangle and triangle shape. Then, add all the areas together to get the total surface area of the structure.
Unlike brick, these types of siding are lightweight and require less in the way of footings and foundations. This makes them more accessible for do-it-yourself homeowners who are comfortable with a little hard work. However, we recommend that you still hire Red E Siding for the installation as they can save you time and money.
Materials
If you're looking for single siding that will provide both protection and aesthetic appeal to your home, there are a number of options available. Wood is the most traditional, but vinyl and fiber cement are also popular. Each offers a variety of style options, from shingle to shakes, and each can come in different colors that can set the mood for your home.
Lap siding, sometimes referred to as clapboard, is the most common option in North America and is the style that most other materials mimic to blend in with homes in your neighborhood or region. Standard clapboards are made from kiln-dried oak, pine or spruce and feature a natural wood grain. Generally, it's painted in a weathered gray or white, though many homeowners prefer the warm look of stain.
Shake and shingle siding are also a popular choice, especially for cape cods, cottages, craftsman bungalows, or any home with a rustic or cozy feel. Shakes are machine or hand-sawn from wooden blocks, and have a rough appearance, while shingles are sawn and uniform. Both can be used to side an entire house, but are often chosen as accent pieces for added texture.
Another option is log siding, which can be sided with cedar, cypress, redwood or pine split logs. It's best for rustic, mountain or country styles, and can be stained or left in its natural state with a clear-coat sealer.
Engineered wood, often referred to as oriented strand board (OSB), is another durable and attractive choice. It's made from a mix of wood flakes and resin, and comes in 16ft. lengths to minimize butt joints. Most engineered wood products are pre-primed, and do-it-yourselfers can install them over standard exterior sheathing without the need for a foundation or footings.
Vinyl is a popular siding material for its versatility, affordability and low maintenance. It can be made to replicate the appearance of almost any type of siding, and is available in a wide array of colors. It also stands out from other sidings in that it applies color through the whole thickness of the material, instead of just on the surface. This means it resists fading much better than other materials.
Installation
When installing single siding, the first step is to install a starter strip. The strip is a piece of plywood about 3.5 inches (89 mm) thick that is fastened to the bottom of the wall where you want the siding to start. The strip helps prevent the siding from sagging in the future. It also helps to keep the fasteners from tearing through the sheathing and into the wood framing below it.
When it comes to the siding itself, there are many different options. The type of siding you choose will depend on your personal style and budget. It is important to do your research before making a purchase. Start by looking at websites like Pinterest and driving around your neighborhood to see the different styles of siding on homes. Once you have decided on a style, find a contractor who is certified and licensed to perform the installation.
A qualified contractor will inspect your home to make sure it is ready for the new siding. If there are any issues, the contractor will repair or modify them. They may replace any damaged sheathing, flashing, or building paper. They will also ensure that the structure is well-insulated and weather-tight.
Once the sheathing and insulation are in place, they will install the new siding. They will begin at the bottom of the house and work up towards the top, overlapping each row by about an inch. This will hide the seams and create a more aesthetically pleasing result. They will also use a gutter system to catch any water runoff and protect the house from leaks.
When working around windows, you will have to cut the siding panels to fit strategically. Then, they will be secured with trim and caulk. It is important to use a quality caulk because it will help to ensure that the seams are tightly sealed.
If you are using vinyl, you will need to use a special tool called a snap lock punch to form lugs in the corner of each panel. These lugs are used to accept the locking leg of the next course of siding and the starter strip.
Maintenance
When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, your siding has a big job. Not only does it shield your home from moisture, pests and cold temperatures, it must also look inviting for guests, neighbors and home buyers. The best way to ensure that your home’s exterior stays in top shape is with regular maintenance and timely repairs.
When an entire section of your siding becomes damaged, the best option is to call Red E Siding. This is especially important if the damage involves vinyl, aluminum or fiber cement. These materials can be difficult to repair without damaging the rest of the siding.
Depending on the type of siding you have, there are different ways that it can be fixed. For example, a minor crack or chip in vinyl can usually be repaired using caulk. However, larger cracks may need to be sawed out and replaced with new board pieces. For more serious damage, such as severe rot or mildew, it is often necessary to replace the whole damaged section of your home’s exterior.
Wood siding such as cedar, cypress or redwood can be painted or stained to match your home’s style. Another great option for wood siding is shingle siding, which can be used to add beauty and a traditional country or rustic feel to your home. It can be a great choice for cottages or craftsman bungalows and can be made from wood, vinyl or fiber cement.
Another common siding material is stone veneer. This is a popular choice because it gives the appearance of natural stone but does not require the upkeep of real stone. This type of siding is also fire-resistant, moisture-resistant and insect-proof.
No matter what kind of siding you have on your Loveland home, it is important to perform regular maintenance. These tasks include washing your siding, removing any buildup or mold and repairing any cracks or chips. This can be done yourself if the damage is minor, but if you notice any problems with your home’s exterior, it is always best to consult with a professional. A reputable contractor will not only know how to repair your home’s siding, but they will also be able to protect it from future problems.
A single siding material is used to add texture and visual interest to the exterior of a home. This style can be installed as a replacement or as an accent to existing siding materials. Wood siding offers natural beauty that, with dedicated maintenance, can last generations. However, it can also be expensive and requires regular…