Wall cladding or siding is the outer protective layer of a brick wall or other structure attached to the outside face of construction. It serves as a protective, water-resistant covering over the brick face and also provides aesthetic value and privacy to the area covered. The siding or coverings may include materials such as wood, vinyl, plastic, or metal. Some types of siding are referred to as masonry siding, stucco siding, or Vinyl Siding.
There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of siding. Wood and brick are commonly used for exterior applications; however, there are other materials that may be used as well. One example includes vinyl lap siding, which can also be used on homes. Vinyl lap siding is made from recycled materials like milk jugs and is available in both pre-fabricated pieces and kits. The vinyl used in vinyl lap siding is similar to fiber cement, and it can be painted, polished, or stained.
The exterior of masonry buildings can experience many problems, including rot, pests, weathering, and cracks. With brick or stone siding, these concerns are almost nonexistent because these materials are naturally resistant to weathering, rot, and moisture. In addition, it is not necessary to apply paint or stains to the siding; however, if you would prefer to have your siding painted, you should consider purchasing siding that contains natural latex or rubber latex.
Brick and wood siding comes in a wide variety of colors, styles, patterns, and textures. Because of this, siding can be customized to match an existing home design or provide an alternative to existing building material. It can even be purchased with an unfinished exterior. This feature provides homeowners with a large selection of colors, patterns and textures to choose from, while still maintaining a professional look.
If you’re interested in a very classy, rustic or traditional look, you should consider purchasing brick siding. Brick and wood are two popular choices for exterior building material because they offer a warm, relaxing appeal and are very durable. Brick and wood siding are also very attractive, and it’s easy to personalize the look of your home. One disadvantage to purchasing brick is the fact that it is susceptible to weathering and damages from the sun, wind and snow.
If you’d like a smoother appearance but aren’t concerned about longevity or durability, you may want to purchase masonry siding. Masonry siding is made of cement, sand and gravel and it is finished with paint. There is little to no maintenance required because the material is sealed with grout, making it impervious to moisture, weathering and cracking. The material has a smooth, matte appearance and it can also be stained to blend in with your other existing building materials.
One of the newest siding options is vinyl siding. Vinyl siding comes in both wood and fiber cement siding, but it is most commonly used in wood. It is an excellent choice as it doesn’t need to be painted, stuccoed or finished and it’s virtually impervious to mold, rotting and water damage. Although, it does have a smooth, wood grain appearance, it is not nearly as smooth as natural wood, so some contractors may suggest using a sealer on top to maintain its appearance.
When choosing siding, be sure to choose a company that uses high quality products and employs trained professionals. The appearance and longevity of your home will be greatly enhanced if you purchase siding constructed with quality products and properly-crafted workers. Look for vinyl or siding constructed with pressure-treated lumber and engineered wood fibers. You will find many beautiful designs and colors to choose from, such as California Redwood, Douglas fir, Hemlock and even recycled wood for those with a green thumb! Your local contractor can help you decide what is best for your home.