Wood siding: types and colors

Siding is a finishing material that is currently very popular among consumers. Woodgrain siding always looks very beautiful, no matter what colors it is.

Buildings made of wood look very presentable, beautiful, natural, and therefore many people choose this material. However, some are not satisfied with such disadvantages of the tree as capriciousness in use and difficulty in care. It is also worth noting that timber-based construction work is usually quite expensive. With siding that mimics a wooden surface, all of these plans are much easier.

Such coatings appeared about half a century ago in Canada and North America, and they quickly became popular due to the many benefits. Previously, siding, imitating a wooden surface, was used only for buildings made of wood, but now it is chosen for a wide variety of buildings.

The main advantages of wood siding:

• environmental friendliness;
• profitability;
• aesthetics;
• fire resistance (such materials do not spread fire and do not burn themselves);
• the ability to provide excellent ventilation of the building (if the installation work is carried out correctly, the humidity level and microclimate in the room will be optimal);
• ease of installation, low weight;

• high strength (surfaces finished with siding do not have to be additionally strengthened);
• resistance to insects, sunlight, mold, rust;
• resistance to temperature extremes, cold, heat, various atmospheric influences;
• the ability to do without noticeable joints;
• the ability to provide sound and heat insulation.

Siding is a material that can last a very long time (up to half a century). Particularly careful maintenance of such coatings is not required: it is enough just to wash them from time to time. If the need arises, individual elements can be replaced without problems.

Facade siding for wood species is divided into several types depending on the structure of the coating. There are the following types of such materials for outdoor decoration.

• "Herringbone"... This option is not very popular among Russians, because such materials are more often offered by foreign manufacturers.
• Block house or "under the log"... Most often, such materials are chosen for suburban buildings. This way you can achieve similarities with log cabins.
• "Ship board"... Such coatings can be called classic.

Siding can be vertical or horizontal. Vertical panels are used less often than horizontal ones, but recently they have become popular because they look very interesting. Some consumers even prefer to combine different elements. Wood imitation siding panels are divided into different types depending on the material from which they are made.

This siding is resistant to mechanical stress and frost resistance.It will be able to serve for a very long time, and at the same time will not lose its color, will remain beautiful and will provide reliable protection to the base. Vinyl coverings are environmentally friendly, they are not subject to decay. The building will not prematurely collapse, because insects or parasites will not start in the coverings.

Vinyl siding panels have a special coating that makes them more durable and absorbing heat. Vinyl siding closely resembles a natural wood surface. The price for such products is quite affordable, and installation work is usually carried out without significant difficulties.

Acrylic siding products are also fairly easy to install and do not require much maintenance. Externally, acrylic and vinyl materials are similar to each other, but there are some differences in performance.

Acrylic coatings are resistant to mechanical stress and wear. They are resistant to high and low temperatures, able to retain their properties in cold and hot weather. Such coatings are not affected by UV radiation. Acrylic siding is resistant to chemicals, acids, alkalis, oils. Acrylic siding panels can be glossy, they have different shapes. Thanks to the special embossing, imitation of rounded logs is possible.

Metal panels are very easy to install, usually installation work is carried out in the shortest possible time. Metal siding has a long service life. Such panels are environmentally friendly, they hide various surface imperfections well. There is no need to level the base before installing metal siding. The color of such coatings remains the same even when exposed to UV radiation for a long time.

Wood siding is a material preferred by many consumers. Such coatings provide coziness and comfort in the house, because they have such a wonderful property as thermal conductivity. Even very low temperatures are not afraid of such materials; this quality is especially important for residents of the northern regions. Wood siding is easy to install.

However, wood siding panels also have disadvantages. Wood products are not heat-resistant or fire-resistant and should be kept away from sources of fire. Residents of the southern regions are better off opting for other materials; such coatings require special care. It is recommended to use antifungal, waterproofing agents. It is better not to use wooden siding in places where very high humidity is typical.

The length of siding panels varies from 200 to 600 cm. Usually their width is from 0.1 to 0.3 m. Siding is a rather thin coating, most often its thickness is about 0.1 cm. Since such products are lightweight, they are very convenient in use. When carrying out finishing work, problems arise quite rarely.

In modern stores, you can find siding panels in a variety of shades. Manufacturers offer many options: from dark walnut and pistachio wood to golden oak, chestnut, cappuccino. Among the most popular options are sandalwood, oak, cherry.

To find the right siding for the facade cladding made of aerated concrete or other material, it is worth considering certain recommendations.

• Consider the possibility of fire. In some regions, it is worth using only materials that are fire resistant.
• For frame-panel, block houses, brick buildings, metal siding panels are especially suitable.
• When choosing metal products, pay special attention to how high-quality the finish coat is. It should be uniform.

• When purchasing acrylic or vinyl finishes, focus on cut quality. There should be no noticeable cracks on the surface (this is especially true for products that are embossed).
• When choosing materials from wood, pay attention to the species and quality of the wood. Protective antiseptic agents must be applied to the products.
• Make sure that there is a manufacturer's guarantee, a quality certificate.

Since all of the above materials have both their advantages and certain disadvantages, it is rather difficult to say which siding is the best. It all depends on the specific situation. However, in any case, preference should be given to the products of manufacturers who have won the trust of consumers.

If the most important quality for you is fire resistance, it is worth choosing materials from metal. For connoisseurs of naturalness, wood is well suited. If you need relatively inexpensive coatings, you should opt for plastic. Whatever material you choose, you should take into account all the recommendations of specialists regarding the implementation of installation work.

Before carrying out installation work, remove protruding elements from the facade wall, remove bushes and tree branches that are located next to the base. Remove old peeling coating, mold, dust, various dirt from the wall.

If the base is made of wood, assess its condition. Loose boards will need to be fixed, rotten ones - replaced. If the surface is concrete or brick, pre-install a strong frame made of metal profiles or wooden bars. To prevent facing materials from deforming due to temperature changes, install the products so that they overlap each other (at least 30 mm).

• Acrylic materials do not change their color over time, they will always look very beautiful.

• Vinyl materials very similar to natural wood.

• Metal products suitable if you want to get an aesthetic and maximum durable coating.

• Wood siding - ideal for those who appreciate the beauty and benefits of natural materials.

You will learn more about wood siding in the following video.