You can do various upgrades to your home to improve its performance, aesthetics, and even value. One of the best upgrades you can do to make the most out of all three is with your home’s sidings. There are plenty of siding choices available to you, some of which have come and gone throughout the years. For example, asbestos siding has long been gone due to its toxic nature, and other items like vinyl sidings have dominated the market.
With that in mind, you may be torn between wood and metal sidings. Which one is the better option for you? Let us find out together!
Metal sidings are generally made out of aluminum or steel, and are often used to cover other sidings like wood. Because of the metal’s natural durability, a siding’s most prominent advantage would be the minimal maintenance required to keep them in tiptop condition. You can easily expect metal sidings to last up to 40 years, with repainting and other maintenance-related activities done every 20 years or so.
Another significant advantage of metal sidings is the extended warranty that follows them. For example, you can find some plastic-clad aluminum siding to come with 30 years of warranty or even more! When it comes to the aesthetics of metal sidings, they come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. They can also be finished in such a way to mimic other materials like wood. Generally, they will have some form of finish done to them to enhance protection from corrosion.
There are a few downsides to metal sidings, however. For instance, they are quite prone to denting, which is one of the most common issues you will face with metal sidings. Also, they are quite prone to chalking, meaning that their appearance can deteriorate.
Wood sidings are quite popular options because they offer a lot in terms of aesthetics. They come in various shapes and forms as well, including panels, shingles, and boards. While requiring much more maintenance than metal sidings, they are reasonably easy to fix. That said, wood sidings are still generally quite durable, although not as durable as metal. You can easily expect your wood sidings to last anywhere from 20-40 years, with resealing done every year or so to keep them well-maintained.
As we said earlier, wood requires much more maintenance. This can be a big downside for many homeowners, especially those who may be too busy to carry out repairs. Wood sidings are also quite prone to various problems such as rotting and insects.
Which one should you pick, wood or metal sidings? The answer will lie in what you want to get out of your sidings. If you want the option that will boost your home’s aesthetics as much as possible and do not mind the extra work put in to maintain the look, wood sidings are the way to go. Otherwise, metal sidings would be perfect if you want to invest in sidings that are guaranteed to last for many years.
However, regardless of what you pick, do take the time to look for high-quality sidings for your home. Pair that with a good maintenance schedule, any siding can last you for many years to come, protecting your home from the outside elements and boosting your home’s value.
MCM Home offers high-quality installation services, utilizing quality materials to ensure every project provides the best results possible. If you are looking for siding contractors in Edmonton to upgrade your sidings, work with us!