8 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Siding

At P.J. Fitzpatrick, siding installation is one of our specialties, and there’s a lot to know about it. While we favor vinyl siding, some homeowners opt for other materials based on their needs and their budget. Here are eight things you probably didn’t know about the world of siding:

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is the most popular type of siding in the U.S. (and also one of the most affordable), however, it wasn’t introduced to the exterior market until the late 1950’s when it became an alternative to aluminum siding.

Ancient Techniques

In ancient times, many homeowners turned to materials like straw, water reeds, or wheat reeds to act as a protective siding material for their homes. Later on, stucco became a popular choice (particularly in Greece and Italy).

Windy Weather

Most vinyl siding is designed to withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour, which is why it’s used in many homes around the country. Homes that are in tornado-prone or hurricane-prone areas, however, often turn to fiber cement siding, which can withstand higher winds.

Recycling

Today, many siding manufacturers create siding that is made from recycled materials and is recyclable. This goes for a variety of siding types including vinyl, aluminum, steel, and more.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is considered the type of siding that requires the most maintenance. Not only does it need to be repainted or re-stained every few years in order to look its best, but it also needs to be carefully monitored for termites and dry rot.

Energy Efficiency

Your home’s siding can actually affect how energy efficient your home is. Just like your attic and your basement or crawl space, your siding should have the proper amount of insulation. This can help create a “blanket” for your home that keeps out the cold and protects against heat transfer.

Thickness

Siding comes in a variety of thicknesses, from .035 to .055 inches thick. On average, the thicker the siding, the better it will protect your home.

Variety

Today, there are a wide variety of siding materials to choose from. Some of the most popular include:

• Vinyl
• Aluminum
• Wood
• Steel
• Stone
• Brick
• Stucco
• Engineered Wood
• Faux Stone
• Faux Brick

Are you interested in a new siding installation for your home? Give our siding experts a call today to learn more!