Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on siding. SO many options, and yet so few. I have a small house, built in 40's then later added on twice or three times. One story, MO weather- 105 top temp in the summers-humid, -10 F in the winter, wet springs and falls, occasional tornado. ( I typed that so casual as if it is no big deal
) We are needing to add some insulative value to our house as the walls are only 2x4 and the insulation is not that great.
Basically, in a nut shell
1. vinyl This seems to be the most popular and from what I can tell greatly varies in price depending on what you choose. I assume the pricier stuff is better, I am certain the cheapy stuff IS cheap. Considering the type that has the insulation on the back already. But with install labor it is quite pricey. (will be getting some quotes in the next week or so, and will add those details later) Does need an annual washing to keep mold/algae off. Termite resistant. Does not weigh much on the house which is good for our situation. Cannot install ourselves, we have no idea how to install this.
2. Cement fiber. this comes in 4x8 sheets or long horizontal planks. Have been told there is quite abit of install waste as the product is very brittle and breaks easily so you have to account for that. It must be installed very particularly or it will crack over time and pieces fall off. There is a 104 MILLION $ lawsuit with certainteed brand because of various issues. Of course there are off brands. It does have to be painted about every 10-15 years. It is termite resistant. It is extremely heavy to work with so I assume labor to install will be pricey as we cannot handle that ourselves.
3. Engineered treated wood siding panels
http://www.lowes.com/pd_55897-...
lightweight compared to cement, though heavier than vinyl. Needs painted every 10 years. SO SO much more affordable, and since it is common material and not too heavy, could be installed by DIYer. It IS wood product so I would think even though treated MAY attract termites after it ages some. (?)
4. Faux stone/brick This stuff looks so nice and you can't tell it isn't real unless you are standing next to it, from the driveway/street it is nice. Dresses up the house and adds a little curb appeal, interest. VERY expensive the more real it looks. There are cheaper versions at Lowes, but they don't look as real, but are still pretty nice and I would consider it. Wonder how long it lasts?
5. aluminum, steel siding. I am confused about this and tried to google w confusing results. Is aluminum and steel siding the same product? I understand that it still needs painted after a length of time although factory finishes should last for years. Does this cause problems with receiving wi-fi or tv reception? (we still use antennae) I think definately have to pay labor, this is not a DIY product. I have read that aluminum siding dents easily. I suppose some top of the line quality may not, but then we surely couldn't afford that anyway. So I am thinking this metal stuff is out, unless ya'all think otherwise?
SO did I miss any major type of siding? I really only see these as viable options for residing an older house.
I very much covet any advice, personal experience w a product, what you have-love-hate ect. What he have now is asbestos siding and it will be removed and disposed of. And how dangerous is it to remove asbestos siding? I am told a homeowner can remove their own siding without special permits, training ect. The product is then put in special bags and taken to landfill where you pay price per ton. It is my understanding that it is dangerous only when breathed as a dust, such as cutting w a saw, so just removing nails and bagging would not be an issue ? I know some people put siding over them, but I don't see how. Ours is so brittle it just cracks and falls off when you try to drive a nail through it. Some of it is just falling off anyway. We changed some windows out and some came off then. I would like it to be gone anyway so that I wouldn't have to disclose asbestos siding if we ever sell in the future as some people are just scared of the word.
okay I'm all ears
