The Advantages Of Engineered Wood For Residential Siding

Posted on: 26 May 2021

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If you live where hail, termites, or strong storms are a threat, then you want durable siding for your home. Engineered wood is one of the most durable types of residential siding and is worth considering. Here's how this siding is made and the advantages it has to offer when it comes to protecting your home.

How Engineered Wood Siding Is Made

This residential siding is made with wood fibers bound together with resin. The material is made by applying heat under pressure, and this makes the boards stronger than traditional wood. Wax and zinc borate are added during the manufacturing process, too.

Wax protects against water damage, mold, and fungus. Zinc borate is a wood preservative that acts as a flame retardant and protects against fungus and insects. As the boards are made, color is added along with texture patterns so the siding looks like cedar or another type of wood.

Why Engineered Wood Siding Is A Good Choice

Engineered wood is one of the most durable types of residential siding due to the resins that make the siding hard and strong. This siding can even stand up to hail, and some brands come with a hail warranty.

Engineered wood is not susceptible to termite damage, rot, or other problems associated with real wood siding, yet they look the same. If you love the look of real wood but want something easier to maintain, engineered wood could be a better choice than vinyl siding made to replicate wood boards. Vinyl is more likely to crack and chip in extreme temperatures.

Engineered boards can be prefinished at the factory. If you want your siding put up as quickly as possible with the least amount of disruption, then consider buying prefinished boards. This saves you or the siding contractor from having to prime and paint the siding once it's installed.

When the siding is prefinished, the paint is applied in a factory so there is a uniform color and no imperfections due to debris as there might be when the siding is painted under various weather conditions after the boards are installed.

Besides all of these advantages, engineered wood is an affordable alternative for real wood residential siding. There are different brands and qualities of engineered wood, so you'll find a price range when you shop. Compare the warranties and features of each brand so you're happy with your choice. Talk to a residential siding contractor and get advice on whether engineered wood siding is right for your home and recommendations for a good brand to buy.