Arrowhead

Types of Siding

The three most common siding types are as follows:

Fiber- Cement Siding:

Fiber- cement siding is the best siding of choice. Arrowhead is a fiber-cement siding expert specializing in James Hardie Hardiplank and Certainteed Weatherboards. Fiber- cement siding looks like wood, but is less expensive than natural wood and requires less maintenance. Fiber- cement does not undergo the same degree of expansion and contraction that hinders wood- based and vinyl siding, thus, it will hold onto paint three to four times longer than wood. It’s resistant to termites, bugs, fire, high wind, hail and does not buckle, warp or rot. If you’re willing to spring for cladding that looks great and functions well, fiber- cement siding is the best available choice in the market.

Wood Siding:

Wood siding makes any home look classy and expensive. Timber siding fell out of popularity when vinyl was introduced, but modern technology has increased its functionality.

Wood siding is durable, natural, environmentally friendly, and easy to install or repair if necessary. Keep in mind the cost of painting wood siding and the cost of the materials make wood siding much more costly than vinyl siding. One of the disadvantages of wood is that it can foster mold which if left untreated, will lead to rot and deterioration. The other reality of wood siding is that it cracks and warps and even the best quality paints require it to be repainted every 5-7 years. Maintenance and repair costs tend to be higher with natural woods.

Vinyl Siding:

Quality vinyl siding, installed with skill and creativity, can add to your home or building’s curb appeal as well as its resale value. Vinyl siding is as much about reflecting your taste and personality as it is about protecting you at night. So, for your convenience we install it upon request, however, it is not our siding of choice.

Vinyl siding is probably the most popular form of siding today. But, is this because vinyl is best or just because it’s the cheapest alternative? Vinyl siding has the lowest material cost and requires very little front end maintenance after installation. It is very light and easy to transport and install. That’s where the good times end!!!

Vinyl offers no kind of insulation so some put the insulation board behind it. The insulation board is basically used as a flat surface for installation and nailing, not for insulation. The perception is that you can save an amazing amount of money by installing insulation on the outside of the house although you already have it inside the walls of your home or building. The fact is that a wallboard insulation has an R value of 1 to 4, whereas, your wall has up to R19 already. This type of insulating is not worth your investment dollars. Vinyl is not resistant to hail, high wind, mildew, buckling, melting, chalking or color fading.

Vinyl is installed primarily over existing walls where all any and all rotten or soft wood underneath is typically left by inexperienced vinyl installers. No house wrap is installed which will stop all the moisture and air infiltrations.

We do install vinyl upon request, however, we will install it properly and make sure all defective wall material is replaced prior to installing your new system.