Wood Vs Wood Siding Research Paper

Whether you are having a new home built, renovating an older home or having an addition constructed, one of the most important decisions you will likely need to make is to choose the type of siding you prefer. Fiber cement siding and wood siding are both excellent options, but each type has advantages and disadvantages. Comparing the differences between the two types of siding can help you make the choice that is just right for your unique property.

Difference in Cost
Fiber cement siding does not cost substantially more than quality vinyl siding. However, wood siding is almost always the most expensive option. Depending on the type of wood you choose, wood siding can cost up to twice as much as fiber cement siding.

Difference in Maintenance
Wood siding requires a substantial amount of maintenance to keep it healthy and beautiful for decades. For example, wood siding must be protected against water damage with new paint, stain or sealant every five years or so. About all you need to do to maintain your fiber cement siding is to hose it down occasionally and repaint it if the color fades; many homeowners find that fiber cement only needs repainting every 10 to 15 years.

Difference in Appearance
Fiber cement mimics the look of painted wood siding and can be produced in the same styles, including clapboard, shingle and lapboard styles. However, if you want "raw" siding that allows the color and grain of the natural wood to be visible, you will need to choose wood siding. If you have a historic home with old-style window surrounds or heavy timber framing, fiber cement, which is just slightly thinner than wood siding, may not provide an authentic profile around the doors and windows. However, many architectural review boards allow fiber cement siding when renovating a historic