Section III - Materials Used in Siding

I. Importance of Siding
II. Styles of Siding
III. Materials used in Siding
IV. Siding maintenance
V. Siding Rating Systems/ Specs

Vinyl is made of polyvinyl chloride. It is widely used in construction today. It resembles wood and comes in various styles and colors. One of the advantages of vinyl is that the color of the vinyl permeates the thickness of panel making scratches almost unnoticeable. Vinyl responds well in a wide variety of temperatures and climates. Unlike aluminum, damaged panels can be replaced quite quickly. Unlike woods, vinyl has a relatively high ignition temperature of 736 F. Cedar will burn 2 ½ times faster and hardboard will burn 3 times faster than vinyl. This slower burn rate can give occupants more time to escape, in case of fire.

Stucco is a combination of sand, cement and water. It is waterproof and weatherproof. Though it is waterproof and weatherproof, it is also permeable to water vapor. It lets moisture escape from the walls.

Woods such as cedar, redwood and cypress are most often used as siding. Some woods are very attractive to animals or birds, like woodpeckers, whose pecking will make holes or otherwise damage siding. It is important to know about the area you live in before choosing a particular type of wood. Cedar is a large coniferous tree, its surface is soft and its grain is intricate. Cedar produces a natural tannin that is thought to be a natural insect repellent. These tannins can cause spots, especially after rain storms. The spotting will stop after about 3 years, once the wood is used to the weather conditions. Redwood is similar to cedar except in its color.

Aluminum is similar to vinyl but is very susceptible to dents, for example, when hit by a ball or leaned on. It is relatively low maintenance in the earlier years. It will need repainting when you touch it and a chalky residue appears on your finger. When it does need repainting it must be carefully prepared using a primer specifically selected for that aluminum. Once in a while a manufacturer will discontinue a pattern. It's a good idea to purchase several replacement panels when you make the initial siding purchase.

Brick is now more affordable due to the newer mortarless applications available. Mortarless brick is made of concrete.

Plywood. Common plywood veneers include southern yellow pine, Douglas fir and western red cedar. Plywood siding can be either smooth or roughhewn. One preferred plywood siding is T1-11, which is grooved to resemble lumber. Plywood siding applied horizontally is susceptible to water penetration. Two possible remedies for this are flashing behind the plywood or creating scarfed joints. Next Section

I. Importance of Siding — Protection of frame from the elements and pests, health i.e. mold

II. Styles of Siding — clapboard, shingles, shakes

III. Materials used in Siding — Pros and Cons of the many materials: vinyl, cedar, aluminum etc.

IV. Siding maintenance — power washing, denting, painting

V. Siding Rating Systems/ Specs — profile, thickness, windload resistance

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