Engineered Wood Siding Pros And Cons
Are you a homeowner mulling over the best siding for your home? Choosing can be tough, especially with numerous options like vinyl siding, traditional wood siding or engineered wood siding.
This blog post will provide you an in-depth analysis of a popular option - engineered wood siding, clearly stating its pros and cons. Let's dive into it and make your decision-making process easier!
Key Takeaways
- Engineered wood siding has many benefits. It doesn't need much care, comes in a bunch of styles and is good for the environment.
- Special tools are needed to install engineered wood siding. If not installed right, it can buckle or warp.
- This kind of siding costs more than traditional wood but lasts longer and needs less maintenance over time.
- Even though engineered wood siding holds up well against weather, bugs and water damage can still be problems that cost extra money to fix.
Pros of Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding offers numerous advantages to homeowners including its low maintenance nature, a vast array of style options to match any aesthetic, eco-friendly production process and enhanced longevity.
Low maintenance
Engineered wood siding stands out for its low maintenance needs. Unlike traditional wood, it doesn't require constant staining or painting to keep it looking fresh and vibrant. This feature helps reduce the amount of time, energy, and money homeowners spend on upkeep tasks throughout the year.
Engineered wood siding only needs a simple wash-down with a hose occasionally to remove any dirt or grime buildup. In essence, this product brings you peace of mind as you won't constantly worry about tedious servicing schedules.
Wide variety of styles
Engineered wood siding comes in a plethora of styles to match any home aesthetic. You can select from options that mimic traditional wood, vinyl siding or even soffit designs. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who wish to customize their home’s exterior.
Manufacturers offer this product in an array of colors, textures and finishes as well. You could opt for smooth panels or go with grain patterns that replicate real wood.
With engineered wood siding, you get style flexibility like no other material offers.
Eco-friendly
Unlike vinyl siding, which emits harmful chemicals during production and disposal, engineered wood uses less primary resources.
Manufacturers often utilize fast-growing species or recycled wood fibers, reducing demands on our forests. Plus, the production process wastes very little material and most engineered products are recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
This makes engineered wood siding a sustainable choice that appeals to green-conscious homeowners.
Long-lasting
Engineered wood siding offers superior longevity compared to traditional wood. It withstands harsh weather conditions, withstanding both hot summers and cold winters without warping or cracking.
This durability extends the lifespan of your home's exterior, lessening the need for frequent replacements. Even better, it retains its attractive appearance year after year, preserving your property's curb appeal.
Cons of Engineered Wood Siding
While engineered wood siding offers numerous benefits, it's important to note the downsides such as its higher cost compared to traditional wood, susceptibility to water damage, and need for specific tools during installation.
Let's delve into these challenges in detail below.
Higher cost compared to traditional wood
Engineered wood siding may indeed put a larger dent in your wallet compared to traditional wood. It's not uncommon for homeowners to pay up to 30% more for this type of siding, elevating the overall costs of their home improvement project.
While these figures can sound intimidating, consider this: engineered wood siding typically outlasts traditional wood. Its durability and lower maintenance often justify the higher upfront cost over time.
Still, if you're looking at initial expenditures alone, opting for engineered wood siding will undoubtedly mean shelling out more cash than with classic wood options.
Not as durable as other siding options
Engineered wood siding, despite its many benefits, falls short in durability compared to some other siding options such as brick or vinyl. Homeowners often consider this factor crucial when deciding on their home's exterior material.
For instance, harsh weather conditions can cause engineered wood to crack or warp over time. Insects and pests also pose a potential threat to its longevity. This relatively low durability may lead to more frequent repairs and replacements, adding unanticipated costs in the long run for homeowners.
May require special tools for installation
Installing engineered wood siding is not always an easy task. It often calls for the use of special tools that are not commonly found in a typical homeowner’s garage or toolkit. Power shears, finish nailers and circular saws may be among the required equipment you'll need.
Consider hiring a professional to handle the installation if you're unsure about handling these tools yourself, as incorrect installation can lead to damages like warping and buckling which would cost more to fix down the line.
This additional expense could outweigh vinyl siding or other options, despite their lesser durability compared to engineered wood siding.
Can be prone to water damage
Engineered wood siding, like traditional wood and vinyl siding, absorbs water over time. This water absorption often leads to swelling, warping, or even rotting of the material. If your home resides in a region with high levels of rainfall or humidity, it could potentially face this issue more frequently.
Regular maintenance and proper installation can help reduce the risk of such damage. However, homeowners should be mindful that improper care may result in costly repairs or complete replacement of the soffit on your engineered wood siding.
Pros of Engineered Wood SidingCons of Engineered Wood SidingLow maintenanceHigher cost compared to traditional woodWide variety of stylesNot as durable as other siding optionsEco-friendlyMay require special tools for installationLong-lastingCan be prone to water damage
Conclusion
Choosing engineered wood siding offers many advantages such as low maintenance, diverse styles, and eco-friendliness. However, it comes with a few drawbacks like higher costs, potential durability issues and susceptibility to water damage.
It's important for homeowners to weigh these pros and cons to make an informed decision that best suits their needs.
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of using engineered wood siding?
Engineered wood siding is durable, low-cost, and offers high insulation values, making it an energy-efficient choice.
2. What are some potential drawbacks of engineered wood siding?
Some downsides to consider might include susceptibility to moisture damage if not properly maintained, and the possibility of color fading over time due to weather exposure.
3. Is engineered wood siding more expensive than real wood?
No, generally speaking, engineered wood siding tends to be less expensive than authentic wooden planks because it’s manufactured with a mix of real wood and other materials.
4. Does engineered wood require a lot of maintenance?
Although less demanding than traditional timber exteriors, engineered-wood sidings do still need regular care such as cleaning and occasional repainting or re-staining to ensure its longevity.
5. Can I install engineered wood siding myself or should I hire professionals?
While it’s possible for handy homeowners to install their own siding, hiring professional contractors ensures accurate siding installation that complies with warranty stipulations.
