Casper Wood Siding
LP Smartside & Cedar Shake Siding
Wood siding that is engineered from wood and resin gives that balance of a natural look and enhanced durability. It can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance and care. It’s designed to resist things that real wood cannot like warping, cracking, and insects. It also resists moisture and reduces the possibility of rot or decay. Regular maintenance like painting and sealing can extend the life so you can enjoy the beauty for many years.
The installation process for wood siding is very detail-oriented which is why we offer siding services in Casper and we are properly trained and equipped to handle this type of project.
Wood is very popular because it’s so beautiful. It’s also durable and has that natural classic appeal to it. Cedar siding and LP smartsiding are some of the popular choices. Cedar shake is made from split logs that come from cedar trees. It’s known for its natural good looks. LP smartside is a type of popular engineered wood made from a combination of resin, wax, and wood strands.
Shou Sugi Ban is another popular choice among the more sophisticated homeowners due to its luxury appeal. From the name, it is probably obvious that it originates from Japan and involves charring the surface of the wood for that unique look.
A more standard choice would be a type of ship lap siding which has more of a basic look but is very functional. Siding T1-11 or t-111 is another choice. It’s a type of plywood with texture and looks similar to board and batten vinyl.
Wood siding can wear and tear because well…it’s wood! Knowing when to repair or replace is important for homeowners that have or want this type of siding. Here are some considerations:
Wood Siding Damage Signs
Wood is prone to rot, especially when there is moisture around and over a long period of time. If there exists soft wood, crumbling wood, or discoloration of wood, chances are there is rot. Not only does it look bad but it is bad. Wood that has rotted can no longer provide support or insulation and can spread if not taken care of sooner rather than later.
Wood siding can crack or warp when it is exposed too long and too frequently to the elements. Cracks allow moisture in and warping makes it so the boards pull away from the house which in turn allows moisture or pests in, furthering damage. It may be more beneficial to replace rather than repair if too much of this sign is noticed.
If you are regularly conducting repairs or replacing boards, it might be time to replace that siding as a whole. The constant repairs can certainly add up over time especially if they are quite frequent. There comes a time where its just more practical to replace rather than repair.
If there is mold and mildew, that is a sign of a moisture issue. Minor issues can be repaired or cleaned no problem but extensive growth may be a bigger issue. It can also be a major health issue as well.
Wood siding is also a type of insulator. If those energy bills have steadily been increasing, it may be a sign of gaps, cracks, or damage to that wood. What you don’t want is severe deterioration to occur. And, a less energy-efficient home can get pretty expensive from all that hard work from the heater or air conditioner in keeping your home at that optimal temperature.
Wood Considerations
Wood siding usually lasts up to 40 years which depends on the wood quality, regular maintenance, and the type and amount of exposure to weather. If your siding is at or beyond this time period, it’s probably a good idea to plan for replacing it even if you think you can get a few more years.
For wood siding, the typical type of maintenance would be painting, staining, and sealing. You should also regularly inspect for any damage. If these maintenance tasks are not done, it could waste away much faster.
If your home is in an area with extreme hot or cold weather or with extreme weather like super heavy rain, snow, hail, or exposure to major sun on a daily basis, there may be faster deterioration that could occur. Just being of aware of the climate where you live and adjusting your upkeep accordingly can do wonders for the lifespan of the siding.
Unfortunately, termites can do some major damage to wood siding. If there are noticeable holes or sawdust, it’s very important to take care of it immediately to prevent further damage. Replacement may not be needed if this type of damage is caught early enough.
Finally, the test of time can contribute to the wear and tear. If the way your home looks matters to you, and the siding is looking on the shabby side even if regular maintenance is occurring, it may be time for an update. Modern wood is much more improved and can provide better characteristics.
