Siding Things Up

The siding industry has seen an incredible evolution. Thanks to amazing technological advancements, today’s siding options combine practicality with aesthetics for products that look just like real wood but offer far superior performance. Manufacturers are now able to create vinyl and fiber cement sidings that mirror the positive attributes of wood while eliminating the many hassles associated with it.

As customer demand for individuality grows, so does the number of available options. Siding manufacturers offer a wide breadth of choices with a color to suit nearly any need. But beauty is only one selling point. Homeowners seek for the benefits associated with energy-efficient, green products and fortunately siding manufacturers have developed attractive claddings that speak directly to these concerns.

“Vinyl siding is a great choice for a durable low-maintenance home exterior since it does not require painting or staining,” says Jerry Blais, vice president, marketing for Ply Gem siding group. “There is really no limit to where vinyl siding makes sense. It is being used in entry-level starter homes as well as high-end properties in both new construction and remodeling applications. The ease of maintenance makes it attractive to all audiences.

“Vinyl cladding is available in traditional horizontal styles with varying widths and lengths, insulated panels, and board and batten styles,” he adds. “Plus, we have polymer shakes, scallops and shingles. We are seeing customers use combinations of all these options on one elevation for a distinct look.”

“Vinyl siding is available in a broad palette of colors, profiles and architectural trim to assist architects, builders and homeowners in customizing their new construction and renovation designs, and can complement historical restoration projects,” says Brad Johnson, vice president, marketing for Style Crest Building Products. “Individuality is key. People want to differentiate their homes. With vinyl, they are able to create a truly unique look with trim and accessories to match or accent.”

Style Crest has added North Cape simulated cedar board siding to its line of polymeric siding. The siding requires no painting, no caulking or sealing, and is available in 16 colors. As an injection molded product, North Cape simulated cedar board can recreate the detail of mill sawn cedar boards in both a single 8-in.exposure and double 6-in. exposure profile. The panels are stack locked with overlapping joints.

“With the ability to withstand high winds and resist heat, cold and moisture, vinyl siding retains its original appearance and performance capabilities over time,” adds Johnson.

Exterior Portfolio by Crane has added Portsmouth Perfection Shake to its Portsmouth Shake line. This cladding features a deep wood grain texture for bold shadow lines and promises a low-maintenance shake cladding option. The product line also includes Hand-Split Portsmouth Shake and the scalloped straight-line shingles of Portsmouth Shake Half Rounds. Each siding panel has a reinforced nail slot and perimeter locks to ensure a strong surface without seams. Portsmouth Perfection Shake has a wind load rating of up to 160 mph and is available in 13 shades.

DuraPlank from Royal Building Products features a traditional wood clapboard appearance, thick profile and straight, clean finish. This reinforced siding has a rigid foam backing that insulates, repels moisture and maximizes rigidity.

DuraPlank is available in a variety of standard colors as well as the company’s UV-resistant Colorscapes shades.

End-User Savings

As the word “green” has come to mean more than a color choice in today’s society, demand for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly products has increased exponentially. The promise of tax credits and lower energy bills has significantly fueled the green fire.

According to Joe Klink, director of corporate relations for Provia Door & Heartland Siding, “with consciousness toward energy efficiency being at an all-time high, more homeowners are choosing to clad their home with insulated siding.”