Real wood siding has been a favored exterior for decades, namely for its natural beauty and aesthetic warmth.
It’s undoubtedly a classic choice, but many homeowners balk at the idea of wood siding because of its inherent maintenance issues. For homeowners that want the appeal of wood minus all the potential upkeep problems, steel siding makes for an excellent alternative.
Wood has been a traditional choice in home construction, but has its drawbacks. There are a few reasons why homeowners are looking for wood siding alternatives.
Wood siding requires a higher level of maintenance than many other siding materials. It needs to be re-painted or re-sealed every few years, and thorough annual cleanings are a must. If damage does occur, the siding must be repaired immediately before moisture problems occur.
Wood siding is also appealing to insects and wildlife. Wood-loving insects, like termites, carpenter ants, and even woodpeckers can cause serious damage to wood siding. Wood makes it easy for pests like termites to burrow into the material, and many homeowners have had to deal with woodpeckers gouging holes in their siding.
Moisture is a significant concern for homeowners who have wood siding. Damaged siding leaves opportunity for moisture to set in if it’s not caught in time. Paints and sealers help, but failure to stay on top of surface treatments can lead to bare wood being exposed to the elements. Even shrubs or plants too close to your home's exterior can lead to excessive moisture, fungus growth, and algae spots.
Sometimes the only way to fix damage is to completely replace the siding. The process of replacing wood siding isn't always environmentally friendly, however. Even if the siding manufacturer uses lumber harvested from responsible, new growth forests, homeowners must also consider any surface treatments used on the wood.
There are siding solutions, however, to get the look of wood without any of the problems. Steel siding with a natural embossed wood grain, like Rollex's Aurora line, offers superior protection for your home without sacrificing curb appeal.
One of the main reasons for choosing steel siding that looks like wood is to virtually eliminate maintenance needs. In comparison to wood, steel siding is about as close to maintenance-free as you can get. There’s no repainting, sealing, or staining with steel siding, just a basic cleaning to remove dirt and stuck debris.
Steel siding provides homeowners with a long-term solution that is highly resistant to damage. There isn't a high risk of moisture invasion with steel, and homeowners won’t need to worry about insects or pests destroying the material. Quality steel siding from Rollex is protected under a limited lifetime warranty, so homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is protected for years to come.
Compared to wood siding, Rollex’s Aurora steel siding is also exceptionally simple to install. Rather than laying plank by plank as you would with wood, Rollex installs as easily as vinyl. It requires no caulking and no special equipment.
When considering new siding for your home, be cautious before investing in real wood. While wood siding offers an attractive and warm home exterior, it comes with a full menu of maintenance and repair issues.
If you want the look of wood without all of the headaches, you'll be thrilled with a quality wood grain steel siding that will last longer and keep your home protected.
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