| Aluminum and steel siding systems look similar to | | | | and a layer of building paper. Horizontal patterns are |
| horizontal wood siding but don't require as much | | | | nailed through sheathing into studs; vertical patterns |
| maintenance. These systems can be applied right | | | | generally are nailed to horizontal nailing or furring |
| over old siding but are easier to apply over solid | | | | strips. Horizontal sidings are always applied so that |
| sheathing. | | | | each board overlaps the one below it. In some cases, |
| Steel siding is the most durable in snow country, or in | | | | the edges are milled to interlock, as they are all |
| areas of severe cold. Both steel and aluminum siding | | | | vertical patterns. |
| are more expensive than vinyl siding, but they offer | | | | Manufactured in sheet form, wood panel hardboard |
| greater energy efficiency than vinyl, which translates | | | | and plywood sidings are available in a standard width |
| into lower heating and cooling costs for years to | | | | of four feet and standard lengths of eight, nine, and |
| come. Metal siding can also withstand more heat than | | | | 10 feet. Made in a variety of thickness and patterns, |
| vinyl, as in the case of fire. | | | | sheet sidings are often applied directly to wall studs, |
| If your home is sided with aluminum, you may be | | | | without sheathing. |
| able to use some vinyl specialty parts. Otherwise, | | | | One benefit to choosing wood siding is that there are |
| you can get custom-bent aluminum pieces for some | | | | many options to choose from today. Some of the |
| architectural features, but these tend to be | | | | more popular choices include wooden lap board, |
| expensive and not very authentic looking. Sometimes | | | | tongue and groove siding, and split log siding, which |
| it is necessary to paint aluminum siding just like wood. | | | | resembles the interior of a log cabin. |
| But, a paint job similar to one used for cars ensures a | | | | With the many different types of wood siding |
| long life. | | | | available, it's easy to create a very unique exterior |
| Wood Siding | | | | for your home. And, with proper maintenance wood |
| Wood siding is milled in various patterns for both | | | | siding will last you for many years to come. |
| horizontal and vertical application. Wood siding is | | | | Disadvantages of wood siding include possible mold |
| usually, but not always, applied over solid sheathing | | | | growth, wood rot, or pest infestation. |