Pros and Cons of Wood Siding

You only get one chance to make a good first impression, and the exterior of your home will greatly influence the first impression that your guests, neighbors, and potential homebuyers have of your house. The siding, roofing, windows, doors, and landscaping all play a part. Although siding lasts for many years, harsh winters and brutally hot summers can take a toll on its condition and appearance. So if you notice warping, fading, cracks, or mold, it may be time to replace or upgrade your siding. Vinyl and brick are immensely popular, but have you considered wood? Today we’re weighing the pros and cons of wood siding for your home.

Pros and Cons of Wood Siding

Wood siding is one of the oldest siding options available, and homeowners love its natural beauty. Replacing the siding on your home is a major investment, however, so it’s important to check out the pros and cons of wood siding before you make your final decision.

Pros of Wood Siding

1. Wood can be stained or painted in limitless colors and finishes.
2. Wood is an environmentally friendly choice. It does not emit pollutants during the manufacturing process, it is biodegradable, and it is also considered a renewable resource.
3. Wood siding is durable enough to last for decades, if maintained properly.
4. There are multiple species of wood to choose from. Here is a list of the most popular siding choices:
   • Pine
   • Spruce
   • Fir
   • Cedar
   • Redwood
   • Cypress
5. Upgrading to wood siding can add value to a home, because it is considered a high-end siding. When you’re ready to sell, it will give your home a slight boost in resale value.
6. Wood siding comes in a variety of styles, including lap, shingle, shake, tongue and groove, board and batten, and bevel. Check out this photo gallery to see how each style can change the look of a home.

Cons of Wood Siding

1. Maintaining wood siding can be costly and tiring. Some styles will need to be stained at least every two to three years to prevent moisture damage, and paints on wood siding should be reapplied every four to five years.
2. Wood attracts termites. An annual pest-control inspection should be scheduled to prevent infestations. Remember that it is more cost-effective to prevent termites than to repair damage after the fact.
3. Wood siding can be expensive when compared to other siding options, though this depends on the style and type of wood selected.
4. If wood becomes cracked, rotted, or the victim of a woodpecker’s bill, it needs to be replaced immediately. A damaged strip of wood siding can allow water to seep into a home and cause additional problems such as interior mold growth.
5. Many wood shingles and shakes have poor flame spread fire ratings. This can increase the cost of home insurance. However, Class A fire ratings are available for certain wood shingle products that are made with a fire-resistant treatment.
6. Wood siding must be cleaned once a year to remove the buildup of dirt and mildew. It is recommended that homeowners use a soft-bristled brush rather than a power washer, which could cause damage due to its high water pressure.

Your budget may play a factor in the look you’re able to achieve. A clear sealer or semi-transparent stain will bring out all the highlights of the wood grain, so it’s important to select a high-quality wood that is free of knots and other blemishes. Superior wood comes with a hefty price tag, of course. On the other hand, paints and solid stains can be used on a less-expensive grade of wood without breaking the budget. It all depends on how much you’re willing to invest. A good rule of thumb is to buy the best wood siding grade that you can afford.

Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons of wood siding, does it sound like the right fit for you? If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for a free estimate. All of our services come with a warranty, so your home improvement project will be worry-free. Give us a call at 417-326-8778 to get started.