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Vinyl, Wood, Fiber Cement, vs. Shake Siding

  • kristina908
  • Aug 25
  • 3 min read
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Your home’s siding is your first line of defense against gusty winds, snow, ice, insects, and other pests. When it comes to your siding, you want quality materials and the job done right. If you live in your house for decades, you may only have to replace your siding once.


Sign it is Time to Replace Your Siding

If you do not know when the siding was installed, you can look for visual cues that signal old siding such as sagging, cracking, missing pieces, or other signs of damage.


  • Visible damage like cracks, chips, gaps, etc.

  • Faded color

  • Rot, mold, & mildew

  • Excessive peeling paint

  • Higher energy bills

  • Pest damage

  • Hail or storm damage


Choosing the Right Siding

Choosing the right siding will depend on your priorities: aesthetics, maintenance, longevity, risks, sustainability, and budget. Vinyl siding is often the most popular due to its affordability and little maintenance. Wood siding provides a natural look and improved insulation but requires regular maintenance. Fiber cement siding provides an aesthetic look with increased durability, fire resistance, and reduced maintenance. Shake siding provides a unique look but is more expensive.


Vinyl Siding

  • Aesthetics: Variety of styles and colors but appears less authentic

  • Installation: Easy and affordable

  • Maintenance: Requires little

  • Longevity: Typically lasts 20-40 years

  • Risks: Susceptible to cracking, warping, and fading

  • Resistant to rot, moisture, and insects

  • Sustainability: Low

  • Budget: Affordable


Wood Siding

  • Aesthetics: A natural look customized in various finishes and colors

  • Installation: Requires skilled craftmanship

  • Maintenance: Regular staining, sealing, and repairs

  • Longevity: Typically lasts 20-40 years

  • Risks: Susceptible to rot & insects

  • Resistant to extreme temperatures

  • Sustainability: Renewable & biodegradable

  • Budget: More expensive than vinyl


Fiber Cement

  • Aesthetics: Versatile mimicked look of wood, stone, or brick

  • Installation: More complex & expensive to install

  • Maintenance: Requires little maintenance & usually only repeating every 15 years

  • Longevity: Typically lasts 50 years

  • Risks: Moisture problems if not installed & maintained properly

  • Resistant to fire, insects, rot, and weather damage

  • Budget: More expensive than vinyl


Shake Siding

  • Aesthetics: Rustic, textured look

  • Installation: More complex & expensive to install

  • Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning, resealing, & staining

  • Longevity: Typically lasts 25-50 years

  • Risks: Untreated wood increases fire risk

  • Resistant to rot and pests

  • Budget: Typically, most expensive


Best in Industry Siding Brands

Depending on which siding type you prefer, PK Contractors can recommend the right brand of siding. When it comes to siding, there are a few brands that lead the industry.

  • CertainTeed provides quality and durable vinyl, polymer composite, and fiber cement siding. They also offer various styles like clapboard, shakes, and board and batten in different textures, colors, and widths.

  • Mastic produces primarily vinyl siding.  Their vinyl siding comes in various styles including lap, board and batten, and shake. Their materials are known for its durability and requires little maintenance. Their Cedar Discovery® mimics the look of true cedar siding without the hassle.

  • LP Building Solutions is best known for LP SmartSide which is a brand of engineered wood siding and trim that is durable and long-lasting compared to traditional wood siding.

  • James Hardie specializes in fiber cement siding made of durable, non-combustible, and weather-resistant materials.


Expert Siding Installation

Regardless of the type of siding you choose, the success of a siding installation project depends on the proper installation. Expert siding installation requires skill, precision, and experience. If it is not done correctly, you may experience warping or buckling, cracking, water leaks, loose panels, joint gaps, uneven seams, etc.


For your siding to properly protect your home, it must be installed properly. PK Contractors has years of experience and provides quality craftsmanship. We will make sure your siding is properly attached, securely fastened, and sealed to withstand Wisconsin’s weather & climate.


Let PK Contractors Install Your New Siding

As your local exterior contractor based in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, PK Contractors specializes in siding installation, repair, and replacement. Whether you are looking to repair your siding or replace  your siding, let PK Contractors help!


PK Contractors can help you determine which material is right for you – vinyl, fiber cement, cedar, or shake. We will use only quality materials and provide excellent craftmanship. We work with the best brands in the industry including CertainTeed, Mastic, LP SmartSide, James Hardie, etc.

 


 
 
 

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