What is Engineered Wood Siding?
Engineered wood siding is a type of manufactured siding that is well-known as a cost-effective alternative to natural wood siding. It is made up of cheaper, energy-efficient composite wood materials. This drops the cost per square foot to a more affordable rate for homeowners.
Engineered wood siding is typically available in 4 foot by 8 foot sheets or lap panels, as well as in smooth or embossed textures. This type of composite wood siding is relatively inexpensive compared to traditional wood siding at about $3 to $8 per square foot. You can expect your engineered wood siding to last between 20 to 30 years, compared to wood siding which typically lasts up to 50 years.
Engineered Wood Siding vs. Natural Wood
Engineered wood products are designed to provide the look of natural wood siding while eliminating flaws, resisting deterioration, and being more cost effective to install and maintain. Manufacturers of engineered wood siding claim that the product is superior to real wood in the following ways.
- Strength. Engineered wood siding is made up of wood strands that are coated with a resin binder and compressed to create a board of superior strength, making your siding more durable when it comes to standing up to inclement weather.
- Moisture, Rot, and Pest-Free. Engineered wood siding is treated to prevent termites and rot. It is also coated with a moisture-resistant overlay. This creates a cedar-grain pattern for an authentic wood appearance while providing superior protection against moisture. Overall, engineered wood is more weather-resistant than natural wood.
- Ease of Installation. Engineered wood siding is easier and more affordable to install than real wood siding. It is lighter in weight and features advances that make installation less complicated. For instance, engineered wood siding can be purchased pre-primed, ready to paint, or pre-finished in any number of finish options. This reduces the field and labor time during the installation process.
Engineered Wood Siding Benefits
There is a reason why engineered wood siding is found on more than 1.5 million homes in the United States. Consider the following benefits of engineered wood.
Cons of Engineered Wood Siding
For the homeowner that desires the natural look of wood, synthetic wood may look a little too perfect. But for some, this can be a bonus, because the siding on your home will always look fresh.
Additionally, even though engineered wood siding is now supported by significant research and solid product warranties, earlier versions were plagued by moisture problems. Some builders believe that the new variety of faux wood siding has not been on the market long enough to truly demonstrate its durability.
We recommend speaking with reliable local engineered wood siding installers near you to ask them whether engineered wood is a good choice for your home’s needs.
Engineered Wood Siding Maintenance Tips
Synthetic wood siding is virtually maintenance free. You may want to rinse your siding with a power washer to remove loose dirt once a year, but no further maintenance is required to keep your siding looking attractive and to preserve its strength throughout its lifetime.
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