Types of House Siding We Soft Wash
Soft Washing Different Types of Siding
At Clean Coastal Living there isn’t a house siding we haven’t clean. Every siding has its its own advantages and disadvantages when approaching them from a cleaning aspect. Regardless of materials we approach every house washing job with soft washing. Below, we elucidate the most popular house siding we encounter in Georgia and South Carolina:
Knowing the steps to take before Soft Washing the exterior siding of your house is crucial. Proceed without the correct knowledge can lead severe damage. It’s also crucial to hire a company like us at Clean Coastal Living that understands the different types of the materials on house siding and how they need to be cleaned.
Vinyl Siding
One of the most popular siding options, vinyl siding is known for its affordability and low maintenance. The hard plastic material vinyl siding is made from comes in a variety of colors and styles, and is often selected because it looks similar to a wood exterior at a lower price point. Vinyl resists moisture and doesn’t need repainting and is a versatile choice for homeowners.
Pros: Affordable, durable, low maintenance, wide range of colors and styles.
Cons: Can crack in extreme temperatures, repairing damage can be difficult because you cannot patch vinyl siding
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a mixture of water, wood pulp, fly ash, and portland cement, which makes it a very resilient siding option. This type of siding is durable, and made from fire-resistant material that mimics the appearance of wood. This type of house siding is resistant to rot, pests, and harsh weather, making it a long-lasting option. If you are looking for a material that holds a balance of durability, affordability, and natural stone aesthetics, fiber cement siding is a great choice.
Pros: Extremely durable, water-resistant, low maintenance, resists fire, fungus and pests.
Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires professional installation
Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer siding offers the high-end look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost. This type siding is made of thin layers of stone or stone-like material that can be added to a home’s exterior. This siding choice for houses is lightweight and can be used for entire exteriors or decorative accents. Although stone veneer siding is beautiful and durable, improper installation can lead to moisture-related issues.
Pros: Visually stunning, lightweight alternative to real stone, highly durable.
Cons: Can be expensive, must be properly sealed to prevent water damage.
Engineered Wood Siding
A cost-effective alternative to traditional wood, engineered wood siding is a composite mix of different strands of wood and fibers that offer the same natural aesthetic with improved durability. It is treated to resist pests and moisture but still requires occasional maintenance to prevent water damage.
Pros: More affordable than natural wood, resistant to warping or deterioration, resists pests
Cons: Needs routine maintenance including cleaning and sealing or painting, and can be susceptible to moisture issues
Metal Siding
Modern and sleek, metal siding made from steel or aluminum is a great option for contemporary homes. As a house siding option, metal siding is easy to upkeep and is exceptionally durable against weather, pests, and rot. It is also more fire-resistant compared to other options. However, metal siding can dent and is more expensive upfront compared to different types of house siding.
Pros: Fire-resistant, superior durability, lasts 50+ years, energy-efficient and resilient to extreme temperatures
Cons: Prone to dents from storm damage, higher initial cost, can rust over time in wet climates
Brick Siding
Brick is one of the most durable siding materials, often lasting a lifetime with minimal maintenance. It is naturally fire-resistant, pest-proof, and can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it one of the most durable siding materials available. However, because brick is porous, it can absorb moisture over time, leading to potential mold or mildew growth, especially in humid climates. If well-maintained, brick siding can significantly boost home value.
Pros: Highly durable, fire-resistant, low maintenance, classic aesthetic
Cons: Expensive to install, can absorb moisture and develop mold, requires some maintenance over time
Wood Siding
Wood siding is a classic type of siding that enhances a home’s character and curb appeal. Available in various styles like clapboard, shakes, and shingles, wood provides a customizable aesthetic that works for both rustic and modern homes. While it provides excellent curb appeal, it requires frequent maintenance to prevent rot, pests, and weather damage.
Pros: Beautiful, renewable resource, customizable, timeless
Cons: High maintenance, vulnerable to moisture and insects, requires regular sealing or painting, less fire-resistant
Stucco Siding
Stucco is a popular choice in warmer climates because of its excellent insulation properties. This type of siding for houses is energy-efficient and long-lasting when properly maintained, though it can crack in areas with heavy rainfall or seismic activity.
Pros: Great insulation for better energy-efficiency, fire-resistant, long lasting with proper care
Cons: Can crack over time, absorbs moisture in wet climates, requires professional installation
