What Siding to Avoid in a House Exterior?

The choice of siding for a house exterior directly affects the service life and maintenance costs of the building. Sometimes, high temperatures, humidity, and hailstorms can pose serious challenges to the strength of siding. Therefore, many homeowners choose durable and low-maintenance composite cladding siding.

However, there are many different types of siding materials on the market. This article will analyze the types of siding that are not suitable for house exteriors and reveal their problems. We will also tell you why composite cladding siding is a better choice.

What are The Main Problems Facing Exterior Wall Siding?

Siding is the first line of defense for a house. Its damage is the result of a combination of environmental and human factors. Understanding these factors will help homeowners choose the right type of siding.

Siding Material Failure

There are significant differences in the strength and lifespan of different siding materials. For example, vinyl siding gradually becomes brittle over time. Experimental data shows that PVC siding loses 70% of its strength after 3,000 hours of UV exposure. In addition, fatigue cracks may appear around the edges of aluminum mounting holes.

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Pest Damage

The most serious threat to wood siding is insect infestation. A termite colony can consume about 16 grams of wood per day. A medium-sized termite colony can completely destroy 1 square meter of wood siding in 3 months.

Subterranean termites can invade siding through cracks. The formic acid they secrete reduces the strength of the wood. In addition to termites, other pests can also cause varying degrees of damage to siding.

Moisture and Rot

In humid environments, mold spores on the surface of wood can germinate within 24 hours. Typical brown rot fungi can gradually degrade the cellulose in wood. Even more serious are dry rot fungi. Their mycelium can extend for several meters and cause serious damage to houses. In addition, mold can also affect human health.

Severe Weather

Rain, snow, hail, and ultraviolet rays are all destructive. Different materials have varying degrees of resistance to harsh environments. In general, the local climate should be considered before choosing the type of siding. If your area experiences extreme weather conditions frequently, composite cladding siding is a good choice. It has strong weather resistance and strength.

Improper Installation

Most early failures of siding are related to improper installation. For example, common problems include not leaving enough expansion gaps during installation and improper joint treatment. Therefore, choosing a reliable contractor is also crucial.

Lack of Proper Maintenance

Even though most siding claims to require little maintenance, that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. You should check it regularly. Develop a regular maintenance plan. Address small problems before they become big ones.

Problems with Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a very economical choice. However, it has many hidden dangers. Vinyl siding is usually made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This glossy material exposes many problems in extreme weather conditions.

Vulnerable to Damage

When the temperature changes significantly, vinyl siding expands and contracts very noticeably. This dimensional change can cause excessive gaps at the joints. This can expose the wall to the risk of moisture penetration. In addition, if improperly designed during installation, vinyl siding may also warp and bend.

Fading and Toxic Substances

Although vinyl siding is available in a variety of colors and styles, it does not look as authentic as natural materials. Under continuous UV exposure, low-quality vinyl siding fades quickly.

More worryingly, when the surface temperature exceeds 70°C, PVC releases trace amounts of dioxins and lead compounds. This material can be harmful to human health. In residential fires, these toxic gases released by PVC siding are a major cause of death.

Insufficient Impact Resistance

Hail can cause visible dents in standard-thickness vinyl siding. Vinyl siding can result in high maintenance costs in areas with frequent extreme weather. In the long run, it is a poor value for money.

Problems with Wood Siding

Wood siding has been used for nearly a century. However, its problems have long plagued homeowners. Wood siding is not a wise choice, especially in hot and humid climates.

Prone to Mold and Rot

In environments with high relative humidity, wood is prone to mold and rot. Rotten siding can even damage the main structure of a house. To prevent this from happening, homeowners need to maintain it regularly.

Prone to Deformation and Cracking

Wood also has a high expansion coefficient. With changes in temperature and humidity, wood siding will expand and contract significantly. This is one of the reasons why many wood siding panels become deformed or cracked. Deformed or cracked siding can damage the frame of the house. This increases the risk of water seepage into the house.

High Maintenance Costs

Wood siding requires a lot of regular maintenance, such as staining, sealing, and preservative treatment. The long-term maintenance costs of wood siding can even exceed its initial cost. In contrast, composite cladding siding does not require a lot of time and money for maintenance.

Problems with Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding was once very popular. It has a certain degree of durability. However, it is prone to dents and scratches. Over time, it may also fade or chalk. In addition, it has the following defects.

Strong Heat Conductivity

Aluminum siding has a high thermal conductivity coefficient. In summer temperatures, the surface temperature of dark aluminum panels can reach 80°C. Its strong thermal conductivity can cause indoor temperatures to become too high, increasing air conditioning energy consumption.

Noise Pollution

Aluminum siding also has significant acoustic problems. Raindrops hitting aluminum panels can produce noise of up to 65 decibels. In seasons with frequent heavy rains, this continuous noise pollution can affect normal indoor life.

Limited Strength

Although aluminum itself has acceptable strength, it still performs poorly in extreme environments. When wind speeds are too high, elastic deformation may occur at the joints of the panels. Long-term use may result in fatigue fractures. In contrast, composite cladding siding has a sturdy structure. It can maintain its appearance and integrity during long-term use.

Problems with Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is usually durable and fireproof. However, it is not a wise choice. The following problems are also difficult to solve.

High Installation Costs

Fiber cement siding may be more expensive than other types of siding. It needs to be installed by professionals. This increases the initial cost. Moreover, it may need to be repainted over time.

May Release Harmful Dust

Fiber cement siding also contains potentially harmful ingredients such as crystalline silica and carbon black. Inhaling silica dust can be harmful to health. Therefore, strict safety precautions must be taken during installation. In addition, its manufacturing process is not environmentally friendly.

Which Type of Siding Should I Use?

In general, different siding materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for siding that can be used in a variety of environments, composite cladding siding is the best choice. It has the following advantages:

Excellent Weather Resistance

Composite cladding siding has better moisture resistance and weather resistance. It effectively prevents stains, mold, and bacterial growth. More importantly, it offers a variety of unique color options. COOWIN’s composite cladding siding can bring more flexibility to your architectural design.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

One of the major advantages of composite cladding siding is its strong resistance to insects and aging. You only need to clean it occasionally to make it look brand new. Composite cladding siding is the ideal choice for any construction project due to its durability, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Rich Surface Texture

Composite cladding siding blends perfectly with any architectural style. Its design mimics the natural appearance and rich texture of wood. Whether your project pursues a modern, rustic, or classic aesthetic, composite cladding siding provides an authentic wood finish. It can enhance the beauty of any interior element or building facade.

Combining Durability and Aesthetics

For those who value durability and aesthetics, composite cladding siding is the best choice. COOWIN’s composite cladding siding offers a wide range of colors and finishes. It also provides excellent UV protection. It is durable even when exposed to strong sunlight, heavy rain, or temperature changes.

Conclusion

The choice of exterior wall cladding is crucial for a house. High-quality siding material not only protects the property but is also a long-term investment. Vinyl siding, aluminum siding, wood siding, and fiber cement siding all have their potential problems. These types of siding should be avoided in certain outdoor environments.

Composite cladding siding’s excellent weather resistance and service life make it the best siding material for the exterior walls of a house. You can use it on the exterior walls of houses in almost any environment. If you would like to learn more about composite timber cladding, please contact us. COOWIN can provide you with a variety of samples.