Siding (construction)
Along with the roof, it forms the first line of defense against the elements, most importantly sun, rain/snow, heat and cold, thus creating a stable, more comfortable environment on the interior side.
Ants and termites are a threat to many types of wood siding, such that extra treatment and maintenance that can significantly increase the cost in some pest-infested areas.
Wood siding can provide some minor insulation and structural properties as compared to thinner cladding materials.
Although newer options and proper installation can eliminate this complaint, vinyl siding often has visible seam lines between panels and generally do not have the quality appearance of wood, brick, or masonry.
In addition to reducing energy consumption, insulated siding is a durable exterior product, designed to last more than 50 years, according to manufacturers.
The foam backing also creates straighter lines when hung, providing a look more like that of wood siding, while remaining low maintenance.
Manufacturers report that insulated siding is permeable or "breathable", allowing water vapor to escape, which can protect against rot, mold and mildew, and help maintain healthy indoor air quality.
Utilitarian buildings often use corrugated galvanized steel sheet siding or cladding, which often has a coloured vinyl finish.
Corrugated aluminium cladding is also common where a more durable finish is required, while also being lightweight for easy shaping and installing making it a popular metal siding choice.
However, an advantage of steel siding can be its dent-resistance, which is excellent for regions with severe storms—especially if the area is prone to hail.
Alcoa began promoting the use of aluminium in architecture by the 1920s when it produced ornamental spandrel panels for the Cathedral of Learning and the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings in New York.
Smith Corporation Building in Milwaukee was clad entirely in aluminium by 1930, and 3-foot-square (0.91 m) siding panels of Duralumin sheet from Alcoa sheathed an experimental exhibit house for the Architectural League of New York in 1931.
In the first few years after World War II, manufacturers began developing and widely distributing aluminium siding.
Other types of sheet metal and steel siding on the market at the time presented problems with warping, creating openings through which water could enter, introducing rust.
Products such as 4,-6,-8-and-10-inch (100, 150, 200 and 250 mm) by 12-foot (3.7 m) unpainted aluminium panels, starter strips, corner pieces and specialized application clips were assembled in the Indiana shop of the Hoess brothers.
Siding could be applied over conventional wooden clapboards, or it could be nailed to studs via special clips affixed to the top of each panel.
Though masonry can be painted or tinted to match many color palettes, it is most suited to neutral earth tones, and coatings such as roughcast and pebbeldash.
Precipitation can threaten the structure of buildings, so it is important that the siding will be able to withstand the weather conditions in the local region.
For rainy regions, exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS) have been known to suffer underlying wood rot problems with excessive moisture exposure.
Various composite materials are also used for siding: asphalt shingles, asbestos, fiber cement, aluminium (ACM), fiberboard, hardboard, etc.
Costs of composites tend to be lower than wood options, but vary widely as do installation, maintenance and repair requirements.
Not surprisingly, the durability and environmental impact of composite sidings depends on the specific materials used in the manufacturing process.
Composite siding products containing cellulose (wood fibers) have been shown to have problems with deterioration, delamination, or loss of coating adhesion in certain climates or under certain environmental conditions.
These products are usually made from a combination of non-wood materials such as polymeric resins, fiberglass, stone, sand, and fly ash and are chosen for their durability, curb appeal, and ease of maintenance.
