Wood Siding Installation Services in Grand Traverse & Leelanau County
Natural Wood Siding For A Natural Look
Siding installation, repairs, and replacement are equally as important as roofing services—but few homeowners realize this. The overall integrity of a home can be improved by an expert siding company such as Traverse City Roofing.
Benefits of Wood Siding
Siding can improve the home’s energy efficiency because it keeps a large amount of heat inside the home, similar to the roof. If there are leaks and cracks in a home’s siding material, the energy bill can skyrocket in one month, and the homeowner won’t even realize the source of the problem. Having wood siding installed can also increase the home’s value. Not to mention it improves the overall aesthetic of the home, making it much nicer to look at. Wood siding is highly desirable for higher end homes as well as Lakefront homes who want a more natural siding material.
Wood Siding For Luxury & Eco Conscious Homes
More and more homeowners are coming forward these days and doing their part to conserve the environment. While vinyl siding is one of the most popular choices for siding nowadays, one can make an argument for wood siding and why it should not be forgotten as another excellent option.
Wood siding can be installed quickly. Wood siding is not a cheap alternative to other siding materials. But it does last a very long time and you do not burn up fossil fuels like vinyl siding which is a plastic based product. And because the material is easily available, replacement is just as quick and easy.
However, homeowners should know that the material is not perfect, and therefore has its drawbacks. The biggest disadvantage is that it is prone to damage and needs coats of paint or stains, as well as weather-stripping.
Why Choose Wood Siding
Wood siding, sometimes referred to as cladding, is a natural and attractive material that is used to cover and protect the exterior of a house. Some siding is designed for vertical installation, in a board-and-batten style. Others, such as shingles, clapboards, or shakes, are installed horizontally. Cedar and redwood are some of the most popular types of wood used for siding.
For property owners that want to learn more about all the options available to them, they should contact Traverse City Roofing.
Wood vs Vinyl Siding
Many homeowners wonder why they should choose wood over vinyl, when the latter is clearly more durable. But there is no denying the fact that wood is a natural and beautiful material that is durable in its own right. A lot of property owners appreciate it for its authenticity, which makes it a go-to choice for traditional architecture such as lake front cottages and cabins.
This type of siding will last for a long time as long as routine maintenance is done. When properly maintained, it can be very durable.
Popular Wood Siding Choice: Clapboard Siding
Also known as bevel or lap siding, clapboard siding is a traditional style of cladding that goes back to the early days of the USA. But because of its durability and appearance, it remains in use today. Clapboard siding is done by sawing a board lengthwise in a slight pie-shape, creating a narrow edge on one side of the length of the board, and a wide edge on the other side.
The contractor then overlaps the boards, starting with the first board placed at the bottom of the wall. This overlapping is where the term “lap siding” originates.
Clapboard siding is good because it sheds water effectively. This is because there are no edges that will hold and absorb moisture.
Every contractor makes the decision regarding how much to overlap the boards. Communicating with Traverse City Roofing will help the property owner know more about the entire process.
Cedar Wood Shakes and Wood Shingles
Wood siding comes in two distinct style types: wood shingles and wood shakes. But the only difference is the appearance of the cedar wood once it is finally installed. Cedar shingles are machine cut and tapered off, giving it a crisp and clean appearance.
On the other hand, cedar shakes are hand split. It gives them a more rustic appeal. The choice is ultimately up to the property owner, and it’s all a matter of preference.
Functionally, there is also one important difference between cedar wood shakes and shingles. Wood shingles are milled more precisely than shakes, while cedar shakes are more irregular because of the hand split. This means shakes don’t lay as flat when installed, creating gaps that can sometimes be penetrated by wind-blown precipitation.
However, this only means that professional installation is a must, when it comes to wood shakes. Regardless of the type, homeowners will want to work with professionals when installing any type of siding anyway.
Historical Homes & Wood Shakes
A cedar wood siding is great for traditional or historical-style homes. It improves the home’s aesthetic appeal, it gives it a more natural vibe, and it increases the property’s value. Because of the fire risks, a lot of modern cedar wood shakes and wood shingles are now treated with fire retardant, to ensure that they are safer.
Cedar wood shingles may cost between $2 to $3 per square foot installed, but it depends widely among different contractors. A cedar shake siding may cost between $1.75 to $3 per square foot. Call Traverse City Roofing today to get an estimate.
Do take note that most contractor estimates do not include the cost of demolishing or removing an existing siding if a replacement is needed.
The Benefits of Using Clapboard Siding
The appearance of wood clapboard siding cannot be equaled by vinyl or other manufactured materials. It is a favorite among many homeowners because of its authentic beauty. This is why it is most commonly used in high-end homes.
Clapboard siding can come in a variety of woods. They can also last a lifetime if maintained properly—this is one quality that is usually associated with vinyl siding, but may also apply to wood siding if the homeowner takes care of it. With regular care, wood siding can last decades. The only difference is that it takes a bit more maintenance compared to vinyl, because it’s not a plastic material. But when you consider the beauty of wood siding, and add in the durability, there’s no doubt this is a great choice.
Most clapboard woods, particularly cedar and redwood, are resistant to decay and rot. This means clapboard siding is not like regular wood and needs very minimal maintenance other than regular painting and staining. This is certainly not a tough task to do.
Compared to vinyl, which basically only needs to be cleaned every so often, clapboard siding requires just a little bit more care. The clapboard needs to be checked thoroughly at least once or twice a year in order to avoid costly repairs.
Cracked or broken boards should be replaced immediately to keep insects and moisture from getting in. Clapboard is susceptible to water damage, especially if it is not installed properly. Traverse City Roofing recommends getting a professional paint or stain job at least every seven to 10 years.
The Benefits of Using Wood Shakes Siding
Having a new siding installed can update the look of almost any home. It will look brand new. But for those who want an even more dramatic update, a cedar shake siding is oftenthe best choice. It creates a warm and inviting look for the house. Cedar wood itself is very beautiful, which is why it is sought by many property owners.
This versatile siding option effectively insulates the house regardless of climate. It is used for a number of different styles of homes because the appearance compliments most structures.
Compared to other types of wood siding, it is around 50 percent less likely to warp or swell due to water damage. It is also a much higher quality than other wood siding because of the added durability.
Professionals such as Traverse City Roofing can install this type of siding with ease, especially because wood shakes are particularly easy to work with.
Of course, no material is perfect, so here are a few disadvantages: it may discolor following exposure to moisture if not cleaned regularly, and it is also more expensive than traditional vinyl siding. Of course, prices may vary from one contractor to another, so contact Traverse City Roofing for an estimate.
Why Hire Traverse City Roofing for Wood Siding Installation and Repair
A siding installer or contractor is someone who can properly and efficiently install siding on the exterior of your property. It is their job to make sure it is fitted correctly so that it will maximize its lifespan and not get damaged so easily by weather.
This type of project is not the kind that should be done DIY—although some homeowners certainly attempt it. In the long run, this is not a wise decision because there is a huge probability that they won’t get it right. This will decrease the durability and aesthetic quality of the siding, no matter what material it is.
Traverse City Roofing has a team of experts who are trained and experienced in this particular field. They can perform the necessary siding projects, be it siding installation, repair, or even replacement.
Similar to roof repair or roof replacement, any siding task is not a job for a beginner. It’s just difficult and time-consuming—not to mention there’s a great chance of failure. It would be a waste of time, money, and energy.
Although it looks simple, the task requires expert attention. Work with Traverse City Roofing today and choose the right siding for your home.