Cedar Siding Vs. Hardie Plank Siding: The Best Solution For Your Home
Whether you want to build a new home or renovate your existing one, you must decide what type of siding to use. Many options are available, but cedar siding and Hardie plank siding have been gaining popularity in recent years. If you need help deciding which siding you want to use, both have their pros and cons. This post will explore the differences between these two siding options and help you decide which is best for your home.
Pros of Cedar Siding
The benefits of having cedar siding on your home are vast. Some of these include:
· Natural Beauty
Cedar siding is a natural beauty. The cedar tree makes various products, including lumber, furniture, and homes. This type of siding can be stained to create a variety of colors, which makes it easy to match the color of your home or other buildings. Its spicy scent is unique, and not even Hardie siding can compete. Cedar siding comes in many different styles and finishes, so you can choose the one that fits your home’s style.
· Good Insulator
Insulation is a very important part of home construction and can save money on utility bills. An insulator is a material placed between the exterior surface of the building and the interior surface. This is usually done to reduce heat loss or gain in a building. Cedar siding is a great choice for insulation for many reasons. Cedar has natural oils and cedar dust that help it to repel moisture and keep the home dry. Cedar siding also has a higher R-value than other materials, so it keeps the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
· Environmentally Friendly
Cedar Siding is an environmentally friendly choice for homes. Cedar is a natural, renewable resource that is easily harvested and reused year after year without diminishing its quality and can be used for interior and exterior purposes. Cedar has also been proven to repel bugs, which is a huge benefit to your home. Cedar is also sustainable and does not contribute to global warming or deforestation.
· Insect Resistant
Cedar Siding is an insect-resistant wood making it a good choice for exterior siding. The sapwood is protected from insects, so the cedar is more durable and longer lasting. Cedar siding is also resistant to decay and rot.
Cons of Cedar Siding
Although cedarwood seems like the perfect choice, let’s consider the disadvantages of this type of siding:
· Requires Significant Maintenance
Cedar siding requires a significant amount of maintenance to preserve its beauty. Cedar siding needs to be pressure washed regularly to remove debris and debris. It should also be stained and sealed with a protectant every few years to prevent the wood from fading. These steps will help your cedar siding stay in good condition for many years.
· Fire Risk
Wood neither resists nor retards flames. Most homeowners treat and shake their cedar shingles for safety purposes with a flame retardant. Sadly, they are no longer suitable for landfills after being so handled. Verify the laws in your city because some HOAs and cities forbid cedar shake on the house due to the fire risk.
· Bad Reaction to Iron
Cedarwood can react with iron and cause a brown stain, making the wood unstable and prone to breaking apart. To prevent the formation of this brown stain, it is important to ensure that the cedar wood is not in direct contact with any iron surfaces, such as nails or screws.
Pros of Hardie plank siding
Now that we know the benefits and disadvantages of cedar siding, let’s compare them to the benefits of Hardie plank siding below:
· Outstanding Durability
Hardie Plank Siding is an innovative siding product made from recycled materials. The product is made from old, pressure-treated wood and provides a beautiful finish while being environmentally friendly. It is said to be a long-lasting product with a warranty that lasts up to 20 years. Hardie Plank Siding has outstanding durability because it uses pressure-treated wood and is made of recycled materials. The product is also easy to install and can be installed on any wall.
· Unmatched Warranty
Hardie Plank Siding has an unmatched warranty. If any of their sidings ever starts to break down, they will replace it for free, no questions asked. It comes with a warranty that is transferable to the next homeowner. It also includes at least a 10-year warranty on the siding itself. You can feel confident knowing that your home’s exterior will be protected for years.
· Eye-catching Curb Appeal
Hardie Plank siding is one of the market’s most popular exterior siding materials. Its eye-catching curb appeal and durability make it a top choice for homeowners and contractors. Hardie Plank siding is available in various colors, textures, patterns, and styles to match your home’s architecture. There are also many options for custom siding that come with a variety of features.
Cons of Hardie Plank Siding
Now let’s consider the disadvantages of Hardie plank siding:
· It is Expensive
Hardie Plank siding is among the most expensive types of siding available. This type of siding is made of wood and engineered wood, which means that it is made from wood that has been treated to resist rot, termites, and other pests. Hardie Plank siding can be installed on a concrete foundation or onto a wooden or masonry wall. This type of siding is perfect for those who want to add the look and durability of hardwood to their home. However, it comes at a great cost.
· Proper Ventilation Must be Provided
Proper ventilation must be provided for Hardie Plank siding to ensure it does not rot or mold. This can be done by installing a vent in the roof and a fan in the attic.
When deciding which type of siding you should use for your home, there are many factors to consider. Cedar siding has been around for decades and is still the country’s most popular type of siding. However, cedar siding is a more natural product with a beautiful look. Hardie plank siding, on the other hand, is a more modern option that offers a variety of benefits over cedar.
In conclusion, cedar siding is the best option for most homes because it is affordable and durable.
Contact us at LongHouse Cedar to get the best set of durable cedarwood for your home!