Eight Decades of Siding & Home Style
If you’re looking to move, remodel, renovate, or start from scratch, it’s helpful to look at home styles to get an idea of what appeals to you.
A variety of siding materials and applications have been used throughout the decades but they all have THREE things in common:
1. Siding Provides A Protective Shell for Your Home
Correctly installed siding protects the wall’s interior and the living space from pests and the weather. In the Willamette Valley, fiber cement, brick and synthetic stone are very popular because of their durability against our wet climate.
Wood is readily available but it can be susceptible to dry rot and stucco is better for dry weather. If you prefer these options, make sure all manufacturer instructions are followed for installation, and maintain your siding with regular cleaning and a good coat of paint.
Since siding is a protective shell against the elements, consider your unique environmental conditions before making your choice.
1 - Direct Sun Exposure - Prolonged sun causes fading and can make some siding brittle.
2 - Excessive Shade - Without some sun, moisture may not dry out, causing fungus growth.
3 - High Elevation - Generally, it’s colder and snow is more likely to pile up and melt against exterior walls.
Once you have decided on what type of siding works best, choose an experienced contractor that knows the materials and will comply with manufacturers guidelines for installation. This ensures that the warranty on the product will be upheld.
2. Siding Contributes to Curb Appeal
Over the decades, home design styles have certainly changed. The simplicity and practicality of the 40s and 50s; angles and levels of the 70s and 80s; and the mix of color and texture in the 2000s… all paint a picture of changing trends!
Architectural style will often dictate repair and remodel choices if you want to keep your home looking authentic. If you are replacing outdated vinyl siding from a 1960’s house, you can get the same look with new, modern fiber cement or engineered wood.
On the other hand, If you want to modernize the look, you may want to add stone to the base and shingles to the peaks, (or a siding that looks like shingles). Then choose an exterior paint color that compliments the stone and roof tones.
If you don’t know what to do for a house with outdated stone or brick, an economical option is to give it a coat of paint! Match the color of the other siding or choose a different neutral tone for updated curb appeal.
Most of all, keep any siding well maintained to keep it looking great!
Twice a year, do a walk around your house and look for:
- Loose caulking around windows, frame-work and trims (you don’t want water leaking behind the siding)
- Dry rot along the foundation and steps
- Chipped or failing paint
- Cracks in stone or brick work
- Trees or shrubs that are too near, rub against the house (get those cut back)
- Mold, mildew, or moss growing on the surface
- Boards and fasteners that are working loose
- Bulges or swelling in the siding
- Rusted, loose, or recessed nails
3. Siding Adds Value of Your Home
Siding plays an important role in your home’s value and overall structural health. No matter what style you like best, choosing quality materials that suit our Salem-area climate is critical
Here are six of the most popular types of siding along with their Best and worst features:
1 ~ Vinyl
PRO
- Low maintenance
- Easy to install
CON
- Gets brittle with age
- Expensive
- Covers up problem areas hides structural issues
2 ~ Wood
PRO
- Readily available
- Easy to repair or replace
- Affordable
CON
- Must stay painted
- Susceptible to dry rot and pests
3 ~ Fiber Cement
PRO
- Affordable
- Durable
- Not affected by the elements
CON
- Heavy
- Can crack on impact
4 ~ Stucco
PRO
- Form-able: it can be made into any shape
CON
- Not good in wet climates
- Hides structural damage
5 ~ Brick
PRO
- Lasts a long time
CON
- Expensive
- Difficult to repair
- Not flexible
- Hides water damage
6 ~ Faux Stone
PRO
- Looks attractive and adds texture
- Durable
CON
- Common issues with water penetration
- Difficult to repair or color match.
A well-maintained home retains Its value
If you have quality siding installed and keep it in good condition, your home and pocket book will benefit from the extra attention. Most likely, your siding has provided efficient protection and looks good too! And that’s a win-win for your family and your neighborhood.
If you need help maintaining your siding or choosing the right product and design options, 3Rs Construction & Remodeling is the experienced remodeling contractor you can trust. Call us for an appointment, 503-363-1059 or use our convenient contact page.
Header Photo Credit: Pixabay