Sidings, which come as a part of exterior design services, play a critical role in beautifying and defining multifamily properties. Choosing the right sidings is essential to highlight the best features of your property, enhance its value and marketability. Sidings also play a key role in deciding your property’s R-value or thermal efficiency, which is why they must be a focus of the design services provider you choose. Moreover, as not all sidings are created equal, it’s essential to analyze every aspect of sidings, starting from their installation method to versatility, to durability. To help you make the right pick, here is a comparison between the three most-used sidings in multifamily properties, and their pros and cons.

1. Vinyl

Vinyl sidings are used in more than 32 percent of all newly constructed properties in the US. Introduced in the late 1950s, they have evolved into one of the most high-performing and versatile cladding materials used in multifamily properties. Vinyl sidings are available in multiple colors, designs, and textures, and are one of the most preferred materials due to their low cost.

Pros

• Durable
• Easy to maintain
• Dust does not stick easily
• Don’t usually require repainting
• Less expensive than most other siding materials
• Lightweight, due to which you can install them directly over the existing material

Cons

• Flammable
• Difficult to repair
• Lacks a layer of insulation in the back
• Prone to cracks and dents in extreme weather conditions

In addition, standard vinyl sidings are usually 12 feet long, due to which if their panel ends overlap, the seams can become noticeable. When they get damaged, the entire panel needs replacement. Extra panels can cost you more than 30 percent that what you have to pay for standard panels.

2. Fiber-Cement

Fiber-cement sidings are made from a mixture of sand, cement, clay, and wood pulp. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes guising conventional Siding Materials such as cedar wood, clapboards, and stucco. Although the siding type is an ideal choice for properties in humid regions, they are suitable for almost all climatic conditions.

Pros

• Fire resistant
• Termite proof
• Require low maintenance
• Free of asbestos and toxic elements
• Highly resistant to extreme weathers
• Available in a range of textures and colors
• Eco-friendly, as many of them are made from recycled materials

Cons

• Quite heavy
• Require special tools and techniques to install
• Expensive to install compared to other materials such as vinyl

3. Wood

Although wood is historically used in cottages and bungalows, this premium siding material is becoming a popular choice in multifamily units, too. Wood sidings are available in different options, ranging from clapboards made of wood planks, to shingles and shakes. Shingles are thinner than shakes and render a more consistent and smoother finish.

Pros

• Elegant appeal
• Low labor costs
• Environment-friendly
• Easy to cut and install
• Last for generations, if well maintained

Cons

• Costlier than most other siding materials
• High maintenance cost

Wood sidings can help your property stand apart and greatly enhance its rentability. It’s, however, essential to note that wood sidings require regular maintenance, including chalking, staining and painting, to complete their optimum lifespan.

Conclusion

Sidings not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property, but also protect it from damages, keeping the need of repairs to the minimum. Selecting the right siding material for your property, however, can be confusing. This is where United Renovations, with years of experience in multifamily construction, has got you covered. Ideally positioned to deliver a comprehensive spectrum of multifamily construction and design services, our professionals will be happy to suggest the most suitable siding materials that not only suit your budget, but also optimize the value of your property. For a no-obligation consultation, call us at 972-432-6922 or write to us at [email protected].