Like everywhere else, houses and building in Northern Virginia need siding to protect themselves from wind and rain. Sidings are the outer covering made of horizontal or vertical boards or sheet materials. Besides providing protection from the forces of natures, they also add to the aesthetic appeal of homes. Many homes have elaborately designed sidings just to make them look more visually appealing.

Sidings are made of wood, plastic, metal, masonry or composite materials. They can either be attached directly to the building structure or to an intermediate layer of horizontal planks. Because keeping out the rain is such a challenging task, they are usually made by overlapping, sealing the joints or creating interlocking joints. The main purpose is to prevent rainwater from leaking inside.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the different types of sidings:

  • Wood siding: In the USA, wood siding is usually made from the wood of eastern white pine, red wood or cedar because these are naturally weather-resistance and long lasting. They are usually made by overlapping or joining the boards, called clapboards or weatherboards, horizontally. In rare cases, the boards are also overlapped or joined vertically. Wood sidings are relatively easier to make and install, but they need more maintenance. They are susceptible to invasion by ants and termites and may need to be treated every four to nine years.
  • Plastic siding:Used as a substitute for wood sidings, plastic or vinyl sidings are cheaper but considered to be unattractive my many. They can also fade, crack and buckle over time. One of the biggest disadvantages of plastic sidings is that they are sensitive to heat and do not provide additional insulation to the building. This means that the house can easily catch fire and spread it to the neighboring houses. However, people still use them because they are cheaper and come in a variety of colors.
  • Metal siding:Many modern houses and industrial buildings have metal sidings. They are often made of corrugated galvanized steel or corrugated aluminum cladding. The latter is more durable than the former. The problem with steel sidings is that they rust over time and look unsightly. Aluminum, on the other hand, reacts with air to form aluminum oxide which further strengthens the siding. Aluminum siding is ideal for coastal areas where there is lots of moisture and salt in the air. However, steel is can withstand more pressure than aluminum and is good for windy places.
  • Insulated siding:This is the new type of siding that is becoming increasingly popular for all types of houses. Insulated sidings are improved plastic (vinyl) sidings that are robust, durable and environment-friendly. They are energy star compliant and made to last up to 50 years. They come in a variety of colors and, unlike the vinyl sidings, are aesthetically appealing.

There also other types of siding used in houses in Northern Virginia, such as the traditional stone-asphalt siding, which is also known as imitation brick because it looks like one. When installing siding, the important thing is to take into account the cost, durability, effectiveness and aesthetic appeal.




Siding Northern Virginia – Prince William Home Improvement is a siding and home improvement expert in Northern Virginia many satisfied customers. To know more about them and to learn how their services can improve your kitchen or bathroom, you can visit their website at: http://www.pwhomeimprovement.com/.