What Are the Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Siding for Missouri Homeowners?

When it comes to cladding your Missouri home, engineered wood siding is a popular choice to consider. It promises the classic look of wood without some of its downfalls. Yet, benefits can come with drawbacks, especially in a state where weather patterns vastly fluctuate. Here, we dive into “what are the pros and cons of engineered wood siding for Missouri homeowners”, so you can assess its suitability for your home without getting lost in sales pitches.

Key Takeaways

• Engineered wood siding is a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional wood, offering Missouri homeowners resistance to weather and insect damage, along with a broad range of design options.
• While engineered wood siding is resistant to many elements, it can have issues with moisture absorption and requires maintenance to prevent resin coat cracking and color fading.
• Besides engineered wood, there are siding alternatives like fiber cement, vinyl, and real wood, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks to consider for home exteriors.

Engineered Wood Siding: What It Is and How It’s Made

Engineered wood siding, a composite material comprising wood fibers and resin, combines affordability, durability, and design versatility. It imitates the warmth and classic appeal of traditional wood but provides a higher resistance to weather and insect damage.

Composition and Manufacturing Process

Engineered wood siding results from combining real wood fibers, wax, and resin. This composite material brings together the charm of traditional wood siding and the durability of synthetic materials. Every wood fiber strand undergoes a zinc borate treatment, enhancing resistance against rot and insects. Such a manufacturing process guarantees the end product’s appealing look and resilience to weather conditions.

Comparing Engineered Wood to Traditional Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding offers several advantages over traditional wood siding:

• It significantly mitigates the risk of buckling and edge checking due to climatic changes.
• It is more affordable than traditional wood siding.
• It is stylish and can enhance the appearance of your home.
• It is durable and can withstand the elements.
• It is a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional wood siding.

Overall, engineered wood siding provides an excellent alternative to traditional wood siding, especially when considering the range of engineered wood siding products and other wood products available.

Advantages of Engineered Wood Siding

Thanks to its extremely durable and robust construction, engineered wood siding is built to endure Missouri’s diverse weather conditions, promising a stunning exterior for many years.

Durability and Resistance

Engineered wood siding’s durability and resistance are its main attractions. Built to withstand moisture, weather, and pests, it becomes a compelling choice for homeowners in Missouri’s humid climate.

Cost-Effectiveness

Engineered wood siding’s significant advantage is its cost-effectiveness. Not only is it affordable to install but it also requires less maintenance. These factors contribute to its financial superiority over traditional wood siding.

Design Versatility

Engineered wood siding offers design versatility that lets you customize your home’s exterior to your preference. It’s available in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures, adding to its appeal. Some popular options include:

• Lap siding
• Shake and shingle siding
• Vertical siding
• Panel siding

With these options, you can create a unique and personalized look for your home, enhancing its curb appeal.

Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Siding

Despite its many advantages, engineered wood siding does come with certain drawbacks.

Moisture Concerns

In Missouri’s humid climate, engineered wood siding can potentially face issues with moisture absorption, leading to expansion and contraction and potential damage.

Maintenance Requirements

Engineered wood siding requires intensive maintenance due to its susceptibility to resin coat cracking in severe weather, color fading, and damage from woodpeckers.

Warranty Limitations

Warranties provided for engineered wood siding may not cover all types of damage or defects, imposing limitations for homeowners.

Alternatives to Engineered Wood Siding

There are several alternatives to engineered wood siding if you’re exploring other options.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is a robust alternative that stands up well to Missouri weather conditions, offering durability similar to engineered wood siding.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding, known for its low maintenance requirements and cost-effectiveness, is another siding material to consider when looking for the best siding for your house’s siding. With regular maintenance, this siding option can last for years.

Real Wood Siding

For those who prefer a natural and classic look, real wood siding is an option. However, it requires more maintenance and is susceptible to rot, insects, and moisture damage.

CoMo Premium Exteriors: Your Trusted Siding Experts

CoMo Premium Exteriors is a trusted provider of siding solutions in Mid-Missouri.

Expert Installation and Service

CoMo Premium Exteriors offers professional siding installation services, licensed and insured, with a commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction.

Warranty and Financing Options

CoMo Premium Exteriors provides a 5-Year Workmanship Warranty, 1-Year Clean-Up Guarantee, Manufacturer’s Warranty, along with diverse financing options.

Serving Mid-Missouri Areas

CoMo Premium Exteriors serves key areas in Mid-Missouri, including Columbia, Moberly, Boonville, Jefferson City, and surrounding areas.

Summary

To wrap up, engineered wood siding is a viable option for Missouri homeowners. It provides durability, design versatility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive choice for home exteriors. However, like any other material, it has its downsides, including potential moisture concerns, maintenance requirements, and warranty limitations. Alternatives like fiber cement siding, vinyl siding, and real wood siding each come with their own set of pros and cons.

When it comes to installation and service, CoMo Premium Exteriors is your go-to expert in Mid-Missouri. They offer professional installation services, warranty and financing options, and serve a wide range of areas. The choice of siding material ultimately depends on your preferences, needs, and budget, but whatever you choose, remember that a well-sided home is an investment in comfort, beauty, and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most durable engineered wood siding?

Consider installing LP SmartSide Trim & Siding for durable protection against extreme weather and impacts.

Is engineered wood better than vinyl siding?

Yes, engineered wood is better than vinyl siding if you want a material that can withstand the test of time and Mother Nature.

What is engineered wood siding?

Engineered wood siding is a synthetic wood siding made by binding strands or fibers of wood together using a resin composite. Each wood strand or fiber is treated with zinc borate for insect and rot resistance, making it durable and low-maintenance.

What are the pros of engineered wood siding?

Engineered wood siding is relatively inexpensive to install, durable, chip and peel resistant, and available in various textures, colors, and finishes. It can also be made from recyclable materials, making it a sustainable choice.

What are the cons of engineered wood siding?

Engineered wood siding has disadvantages such as color fading, non-eco-friendly binding agents, susceptibility to woodpecker damage, resin coat cracking in extreme weather, unnatural finishes, and expansion with moisture absorption. These factors should be considered before choosing this siding option.