Engineered wood siding is a relatively new siding material taking the home renovation and construction world by storm. Lots of folks are interested in the pros and cons of engineered wood siding for Missouri homeowners and want to know whether this unique material will be a good choice for their needs.
Let’s break down the positives and downsides of engineered wood siding in detail.
Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Siding Explained
Engineered wood siding is a new type of synthetic wood siding made by binding strands or fibers of wood together using a resin composite. Each of those wood strands or fibers is treated with zinc borate, which is a preservative against insects and rot. Different levels of heat are used to compress the wood components and binding agents together, creating a new siding material that is durable against the elements.
Also called manufactured wood siding, composite wood siding, or synthetic wood siding, engineered wood siding is a popular choice for Missouri homeowners who want the look and feel of traditional wood siding with some extra advantages.
Pros of Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding does come with several major benefits, including:
- In terms of siding costs, relatively inexpensive to install
- Relatively durable
- Doesn’t chip or peel very easily
- Can easily withstand temperature fluctuations
- Only requires a repainting job once about every decade
- Is typically cheaper compared to real wood siding
- Comes in all kinds of textures, colors, and finishes to fit your home’s existing aesthetic
- Can be made from recyclable materials
- Can come in a stained look or a “cedar siding” look
In addition to these benefits, engineered wood siding is relatively low maintenance and is very resistant to all kinds of weather damage, including water damage and hail damage to some extent. It’s also resistant against warping, pests, mold and mildew growth, and fungal growth.
Cons of Engineered Wood Siding
However, engineered wood siding also comes with some potential downsides you should keep in mind when deciding whether it’s right for you. These include:
- Color vibrancy oftentimes fades with time
- Binding agents aren’t necessarily eco-friendly
- Not resistant to woodpeckers (See James Hardie siding for woodpecker resistance)
- The resin coat can crack over time under extreme weather hazards
- Some engineered wood siding finishes don’t look very natural
- The product can expand and contract as it absorbs moisture, so proper installation is essential
On top of those cons, engineered wood siding still doesn’t quite look as natural as “real” wood siding. If the resin coat cracks or if other cracks appear in the engineered wood siding material, water can seep through, leading to long-term damage, mold growth, and other downsides.
Furthermore, some engineered wood siding materials are made with dioxins, which are carcinogens that can be released into the environment.
Is Engineered Siding Right for You?
All in all, it’s up to you to determine whether engineered siding is right for your home and its unique needs. Engineered wood siding such as LP Wood siding may be a good choice if you:
- Appreciate the look and feel of real wood siding but want something more affordable
- Want a wood siding material that can easily be changed or adjusted to fit your home’s style or look
- Want a relatively cost-effective and affordable wood siding material
- Want a wood siding material that is reasonably durable under most circumstances
However, engineered wood siding may not be the best choice if you want something that:
- Looks exactly like real wood
- Is relatively eco-friendly
- If price is your most important decision-making factor
Still not sure whether you should go with engineered siding? Como Premium Exteriors can help.
As experts for all types of siding materials for Missouri homeowners, we are well-equipped and ready to help you determine the best siding material for your needs. Should you choose engineered wood siding, we can install it on your home quickly and within your budget.
Contact us today for more information about the pros and cons of engineered wood siding for Missouri homeowners or to set up an appointment.
