Tag Archive for: cedar siding

One type of wood siding that many people choose for their homes is red cedar shingles.  Aside from their obvious aesthetic beauty, there are other advantages that make people prefer this siding over cheaper types.  However, maximizing these advantages means the shingles have to be installed and maintained properly.  Doing this well means significantly less expense over time, thus making it especially important to seek the assistance of experienced contractors like the professionals at United Home Experts.

What Makes Cedar Shingles Attractive?cedarshingles2-resized-600

Wood shingles are naturally attractive, their grain is not repetitive (such as those of synthetic materials), and many of them age beautifully if properly treated prior to installation.  Contrary to popular belief, cedar is highly durable, especially red cedar.  It contains tannic acid that acts as a natural preservative.  The material is also dimensionally stable so there is very little expansion or contraction of the material with changes in the weather.  This is not true of other siding types like vinyl.  Furthermore, air pockets captured by the wood make it a natural insulator that keeps the home cooler in warm weather and warmer during the cold months.

What Does Proper Installation and Maintenance Entail?

Unfortunately, not all cedar shingles are manufactured equally.  The higher-grade varieties have several characteristics that make them preferable over lower grade ones.  First, these have fewer knot holes.  Second, when installed, the space between each shingle is minute because of the straightness of each shingle’s cut.  Higher-grade red cedar shingles may cost more up-front, but the expense is often worthwhile.

As red cedar ages, it changes color to dark gray in a few years, unless properly treated either by the manufacturer or the installer. Some people find this undesirable, while others factor this aging into the house’s design.  Proper treatment also lessens the wood’s susceptibility to insect attack, which further extends the life of the material.

Installation of cedar shingles typically requires an experienced contractor in order for it to be done properly.  Vinyl or fiber cement sidings have been prefabricated so that each segment automatically fits the next one like a glove.  With cedar, the installer should exercise as much care as possible to ensure that there is little or almost no space between shingles.  Sealant also has to be applied between the spaces so moisture does not undermine it.  Siding contractors of United Home Experts have red cedar shingle installation down to a science.  This frees homeowners from worries they might face if they installed the wood siding themselves.

Like all other siding types, cedar shingles are susceptible to weather damage and impact damage.  But contrary to what many believe, it is not less durable than other siding materials.  Its resilience and innate strength allow it to last several decades.  It may be susceptible to insects, fungus, and other microorganisms, but this can be circumvented through proper wood treatment by experienced professionals.

Replacing damaged shingles is also easy.  The challenge is in making the color of the newer shingles match the newer ones.  Repainting is an option, but this will cover up part of what makes red cedar attractive.  Plain washing the wall down with water is often not enough.  Microorganisms like fungi need to be removed using bleach.  Susceptibility to moisture means that the owner should regularly check the siding to make sure that the wood has not begun to rot.

What Makes Fiber Cement a Good Alternative?Weatherboards-resized-600

Those who find that red cedar is not for them can opt for fiber cement.  There are varieties that have been manufactured to mimic cedar very closely.  It is nearly as good an insulator and has the same dimensional stability as masonry.  Maintenance is as easy as hosing the wall down with water.  Weather may still damage it, but it is not as susceptible as wood to moisture or fire.

In Summary

Naturally beautiful red cedar requires the hand of experience to be properly installed and maintained.  The beauty of the wood can be revealed and preserved through proper treatment and expert installation.  United Home Experts has both the experience and the expertise, to which its many satisfied customers throughout the New England area can attest.  Their siding experts can go over everything the customer needs to know in order to make the right decision.  This includes discussing alternatives like fiber cement or vinyl siding, which they are also experts in. Any homeowner considering red cedar for their home will benefit from their professional assistance.

For many homeowners in the New England states, the shingles they choose for their home must help the property to fit into its natural setting.  Importantly, too, the shingles must also be strong and durable enough to withstand the harsh climate of this part of the country.  CertainTeed Cedar Impressions shingle panels happily fit both criteria. CertainTeed Corporation is a long-standing manufacturer of building materials, with a history stretching back to 1904. It offers an impressive lifetime limited warranty on all their siding products, which remains valid for as long as the homeowner owns the home and longer.

The Manufacturing ProcessCedarImpressions-resized-600

CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions shingle panels are engineered using injection molding of durable polymer.  This produces a thick, rigid siding material.  The panels are designed to stand up to hurricane force winds, ensuring their suitability for even the harshest New England weather.

The panels are designed to fit tightly together with reinforced nail slots and molded perimeter locks, giving the finish a seamless look and holding the panels together with utmost security.

In the manufacturing process, Cedar Impressions shingle panels are given an authentic wood grain finish that is intrinsic to their natural look.  The process gives the shingles the appearance of real wood.  The staggered pattern creates a look of cedar shingles that have been hand sawn and applied one-by-one.  These shingle panels are equally attractive when applied to the entire home’s exterior or to add interest as a textural accent to any style of home.

CertainTeed Cedar Impressions shingles come in a vast array of colors, sizes and designs to fit any architectural style as well as the home’s surroundings.  Their authentic wood look, their colorations and the way they are applied all add up to a natural-looking structure that is very much an integral part of its surroundings.

Another major benefit of CertainTeed’s shingle panels is that they require virtually no maintenance.  The colors will not fade, and, as stated earlier, are engineered to stand up to a hurricane.CedarImpressions01

For homeowners in or near the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Southern New Hampshire, a good choice for their home improvement projects is United Home Experts.  The professionals at UHE understand the weather consequences of this region of the United States and can help the homeowner choose the material that is best for their particular project.

United Home Experts are also skilled home renovation contractors, so the home will not only have the curb appeal the homeowner is looking for, but will also provide the materials and application techniques to keep that exterior attractive and maintenance-free for years to come.  For a free estimate and to see real customer testimonials, click here or give us a call at 888-724-6865.

Homeowners who care about not only the exterior FCness of their home but also about how well it fits into its natural setting will appreciate the look, durability and variety of this remarkable shingle panel, manufactured only by CertainTeed.

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Homeowners looking into installing cedar shingles for their siding are often faced with two main choices: white or red. These two kinds of shingles vary in significant ways when it comes to color, style, durability, resistance to natural forces and eco-friendliness.

United Home Experts has experience working with both types of cedar shingles. The best way for homeowners to make an informed decision about which kind is best for them and their home is to review the pros and cons associated with both types of shingles while considering what factors are most important to them.

Color and styleCedarShingles-resized-600

In the color department, shingles come with many possibilities. Left unpainted or unfinished, white shingles come to take on a pretty silver-gray color. Red shingles, on the other hand, appear rich and classic in their natural state. However, red cedar shingles cannot be painted, while white shingles can be painted any desired color as they naturally absorb paint well. Stained or painted white shingles will be better protected from the elements than unpainted or unstained white cedar shingles.

Durability and resistance

White shingles possess natural qualities that enhance their resistance to insects and decay, which are two of the most common threats to wood insulation. However, due to their fibrous nature, white shingles are more likely to split or crack (possibly during installation), and this makes them a less durable option than red shingles. In comparison, red shingles require less maintenance and, when installed properly, can last multiple lifetimes. As for resistance, red shingles do well resisting moisture, which keeps them from warping. However, even though they are more durable than white shingles, red shingles contain an acid that will cause them to become darker and blotchy and in appearance over time, which is a problem that does not affect white shingles.

Eco-friendlinessCedarShingles2-resized-600

Overall, red cedar shingles are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than white cedar shingles. This is partly due to the red shingles’ unique cellular composition that results in the capturing of small pockets of air and improves insulation capabilities. In comparison, white shingles can deteriorate early and often, thus requiring regular maintenance and weaker insulation.

Regardless of which type of cedar shingle homeowners decide is best suited for their siding, the team at United Home Experts has the skill and experience to ensure proper installation. Countless satisfied customers across New England agree that United Home Experts is the right choice for any kind of home improvement.

A house with an accompanying barn on the property is not a home until it encompasses the true nature and feel of the surrounding area in which it is located, as well as the pride of ownership of its inhabitants. Having both of these is no easy feat, especially when one has to factor in the cost of having these two mediums meet in the middle. Fortunately, it does not have to mean that a homeowner must sacrifice one for the other, but it does entail knowing all the options one has. That being said, one of the best-known secrets to beautifying a home and barn without breaking the bank is to invest in house siding materials.

Why Does Siding Make Sense for New England Homeowners?

Those living in the Eastern New England area know that its climate can prove quite challenging. Between the wet, rainy season and the biting cold winter months, a home and barn’s exterior takes a beating year after year. Any investment into the preservation of the structures’ exteriors must be made with those simple facts in mind; otherwise the expense is not justified. House siding takes care of all that; it gives the structure a sturdy, resilient exterior that can hold up to the most demanding weather conditions, yet brings an appealing aesthetic quality that will please even the most discerning critic. Available in options to suit a broad range of tastes and budgets, house siding is the right choice for the savvy homeowner.

Barn Wood Siding Has Traditional Appeal.

Making the decision to have high-quality siding installed is one of the fastest and most economical ways to change up the look and feel of a barn. Of course, with so many options in siding currently available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed trying to decide on just one. For those wanting to capture the appeal of Eastern New England living, nothing says authentic like cedar wood siding. The natural beauty of cedar is going to deliver a rustic appeal that will give a barn a pleasing facade for many years to come. This surprisingly affordable option ties together the best part of traditional materials and delivers it in a modern presentation that appeals to and surpasses current standards.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let United Home Experts Help.

When it comes to getting the job done right, United Home Experts are the obvious choice. The company is there to take the homeowner step-by-step to completion, with guaranteed results – from helping the homeowner choose the best option to answering questions about the process itself. Don’t leave it up to chance; let United Home Experts demonstrate why they are leaders in the industry and the standard by which all others are measured.

Selecting the right home siding in the eastern New England area depends upon choosing a knowledgeable, reputable contractor. Hiring an expensive contractor does not necessarily guarantee that homeowners will receive the best craftsmanship available. Inexperienced contractors tend to rush through clients, but United Home Experts has over 10 years of experience in the home renovation industry, specializing in the unique needs of New England homeowners.

Unethical companies often try to charge for services that homeowners do not need. In the end, homeowners regret picking an inexperienced contractor who provided second-rate craftsmanship at a high price. The best strategy for vetting home siding contractors is to pay close attention to the amount of information that a company conveys during their initial assessment.

Contractors that are new to the industry will simply list the general choices of home siding: vinyl, metal, composites, and wood shingles or cladding. Amateur home improvement companies too often omit the newest products on the market because these contractors lack the experience of working with new siding materials. One such new siding option is polymer siding, which has a cedar-like appearance. This siding combines the weather-resistance of composite siding with the rustic, organic aesthetic of cedar shingles, and United Home Experts has the know-how necessary to handle this new siding product.

Inexperienced contractors Wood Rothaphazardly install new siding on top of damaged exterior walls, assuring expensive home renovation projects in the future. Moisture damage underneath old home siding often hides the true source of the problem. Winters in New England are notoriously rough on home siding, but cedar-like polymer siding has the added durability and moisture-resistance homeowners require to stand up to heavy snowfalls. Experienced contractors like United Home Experts can discern between residual wear-and-tear and unsightly damage caused by inclement weather.

The problem of proper insulation goes unnoticed by the average contractor. The insulating properties of polymer siding make this popular siding material an intriguing option for New England homeowners. Homes have different insulation installed based upon the era when they were originally constructed. For instance, homes built before the 1990s very likely contain insulation that is not nearly as moisture-resistant as insulation installed today.

The best aspect of cedar-like polymer siding is its sheer beauty. Homeowners who desire the rustic appearance of wood siding should take a closer look at new siding materials. United Home Experts understands the link between craftsmanship and overall aesthetic, which ranks this siding company among the best in the region.

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United Home Experts are the professionals of choice in deciding on the type of siding that will fit a homeowner’s budget and needs. Experts are especially helpful when protecting a New England home against East Coast sudden storms and drastic climate changes. United Home Experts are rated A+ by the Better Business Bureaus in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire. As well, the staff at United Home Experts is always prepared to provide a personal home visit in order to advise on the needs to protecting a home’s exterior.

There are several choices available when deciding to protect a home with siding. Siding offers a low maintenance alternative to stucco or brick. Stucco is labor-intensive, requiring several layers before completion, which raises the cost when choosing stucco. Extreme weather tends to degrade a brick structure, and again raises cost when brick must be replaced. Durable siding designed to withstand harsh weather experienced by homeowners in the East fulfill a need for New England homeowners.The three options explored in this article are fiber cement, cedar siding, and Everlast composite siding. Wood-BlogPhoto3

Siding made of cedar cut in planks or shinglesadd a warm, lovely touch to the home. Cedar plank siding painted white replicates the traditional Cape Cod clapboard beautifully. Cedar can be installed stained, painted, or without stain or paint. Cedar ages well, and the natural color of cedar will change over time. The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of cedar means that the wood will not warp, rot, or crack soon after being maintained, but that is only if the cedar is maintained on a yearly basis depending on the weather conditions. With time, the cost of cedar maintenance adds up and can put a burden on homeowners.

Fiber cement siding is a mixture of concrete, sand and cardboard. The result is a long-lasting, weather-resistant material for siding a home and is designed to look like wood, but looks unnatural. A wide assortment of siding colors is available. However, if a color choice is unavailable, unpainted fiber cement can be installed, and the homeowner can choose any color. Fiber cement also is very heat resistant more so than many other products on the market.

Cedar shingles or planks offer a traditional look to a home, whether cedar is painted or allowed to age naturally. Fiber cement siding is pest-resistant and can be made to resemble wood siding. Both options provide a long-lasting, weather-resistant and beautiful exterior to a home. Both are each decent choices for the harsh elements of a New England winter or summer, as well as for both seasons in between on the Eastern seaboard’s extreme climates.

Another alternative to cedar and fiber cement is Everlast Composite Siding, which is highly recommended by United Home Experts. Everlast has the exact looks of cedar and a far superior durability than cedar and fiber cement siding, but offers more with its versatility of being essentially maintenance free and having the capability to paint without any drawbacks. Everlast also costs less than cedar siding, putting an ease to homeowners’ cost budget.

Free evaluations are available through United Home Experts. 

An after photo with Everlast composite siding. Color: Seaside Gray

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