Choosing the Best Siding for Your Lake of the Ozarks Home

In addition to adding beauty and curb appeal to your home, siding helps protect your house from weather damage and improves the insulation of your home.  New siding also appreciates the value of your home significantly if you are planning to put it on the market. Since Summer is the best time to install siding, Above & Beyond Roofing wanted to share some of the different choices of siding at the Lake of the Ozarks with you. RedBeacon.com has a great list of pros and cons for these different types of siding.

Things to Know Before You Get Started 

Before installing any siding, you will need to get a permit.  Local zoning rules apply and could affect the type of siding you can use, the surface that siding can be installed over and the necessity of a water-resistant barrier under the siding. Be sure to check your local guidelines before starting a big project like new siding at the Lake of the Ozarks. Along with these rules, understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you make the right decision for your home.  The cost of the materials can vary greatly and is something to consider, as well as the style and finish you want.

Aluminum Siding 

You can purchase aluminum siding in panels of different sizes varying from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.  It comes in large sheets which are painted and machined pressed,  commonly coming in clapboard style which can be painted your desired color.  These large panels can then be trimmed to the required size when installing.

Advantages: 

• Durable because its immune to fire, rot and termites
• Suitable for cold climates and places with strong winds because it can fasten securely to the house and do not expand or contract
• Requires minimum maintenance since dirt and mildew can be cleaned with a sponge and mild cleaner 

Disadvantages: 

• Possibility of developing dents under high impact
• Possibility of moisture penetrating through the seams
• Poor insulation 
• Fading and Scratches 

Vinyl Siding 

Vinyl siding is known for its versatility and durability. Unfortunately, it cannot be painted, but its available in a wide range of colors and faux wood finishes.  

Advantages: 

• Can have foam backing to help insulate your home and with sound proofing 
• Scratches are not visible on vinyl
• Maintenance is next to none, just washing with soapy water can do away with dirt
• Fading color can be restored with a restoration agent

Disadvantages: 

• Tends to burn or melt if exposed to any high heat 
• Can crack and fade after a few years 

 Fiber Cement Siding

This siding is compiled of cement, sand, wood fiber and clay in clapboard and shingles style.  This type can also be painted to your desired color.

Advantages: 

• Very durable
• Can withstand cold climates and harsh winds
• Little maintenance required - priming and painting every 15 to 20 years
• Power washers can be used to remove stains and mildew 
• Small cracks and dings can be repaired with some compound 

Disadvantages: 

• Very heavy making it difficult to cut
• Cutting of fiber cement panels can create dust that you should clean up
• Panels can shatter on impact

Wood Siding 

Wood is perhaps the most expensive siding material.  Western red cedar is the most popular choice, but you can also choose from pine, cypress and spruce.

Advantages: 

• Can be trimmed during installation process to ensure no seams are visible
• Holds paint well
• Can be bought factory-primed to ensure maximum resistance to moisture 
• Requires minimum maintenance since dirt and mildew can be cleaned with a sponge and mild cleaner

Disadvantages: 

• Needs regular painting, staining or varnishing to keep from cracking, warping or rotting
• Insect damage such as termites
• Water damage to home structure under siding 

Once you have decided on the type of siding you would like to install, its time to call your Lake of the Ozarks siding professional.  Above & Beyond is here to help you with the tough work because proper installation can extend the lifetime of your siding.  Give us a call today to get started! 

At Above & Beyond Roofing, we pride ourselves on being locally owned and operated, being open 7- days a week, and we turn the average roofing job in one day!  Contact Ben or Melissa for a free estimate on your next project at 573-302-0354!

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from the dog house to your house!"

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1212 Spring Valley Rd
Osage Beach, MO 65065
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