The Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding comprises cellulose strands that are compressed for maximum strength and bound together with a resin coating. It’s a growingly popular alternative to traditional wood siding and is currently available in a wide range of colors and textures.If you’re wondering whether engineered wood is the right choice for your Seattle home, here are its primary pros and cons to help you decide.

The first thing any Seattle siding contractor will say about engineered wood material is that it’s relatively affordable to install. Labor often comprises a large chunk of installation costs, so budget-conscious homeowners may find this option attractive.

Siding contractors in Seattle agree that traditional wood has a real durability problem. It’s prone to leaks and mold growth, particularly when poorly maintained, improperly installed, or insufficiently sealed. Fortunately, engineered wood material is quite the opposite since it’s durable enough to hold its efficiency for a long time.

Another problem with traditional wood material is its weakness against weather and temperature fluctuations. Fortunately, siding companies in Seattle point out that engineered wood products can easily withstand temperature fluctuations with no problem.

A common criticism of traditional wood panels is that it’s detrimental to the environment to harvest them. Your local Seattle siding company will point out that engineered siding is more eco-friendly because it’s made from recyclable materials and doesn’t depend on logging whole trees to make the boards.

While it is a fact that engineered wood material offers a wide variety of colors, any siding company in Seattle will warn you that its vibrance can fade over time. This is a problem for many homeowners since faded exterior panels look unappealing, and it costs money to paint or replace them.

Moisture is the greatest enemy of buildings, considering how severely it can affect the exterior and the underlying structures. Unfortunately, siding contractors in Seattle know a major con of engineered wood material is that with any crack or damage it suffers, moisture can easily encroach.

More than one Seattle siding contractor has pointed out that people who work with traditional wood need to take the proper precautions so that their health is not affected by the toxic sealants and chemicals involved.Unfortunately, siding companies in Seattle are aware that switching to engineered siding doesn’t remove these risks. It can be dangerous to use engineered wood material since dioxin, a dangerous carcinogen, is released during the manufacturing process.

Another problem that your siding company in Seattle may bring to your attention about engineered wood material is that its finish may look unnatural, especially compared to other options like fiber cement. Since clients expect their investment to have the best possible appearance, this can easily be a turnoff.

Engineered wood has certain advantages over its naturally occurring counterpart. However, your average Seattle siding company recommends carefully weighing these pros and cons before making a final decision. There may be another material better-suited to your needs.