There are many options for wood exterior siding. When choosing the right type of wood to use for your home, there are several things to keep in mind. You should also consider the climate of your home and what type of maintenance your siding will need.
If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you may want to choose a wood species that will hold up well to moisture. Douglas fir is a popular choice. This wood is extremely stable and resists insect damage.
Cedar is also a good choice for siding. It is simple to cut and stain this wood. If you are planning to install this type of wood, make sure to get a stain/pain that will protect it from the sun's harmful UV rays. A light color pigment can help your siding reflect heat away. If you are planning on painting the exterior, it's essential that you paint your home on a regular basis.
Redwood is another popular material for exterior siding. You can find this type of wood in many different styles and colors. This wood is great for homes in hotter areas because it is light. The wood is strong but not resistant to insects or rot. It is important to regularly stain this wood to keep it looking its best.
White pine is an affordable alternative. This type of wood is affordable and easily available. It can be hard to find boards that are knot-free. It is also difficult to find a clear exterior finish. This is because the sap of the tree can cause gumming to the saw blade. To maintain their integrity, you can stain white pine boards.
If you plan to install a large wooden panel, make sure you consider its size. A large panel of wood is typically 8 feet high and 4 feet across. Installation can be very quick because the panels are large. You might consider a smaller style if you don't have much space. You may also consider a factory-primered option to prolong the life of your siding.
Cypress is an extremely lightweight wood. It is highly desired for exterior siding because of its fine texture. However, some cypress varieties can have an unusual odor. It's a good idea for you to apply oil finishes to protect your plants from lingering odors.
Spruce is a member of the pine family. Although it's an economical choice, it doesn't have the same rot resistance as other types. If you plan to install spruce, it is important that you inspect the wood for signs of rust or splintering. It is also a good idea for you to seal the planks regularly.
Garapa is a Brazilian wood that is commonly used for exterior projects. This wood is light in color and very strong. This wood can be quite expensive. This type of siding will require periodic sealing to keep it from getting damaged.
FAQ
How important is it that you are preapproved for a loan?
Pre-approval for a mortgage loan is essential. It will give you an estimate of the amount you will need. It will also help you determine if you are qualified for a specific loan program.
Is it more cost-effective to hire a subcontractor or a general contractor?
A general contractor will usually cost more than a subcontractor. A general contractor has many employees, so they often charge their clients a lot of money for labor costs. A subcontractor, on the other hand, only hires one worker, and charges less per hour.
How do I choose the right contractor?
Ask your family and friends for recommendations when choosing a contractor. Online reviews are also a good option. You should ensure that the contractor you select has experience in the field of construction you are interested. Check out references and ask for them to provide you with some.
How can I prevent being scammed when renovating my house
Knowing what you're paying for is the best way to avoid being scammed. Before signing any contract, read through the fine print carefully. Do not sign unsigned contracts. Always ask for copies of signed contracts.
Statistics
- They'll usually lend up to 90% of your home's "as-completed" value, but no more than $424,100 in most locales or $636,150 in high-cost areas. (kiplinger.com)
- A final payment of, say, 5% to 10% will be due when the space is livable and usable (your contract probably will say "substantial completion"). (kiplinger.com)
- It is advisable, however, to have a contingency of 10–20 per cent to allow for the unexpected expenses that can arise when renovating older homes. (realhomes.com)
- Rather, allot 10% to 15% for a contingency fund to pay for unexpected construction issues. (kiplinger.com)
- The average fixed rate for a home-equity loan was recently 5.27%, and the average variable rate for a HELOC was 5.49%, according to Bankrate.com. (kiplinger.com)
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How To
Do you prefer renovating exterior or interior?
Which one should I first do?
There are many aspects to consider when choosing which project should be started. Most people consider whether the building is new or old. You should consider the condition and age of the roof, windows, doors, flooring, electric system, etc. You should also consider the design, location, size, number and style of the building.
If the building has an older roof, it is worth looking at the roof first. You should start the renovation if you feel the roof is at risk of falling apart. Next, you can check if your roof is okay. Next, examine the windows. The windows should be inspected for damage or dirt before you do anything else. After this, go through the doorways and make sure that they are clean and free from debris. Next, check that everything seems to be in order before you begin work on the floors. You should ensure that the flooring does not crack or become unstable no matter how many times you walk on them. Now you can start to add the walls. You can now examine the walls to check for cracks or damage. If the wall is in good condition, you can move on to the next step. Finally, once the walls are inspected, you can work on the ceiling. The ceiling should be inspected to make sure it can support any weight that you might place on it. If all is well, then you are ready to move on to the next phase of your renovation.
If the building was new, you will want to inspect the exterior. The exterior of the home should be examined first. Is it maintained well? Is there any cracks? Does it look good overall? If your exterior isn't looking great, you should make some changes. You don't want to let your home look bad. Next, inspect the foundation. Repairing the foundation is a good idea if it appears weak. Also, check the driveway. You want it to be smooth and flat. If it isn’t then it is time to repair it. The sidewalk should be checked as well when you inspect the driveway. If the sidewalk is uneven, it should be replaced.
Once you have completed these inspections, you can now move on inside the house. Begin by inspecting the kitchen. Is it clean and well-maintained? If it is dirty or messy, you need to clean it up. Next, make sure to inspect the appliances. They should be in good shape and working properly. If they aren’t, you need to either get new ones or fix them. Check the cabinets after this. If the cabinets are stained, or have been scratched, you can probably paint them. If they're in good condition, you can move on to the bathrooms. Check the toilet in here. If it leaks, then you should probably get a new one. If it's just dirty, then you should probably wash it. Next, examine all the fixtures. Make sure that they are clean. They should be cleaned if they are dirty. You should also inspect the countertops. You should repaint countertops that are cracked or chipped. If they are smooth and shiny you can use a sealant.
The last step is to check the furniture. Make sure that none of it is missing or broken. If something is missing, then you should probably find it. If it is damaged, you should probably fix it. After everything has been checked, you can go outside to finish the job.