Fiberglass siding can offer homeowners seeking practical ways to be more ecologically responsible while also saving on their energy costs. If your home is in need of a bit of freshening up, this exterior material may be ideal for your needs. Below, you’ll find information about what fiberglass siding is, whom it might benefit, and how it works.
The Latest Idea for Traditional Homes
Fiberglass itself is hardly a new idea. It’s been used for decades as an insulation product. Siding made from fiberglass differs in several ways from vinyl siding. Vinyl is a type of plastic. Over time, plastic expands and contracts in response to temperature variations. This can lead to gapping or warping of the siding material and will result in moisture damage to the underlying home structure. Fiberglass siding is made by first extruding glass through a plastic filter, which coats the glass filaments. This is then molded, similarly to vinyl, to resemble traditional wood plank siding.
Vinyl siding, which has long been the less expensive alternative to wood siding, must be mounted with special fasteners that allow for the extreme variations due to expansion and contraction. In order to hide these fastenings, broad vertical molding must be used at the corners of a structure. Fiberglass does not require these measures, and therefore allows you greater latitude when designing the exterior of your home. It’s not only stronger than wood siding material, but because it is made thinner, it costs less. As well as being impervious to water damage and insect predation, it doesn’t sag over time, according to Ask Amek.
Costs, Availability, and Drawbacks
While fiberglass siding is gaining in popularity, because the concept is still new, the number of providers are limited. It’s also slightly more expensive than the more traditional vinyl siding material. You might consider that siding made from fiberglass is worth the added cost, simply because the process by which it’s created provides a continuous fiber. This enhances its strength, flexibility, and its relative material lifespan.
Fiberglass planks, while they are superior in many ways, will most likely require you to contract with a company for installation. Unlike vinyl or wood, fiberglass planks are not readily available for private purchase in a number of locations. As well, they are not as easy to cut in a home workshop. These factors make hiring a contractor more cost effective in the long run, since they will have access to materials and tools needed to complete the job accurately and swiftly.
While fiberglass siding is superior to vinyl and wood siding in many ways, it may not be appropriate for your housing needs and should be compared with other options, such as fiber cement board or brick façade. As well, the higher cost due to relative scarcity should encourage you to ensure that the contractor you select has the appropriate experience working with and installing the siding.
Related Resource: How To Repair Siding
When coupled with an appropriate moisture barrier and adequate insulation, fiberglass siding is a wonderful option for creating a beautiful and strong exterior for your home. It will help to protect your investment, and contribute to the overall r-value of the structure, thus cutting energy spending all year round.
