The texture of natural wood attracts the attention of designers even in the age of modern technology, when products made of composites can be given a variety of shades and patterns. In the case of siding, imitation of the traditional style goes beyond the scope of the color scheme. The texture of the facade panels can be made in the form of a log of a real log house. Of course, wood siding has nothing to do with the environmental characteristics of natural lumber, but in terms of technical reliability and operational practicality, this solution has many more advantages.
Material Overview
Siding panels are lightweight, practical in care and durable material for cladding “bare” facade surfaces. In the classic version, it was wood that served as its basis, but in order to improve the technical and physical qualities of the finish, manufacturers began to experiment with plastic and metal. Today, most of the assortment in the segment is represented by artificial panels.
As already noted, this is not the best option for cladding from an environmental point of view, but in terms of the combination of other operational properties, it justifies itself. In addition, wood siding for exterior decoration attracts attention and structural capabilities. Together with panels for cladding, manufacturers supply a wide range of accessories and fittings that facilitate installation processes in complex facade areas. For example, corners, slopes, chamfers and profiles allow you to organically combine siding elements with a drainage system, window openings and a roofing cake.
Varieties of designs
Imitation of wood can be different, like real facades made of natural lumber. The most popular solution is the already mentioned log texture. Such lining segments are arranged horizontally and recreate the image of a classic log house. Today, such designs are known as block houses. Also, wood siding is also performed in the format of a conventional lining. In this case, the finish will be closer to the visual image of a row board or rail installed horizontally or vertically.
In some ways, the middle solution is the imitation of timber. Unlike lining, such panels are wider and slightly thicker, and in comparison with the block house, the beam has a flat surface. All the listed siding designs are combined with color solutions. The texture of the material from each category can be very different - from natural wood tones (the most common options) to gray and even black palettes.
Wood siding
Reliable, physically strong and durable material for exterior decoration. As a basis, aluminum or a steel alloy can be used. The first option is good for its ease, ease of installation and a variety of possibilities for external processing. Aluminum panels are often coated with polymer compositions like polyester, plastisol and pural, which increase the protective properties of the skin. But even multi-layer external processing of soft metal does not exclude the risks of serious mechanical damage.
From the point of view of strength, it is still more advisable to choose steel siding for wood. The price of metal panels of this type will be higher - about 600-700 rubles / m 2 , but you can count on the long-term operation of the facade coating even in harsh climatic conditions. The increase in the price tag is due precisely to the fact that the steel undergoes galvanizing treatment. This procedure is important as an effective way to protect metal panels from corrosion. But polymer protective layers in this case are not excluded.
Acrylic siding
A variety of plastic facade panels, which have fundamental differences from metal cladding, and also stand out in their group of synthetic materials. What makes acrylic wood siding better than steel, for example? It is more practical in physical handling, more conveniently transported and installed, does not ring under rain drops and, in principle, is not afraid of moisture. In terms of mechanical reliability, acrylic, of course, is inferior to metal, but here you can return to the practicality of plastic and again note the ease of replacing a damaged element.
If we talk about the unique properties of acrylic against the background of brothers in the family, then resistance to heat and ultraviolet will come to the fore. On average, manufacturers set limits from 70 to 80 ° C as the maximum temperature at which the material does not melt, does not fade, and generally maintains its operational properties. In other words, the southern regions with hot sunny summers can be called optimal for using this siding under a tree. The price of such panels is only 200-300 rubles / m 2 .
Fiber cement siding
We can say that this is a premium solution in the general segment - both in cost and in operational characteristics. This positioning is due to the composition of fiber cement. The structure of the panel is formed by a combination of cement, sand and cellulose fibers. The latter act as a reinforcing link that adds strength to the material. High-quality cement also forms a reliable foundation, and external processing is in no way limited in the implementation of a wide variety of imitations - from the lining to the block house and the shipboard.
The output is durable, environmentally friendly and externally attractive wood siding. The price, however, is also considerable and averages from 1,200 to 1,500 rubles / m 2 . But it should be borne in mind that for this amount not a thin-walled synthetic substitute for overhaul is purchased, but a worthy analogue of a traditional facade based on cement. The difference with conventional cladding will be a variety of textured design solutions and design flexibility that allows installation of any complexity.
Wood Vinyl Siding
These are panels made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are distinguished by frost resistance, low weight and practicality in maintenance. The main advantage is resistance to temperature changes and moisture. But this applies to low limits in the northern regions. At high temperatures, vinyl is undesirable. It can not only melt under the scorching rays of the sun, but also releases harmful substances. Only the cost can justify such operational risks - on average, the price of a siding for wood based on PVC is 180-200 rubles / m 2 . Nevertheless, for a private residential building, such cladding is not recommended. More often vinyl panels make out economic, industrial and technical objects.
Installation Features
Installation activities in most cases can be performed even by one person without outside help. This is the feature of installing panels. But this does not mean that work operations do not require attention and serious preparation. Unlike other types of cladding, wood siding requires a precise fit. The task of the contractor is not so much to ensure reliable mechanical fixation with hardware, but to correctly design the lining of the segments adjacent to each other by lock joints.
Given the technical subtleties, a question may arise in principle about the feasibility of performing an independent installation. By average standards, the price of finishing siding under a tree with the help of specialists is 800-1000 rubles. for 10 m 2 . Nevertheless, if you follow the installation instructions from the manufacturer, then the quality of the result can correspond to a professional one. In addition, experience in handling panels and an understanding of the technology of the device of such sheathing in the future will allow repair operations to be performed without the participation of a master.
Preparation for installation
Before working, you should thoroughly check each panel that you plan to attach to the facade. The appearance, structural integrity and conformity of dimensions are evaluated. If necessary, cut individual elements. Without this operation, it is almost impossible to do with the integrated design of the house. Soft vinyl wood siding can be cut with ordinary scissors or a jigsaw. Metal panels will have to be processed with a power tool - for example, a circular saw or a angle grinder. Separately prepared and surface for laying. They should be cleaned of dirt and leveled. Installation should only be done on a flat surface.
Installation process
First of all, a support base is created, to which profile elements will be fixed. Particularly hard metal siding for wood for exterior decoration requires a reliable crate. It can be performed from a timber that has previously undergone processing from decay and other biological processes of destruction. The rails should be placed so that they align with the holes in the siding panels.
The layout configuration will depend on the design of the elements. So, the horizontal superstructure of each subsequent segment to the lower one is considered the standard. As for fastening, wood siding is usually installed on self-tapping screws, screws or nails. Too tight fixation to the crate should be avoided, as overstrain of the metal or expansion of the plastic can ultimately lead to deformation of the casing.
Material Reviews
Initially, siding was developed as a more practical and affordable replacement of the traditional facade cladding. From this concept all the pluses and minuses that are noted in the practice of operation have arisen. Thus, among the advantages of wood siding, many homeowners note the texture that looks like natural skin, the minimum maintenance requirements and the relatively high protective properties. In terms of technical and structural advantages, metal siding still comes to the fore. Vinyl and acrylic panels are often criticized for their lack of strength. Weak thin elements in windy weather can even be deformed without the possibility of recovery.
Conclusion
Of course, imitation of natural wood is not the only offer on the siding market of stylized texture. There are no less attractive options for various breeds of natural stone, for example. The choice should be made taking into account the already existing textured structures in the overall facade composition. As for the principle of choosing in favor of this skin, it justifies itself as a practical and yet budget solution. The standard price of siding under a tree of 500-700 rubles / m 2 will allow you to organize a facade that is quite acceptable in terms of design and sound in terms of reliability. The main thing is not to lose in the characteristics of the base material. There is a big difference between metal, cement and plastic elements, which must be taken into account based on the specific conditions of the further use of the cladding.