There are many choices for exterior wood siding. When choosing the right type of wood to use for your home, there are several things to keep in mind. Consider the weather conditions and the maintenance that you will need to keep your siding looking great.
If you live where there is heavy rainfall, it may be a good idea to choose wood species that are resistant to moisture. Douglas fir is a popular choice. This wood is extremely durable and resistant to insects.
Cedar is also a good choice for siding. This wood is easy to cut and stain. If you plan on installing this type of wood, it's important to make sure you get a stain or paint that will protect the surface from the sun's damaging UV rays. A light-colored pigment will reflect heat away and help siding look better. It is important to paint exterior walls on a regular basis if you plan on painting them.
Redwood is another popular material for exterior siding. Redwood is available in many styles and colors. This wood is suitable for homes with hotter climates as it is relatively lightweight. Wood is tough, but it's not immune to rot and insect attack. To maintain its natural beauty, this wood must be stained on a regular basis.
White pine can be a lower-cost option. This wood is easily accessible and very affordable. It is not always easy to find boards without knots. It can be hard to find clear exterior finishes. This is due to the fact that the sap on the tree gums up 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 wood panel usually is 8 feet high and four feet wide. It is easy to install large wood panels because they are so big. If you don't have a lot of space to work with, you might want to choose a smaller wood style. Also, factory-primered siding will give your siding a longer life span.
Cypress is a relatively lightweight wood. It is highly desired for exterior siding because of its fine texture. Some cypress varieties have a distinctive odor, though. It's a good idea for you to apply oil finishes to protect your plants from lingering odors.
Spruce is a wood that belongs to the pine family. While it is an affordable choice, it isn't as rot resistant as other woods. If you plan to install spruce, it is important that you inspect the wood for signs of rust or splintering. It's also a good idea seal the planks every so often.
Garapa, a Brazilian timber, is used often for exterior projects. This wood has a lovely, light color and is strong and sturdy. This wood can be quite expensive. If you plan to use this type siding, you will need to seal it regularly to prevent it becoming damaged.
FAQ
Can I renovate my whole house myself?
Do it yourself - you'll save time and money.
It doesn’t matter how much DIY is your passion, sometimes it can be difficult to do the job yourself. There may be too many variables involved for you to control.
You might discover that the wiring in your home is not up to date. In this case, you'll need to hire an electrician to ensure that your electrical system works safely and reliably.
Consider that you may not be able repair any structural damage that might have occurred during the renovation.
It is possible that you don't have the right tools or the knowledge to do the job correctly. A plumber's snake is an instrument that can be used to unclog pipes.
You must also follow plumbing codes to ensure that a licensed plumber is working on your project.
The bottom line is that you need to know exactly what you are capable of doing before you embark on such a big task.
Ask for assistance from family and friends who have completed similar tasks before if you are uncertain.
They can offer advice about what to do and where to go for more information.
Is it better for a contractor to hire or a subcontractor to do the job?
It is more expensive to hire a general contractor than to subcontract. General contractors have many employees so often charge their clients a high amount for labor costs. A subcontractor on the other side only employs one person, so he/she charges less per-hour.
What should you consider when buying your next home?
Be sure to have enough money in reserve for closing costs before you purchase a new home. You might consider refinancing your mortgage if you don't have enough money.
How important is it that you are preapproved for a loan?
It's important to be pre-approved for mortgages. This will allow you to determine how much money you can borrow. It will also help you determine if you are qualified for a specific loan program.
Do I need permits to renovate my house?
Yes. You will need permits to start any home renovation project. In most cases, you will need both a plumbing and building permit. A zoning license may also be needed depending on the type or construction you are doing.
How do you sell your house quickly and without the need to pay realtor fees
It is important to start looking for buyers as soon as possible if you wish to quickly sell your home. You should be open to accepting any price offered by the buyer. You will likely lose some buyers if you hold off too long.
Statistics
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (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)
- 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)
- Design-builders may ask for a down payment of up to 25% or 33% of the job cost, says the NARI. (kiplinger.com)
- On jumbo loans of more than $636,150, you'll be able to borrow up to 80% of the home's completed value. (kiplinger.com)
External Links
How To
Where can I get information on home improvements?
You can save money on home improvements while still improving your home. You can make your home more attractive and cost-effective without spending a lot. There are many ways to make your home more appealing without spending a lot of money, such as painting and landscaping or adding a spa. If you are interested in making these changes, there are many resources online that can help you decide which project is right for you.
The internet is full of useful information regarding home improvement projects. Numerous websites give detailed instructions on how you can complete different tasks. You can see how your house would look after you have completed each task on many of these websites.
Professionals might also publish articles on home improvement topics. You may find an article in a magazine about the best kind of paint to paint your walls. This article might give you ideas on how to choose colors and paint types that match your existing decor.
There are also websites that specialize in providing advice and recommendations regarding home improvement. Houzz.com or Pinterest.com are great websites to learn more about home improvement projects. Each website provides useful information on products and services that might interest you.
Some websites only focus on home improvements. Lowe's.com is one example. It allows you to search through the company's collection of tools and materials for home improvement projects. You might also find helpful information about choosing and installing window treatments.
Home improvements can be exciting, rewarding, and fun. You can make your home more beautiful by learning about them.