Product offerings in the world of sidings have dramatically changed over the last decade. Project owners are no longer limited to stucco, vinyl, brick, or wood sidings. For many decades in the state of Florida, stucco siding applied over block homes was the dominant siding product. However, the cookie-cutter look has run its course with many homebuyers, and many of them consider vinyl and wood sidings dated in style that also lack the durability of a set-it and forget-it generation.
Cement sidings in lap and panels have taken the place of most traditional wood siding jobs. Although this product offers a high degree of durability it has to be painted and maintained. A movement by a major cement siding company to replace traditional stucco with a stucco panel product is on the horizon this year. This could be a game changer for the inherent moisture penetration issue of traditional stucco.
One of the more intriguing lines of sidings is being offered by Royal® Building Products, which produces sidings and trim out of PVC-based products. This product line offers long-term durability, unmatched quality, and the closest look to wood without all the rot and deterioration of wood. Celect® Cellular Composite Siding by Royal Building Products is a new siding, which directly addresses the strength of vinyl siding while adding beauty and dimension that closely compares to painted wood. This siding is substantial in thickness and density, which stops buckling and waving, which has been a long-term issue for regular vinyl siding.
Celect Cellular Composite Siding is available in non-painted or in 15 Kynar pre-painted colors that offer a 25-year warranty. This siding is made of recyclable, state-of-the-art cellular materials which do not rot, split, crack, warp, twist, blister, flake, or peel. This product is interlocking and does not require caulking to install. Plus, you do not have to have any special tools for cutting or installation. This is another great example of the building supply industry creating a product which dramatically lowers maintenance and replacement costs.
Although the new siding products being offered in today’s market are more expensive than the older product lines, they offer the homeowner a cost-benefit equation that outweighs most of the initial investment. The homeowner must decide if the long-term cost savings in maintenance, performance, and hassle are worth the upfront investment. With the projected labor shortage in the construction industry, the need for products with lower maintenance is growing in the supply industry.
The other benefit of Royal Building Products is the breadth of product lines being offered. In the past, innovations like this siding were limited because the accessories and other parts needed to complete the job would generally have to be made from non-conforming products like wood. Royal Building Products has developed a full line of interior and exterior trims that enhance the installation of their new siding program. With their full line of trim products, the jobs look complete and professional.
Before you begin any construction or remodel project, research the building material selections closely and evaluate what will serve you best in the long-term and provide you with the greatest return. Spending a little more up front can save a lot of money in maintenance and painting a few years later.
Don Magruder is the CEO of RoMac Building Supply and host of Around the House, which can be seen at aroundthehouse.tv.