How Exterior Siding Can Redefine the Look of Your Modular Home
Exterior siding is a crucial component of modular homes, serving functional and aesthetic purposes. It protects the home from environmental elements, contributes to insulation, and significantly impacts its appearance. Choosing the right building exterior ensures durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. This guide will delve into modular home siding options to help you determine the best options for your modular home.
Modular Home Exterior Siding Options
Selecting the ideal building siding for modular homes involves considering durability, insulation, and maintenance needs. This article explores some of the best modular home exterior sidings, each offering unique benefits and features.
Vinyl Siding
Many homeowners choose vinyl siding due to its affordability and low maintenance. Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is available in various colors and styles, complementing many design aesthetics.
Benefits
Affordability: Vinyl siding is generally considered inexpensive compared to other siding materials. The raw materials used in its production—mainly polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—are cheaper than the natural or composite materials used in other types of siding.
Low Maintenance: Once installed, vinyl siding requires minimal upkeep. Unlike wood siding, it does not need to be painted, stained, or sealed.
Drawbacks
Environmental Concerns: Vinyl siding is produced using PVC. The manufacturing process releases harmful chemicals, such as dioxins and phthalates, into the environment, contributing to air and water pollution.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a composite material made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This combination creates a highly durable and versatile siding option that appeals to modern homeowners for several reasons.
Benefits
Durability: Unlike wood, fiber cement siding is not susceptible to termite damage. Termites cannot penetrate the cement-based material, ensuring long-lasting protection against these pests. In addition, fiber cement does not absorb moisture as readily as wood, significantly reducing the risk of rot and decay.
Aesthetic Flexibility: Fiber cement siding can be manufactured to mimic the appearance of traditional wood, stone, or brick. This versatility allows homeowners to achieve a high-end, authentic look without the drawbacks associated with the natural materials.
Low Maintenance: Fiber cement siding often comes with a factory-applied finish that is baked on, making it more resistant to peeling, chipping, and fading.
Drawbacks
Installation Cost: Fiber cement siding is significantly heavier than vinyl or wood siding. This weight makes it more difficult to handle and install, requiring more labor and specialized tools. Consequently, the installation process can be longer and more labor-intensive, leading to higher labor costs.
Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten siding is a traditional exterior cladding method that dates back to the early days of American architecture. It is particularly popular in farmhouse, rustic, and cottage-style homes. The design involves wide vertical boards (the "boards") spaced apart, with narrower strips (the "battens") covering the seams. This combination creates a distinctive, textured appearance that many homeowners find appealing.
Benefits
Aesthetic Appeal: Board and batten siding offers a charming, rustic aesthetic that evokes a sense of tradition and homeliness. This type of siding can be used on a variety of home styles, from modern to farmhouse designs, providing a distinctive and appealing look that enhances curb appeal.
Performance: When made from high-quality materials such as wood, engineered wood, or fiber cement, board and batten siding can be very durable. The additional layer created by the battens can also enhance the insulation properties of the siding, helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency.
Drawbacks
Maintenance: Traditional wood board and batten siding require periodic maintenance to prevent damage from rot, warping, and insects. This includes periodic painting, staining, and sealing to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage.
Metal Siding
Metal siding, often made from aluminum or steel, is renowned for its modern appeal and exceptional durability. This type of siding is particularly favored for contemporary and industrial-style homes, but its benefits extend beyond aesthetics.
Benefits
Longevity: Metal siding is incredibly durable and can last several decades with minimal maintenance. It resists many common issues plaguing other siding materials, such as rotting, warping, and insect damage.
Low Maintenance: Unlike wood, metal siding does not require regular painting, staining, or sealing. A simple wash is typically sufficient to keep it looking clean and new. Metal siding is impervious to termites and other pests that can damage wooden exteriors, reducing the need for pest control measures.
Drawbacks
Initial Cost: High-quality metal siding is often more costly than other materials like vinyl or wood. However, its low maintenance requirements and long lifespan can offset the initial cost. Metal siding installation can be more complex and labor-intensive, ensuring the panels are securely attached, which leads to higher installation costs.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding is an innovative alternative to traditional wood siding. It is designed to offer the aesthetic appeal of real wood with enhanced durability and performance. Made from a blend of wood fibers, resins, and waxes, this composite material is engineered to withstand various environmental stresses while providing a beautiful finish.
Benefits
Eco-Friendly: Engineered wood siding is often made from recycled wood fibers and other sustainable materials, reducing the demand for virgin timber. Compared with other siding materials like fiber cement or metal, the manufacturing process for engineered wood siding generally requires less energy.
Cost-Efficiency: Engineered wood siding is generally more affordable than natural wood and other premium siding materials. The protective coatings applied during manufacturing reduce the need for frequent painting, staining, or sealing.
Drawbacks
Proper Installation Required: Like any siding material, engineered wood siding must be installed correctly to ensure its longevity and performance. While some homeowners may be tempted to tackle installation as a DIY project, professional installation is recommended to avoid potential issues and ensure the siding is securely and correctly attached.
Farrell Homes can handle the installation of the exterior siding in the factory and also on site. If you are familiar with the construction industry and have the know-how to get directly involved with the build, you may be interested in our Builder’s Program.
Low Maintenance Exterior Siding for Modular Homes
When choosing siding for a modular home, many homeowners prioritize low maintenance to save time, effort, and money over the long term. Two standout options in this category are vinyl and metal sidings. Both materials offer unique benefits that contribute to their ease of care and longevity, making them ideal for homeowners seeking minimal upkeep. Here's a closer look at why vinyl and metal sidings are considered low maintenance:
Vinyl Siding
Minimal Upkeep: Vinyl siding is known to be low maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance. Dirt, grime, and mildew can be easily removed with a mild detergent and a garden hose, keeping the siding fresh and new.
Durability: Vinyl can withstand weather conditions, from intense sunlight to heavy rain and snow, without deteriorating. It also resists damage rot, insect damage, and warping.
Metal Siding
Exceptional Durability: Metal siding, typically made from aluminum or steel, is highly durable and lasts several decades. It resists many problems plaguing other siding materials, such as rot, warping, and insect damage.
Weather Resistance: Metal siding can withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, wind, and hail. Its resistance to moisture means it will not suffer from rot or mold, making it ideal for humid or wet climates.
Choosing the Right Exterior Siding for a Modular Home in the Northeast
When choosing siding for a modular home in the Northeast, it’s essential to consider factors such as temperature fluctuations, precipitation, and the potential for severe weather. Materials that offer strong insulation and resistance to moisture and wind are preferable.
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Vinyl siding is notable for its affordability, wide range of styles, and low maintenance. It provides solid protection against the elements, making it suitable for the Northeast climate.
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Vinyl shake siding is reminiscent of traditional shakes made from cedar. It offers aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability without the high maintenance needs of natural wood. Unlike natural wood, which can weather unevenly, vinyl shakes maintain a consistent appearance over time. This ensures the home's exterior remains attractive without frequent upkeep.
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Vinyl cord siding, also known as beaded vinyl siding, offers a distinctive texture and design versatility, making it a unique choice for homeowners looking to create a standout exterior appearance.
The Installation Process for Exterior Siding on a Modular Home
The installation process for exterior siding on a modular home involves two main phases: factory-based installation and on-site installation. Both phases are crucial for ensuring the siding is properly applied and the home’s exterior is protected and aesthetically pleasing. Here’s a more detailed look at each phase:
Factory-Based Siding Installation: Procedures and Efficiency
Controlled Environment: Factory-based installation occurs in a controlled environment, which means the conditions are ideal for precision work. Unlike on-site installation, which can be affected by weather conditions, factory-based installation allows for consistent quality and accuracy.
Standardization: In a factory setting, siding installation follows standardized procedures and protocols, ensuring uniformity and reducing the risk of errors. This standardization helps maintain high quality across all units produced.
On-Site Installation Details: Completing the Gable End
While factory-based installation handles most of the siding work, on-site installation is often necessary to complete specific home areas, such as the gable end. This phase is critical for finalizing the home’s exterior and ensuring it meets all design and structural requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right exterior siding for modular homes is crucial for enhancing both their functionality and aesthetic appeal. With various options like vinyl, fiber cement, board, batten, metal, and engineered wood, homeowners can select the material that best suits their needs and preferences.
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of exterior siding for modular homes, each material has strengths and limitations. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate cost, maintenance, and climate suitability before deciding. Each siding type offers unique benefits, from vinyl's affordability and low maintenance to metal's durability and modern appeal.
By making an informed decision, homeowners can achieve a lasting, attractive exterior that complements their modular home.