Vinyl shake siding is an inexpensive, durable, and low-maintenance choice. More than just using natural cedar shakes for their siding, more and more homeowners are switching to plastic shakes. Many names for high-quality vinyl siding virtually replicate cedar shakes—shake vinyl siding, vinyl cedar shake siding, wood shake vinyl siding, and vinyl siding on its own. Here, we wanted to clear up vinyl shake siding, send you the various benefits of wood siding, and convince you why vinyl shake siding could be an excellent option for your home.
How does Vinyl Shake Siding work?
Many homebuilding supplies are made of rigid plastic, more appropriately termed polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl shake siding uses this substance. The objective is to replicate the appearance of this traditional wood shake (commonly referred to as a cedar shake) without the drawbacks typical of using natural wood.
Homes are often covered with flimsy cedar shakes and rustic textured wood shingles. To top it all off, they’re beautiful but need a lot of work. Vinyl shake siding has the appearance of a classic look and does not need paint, stain, or replacement of damaged shingles.
Vinyl cedar shake siding, which is becoming trendy now, offers greater practicality, more accessible and less expensive maintenance, and the beauty of natural cedar shakes. While this siding appears natural, it needs much less upkeep.
Isn’t vinyl shake siding the way to go?
However, for some owners, vinyl cedar shake siding is a popular answer to those problems.
There are several strong reasons why vinyl cedar shake siding has become popular with homeowners.
Reduced upkeep expenses
Vinyl cedar shake siding looks like natural wood but doesn’t need to be repainted, sealed, or stained as often. It is also rust-, corrosion-, and insect-resistant. Thus, it is the best choice for those who lack the time to maintain the continuous maintenance required on a cedar roof.
Sturdiness
One of the harsher weather conditions vinyl siding can withstand is strong winds, snowfall, and storms. It will never swell when damp and will never rot, distort, or crack. It also resists other problems common to natural wood-sided dwellings, like insect infestation.
Economical
Natural cedar shakes are gorgeous but expensive to install and maintain. On the contrary, vinyl siding combined with cedar shakes is less costly. It also takes a long time, which ultimately saves in replacement costs.
Diverse colors and styles.
Choose the colors and textures of shake siding to complement your home’s style. There are aged, rustic, and clean modern styles of shaking vinyl siding.
Efficiency in Energy Use
With insulated backing, they are available in many different varieties. This will help you from overheating your home in the summer and losing heat in the winter. As a result, your energy costs may decrease.
Impact on the Environment
Some environmentally friendly vinyl siding choices are made with recycled materials. Vinyl siding lasts longer than wood siding and requires little maintenance, which may help you have less overall environmental impact.
Comparing vinyl shake siding with conventional cedar shakes
While there are many aesthetic similarities between natural cedar shakes and vinyl shake siding, there are also significant differences in performance and maintenance.
Preparation
Cedar shakes need constant maintenance to avoid insect infestation, rotting, and cracking. Every few years, they require restaining and repainting to maintain their appearance. Conversely, vinyl shake siding needs less upkeep. To keep them looking new, give them a regular cleaning with a garden hose and some mild soap.
Adaptability
Vinyl shake siding is very durable and long-lived with little upkeep. Wood siding is a more flattering treatment that resists fading, cracking, and warping—the three main problems with wood siding. Cedar is beautiful for shakes but deteriorates more quickly and thus requires more care to prevent deterioration.
Price
The purchase and installation can be expensive if you need natural cedar shakes. Additional work and final costs come from the careful positioning of each shingle. However, cedar vinyl shakes siding is more accessible to put up and less expensive upfront and during the upkeep.
The environment
Cedar’s organic, biodegradable properties are beneficial for the environment. Some say vinyl replacements are more environmentally friendly than cedar shakes, which require chemical treatments to prevent insect damage and rotting. I is also ecologically beneficial since it lasts a long time, requires little maintenance, and can be recycled.
Eye Appeal
Its natural and rustic look is significant in homeowners’ choices because of cedar shakes. Although vinyl cedar shake siding has improved its appearance and feel, some homeowners still want to emphasize its authenticity. While many vinyl shake products look like wood from a distance and come in various colors and textures to suit different tastes, they are still cheaper than wood-based products.
Installing Vinyl Shake Siding in Cedar
Installing vinyl siding is far simpler than traditional wood shake siding. This is a summary of the procedure:
Getting Ready
Your home’s external walls must be smooth and clean before installing siding. After removing any damaged or outdated siding, examine the surface to see if any repairs are required. It would be best to take care of any sheathing or structural issues first.
The insulation and moisture barrier
Depending on the climate and energy-efficiency objectives, the homeowner may employ an insulated vinyl shake. In addition, to keep water out of the house, homeowners usually install a moisture barrier, sometimes called a house wrap.
Installation of starter strips.
The first row of siding has a flat foundation thanks to starting strips placed along the bottom of the wall. This will ensure that the entire installation is on the same plane.
Shake Vinyl
Install the vinyl shake and panels together. To provide the impression of a single panel, install the panels so that they interlock. It’s crucial to allow the material to expand and contract naturally in response to temperature changes.
Final Details
Once we install the panels, we install trim elements like J channels, soffit trim, and corner posts to complete the house’s look. To finish the house’s look, we install trim elements like J channels, soffit trim, and corner posts once the panels are installed. Here are a few easy ways to prolong the life of your vinyl siding:
Frequent Cleaning
To clean the siding, use a garden hose and a little detergent. Due to its high pressure, a power washer will harm vinyl, so avoid using one.
Examine the damage.
In contrast to vinyl, it makes sense to routinely inspect your siding for damage, particularly following very severe weather. Install new panels instead of broken ones as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
FAQ’s
How is vinyl shake sidings maintained?
To properly preserve vinyl shake sidings, use a soft bristle brush to gently break up and remove dirt, mold, or mildew. To prevent dirt and dust buildup, the Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests giving the siding a thorough garden hose rinse at least once a year.
What is the duration of a vinyl shake?
Vinyl siding has an average lifespan of 20 to 50 years, depending on the environment in your area, how well it’s maintained, and how well it was installed.
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