Types of siding for exterior cladding of a house. Siding - from classic to modern What kind of siding is there for cladding a house

Types of siding for exterior cladding of a house.  Siding - from classic to modern What kind of siding is there for cladding a house
Types of siding for exterior cladding of a house. Siding - from classic to modern What kind of siding is there for cladding a house

Siding is the most popular material for cladding facades. The vast majority of home owners strive to save on paying for finishing work and do it themselves. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly cover a house with siding, using all the necessary components. But the first issue to be resolved at the beginning of the work is the choice of the main material - panels.

Manufacturers of finishing materials for facades offer several types of siding:





Among the descriptions of this finishing material one can also find such varieties as wood. However, according to many experts, this material has a completely different name: lining, which can have a different profile and cross-section. The category of siding is mistakenly classified as lining with a rounded (like a log) or rectangular (like a beam) profile. After installation, these materials also form a continuous relief plane of the wall. Which is misleading regarding the classification of these products.

Currently, the most popular products are from the following siding manufacturers:


The enterprises are located on the territory of the Russian Federation. Fine Ber - in Novosibirsk, "Nordside" - in the Leningrad region, "Deke" - in the Moscow region, "Orto" - in Samara and the Chelyabinsk region. Most production facilities operate using foreign technologies: “Deke” uses German technology, developed by the German concern of the same name, Tekos uses Belgian technology, and “Nordside” uses American technology.

There are few enterprises using Russian technologies. This is primarily due to the fact that all manufacturers strive to secure the support of a more influential production that has its own brand. In this case, product sales will be more successful. Therefore, in Russia you can buy any siding with confidence. It will meet European quality.

Any type of siding requires the installation of a ventilated facade. This is a design that provides optimal ventilation and vapor permeability of the walls. The ventilated facade is a multi-layer cake consisting of lathing, heat and vapor barrier, and facing materials.

If the building is located in a region with a warm climate, use a thin-layer thermal insulator or not use it at all. For regions with cold climates, at least 15 cm of insulation layer is required. Any type of siding can be used as a facing material for the facade: metal or vinyl. But the base for its fastening must be the ventilated façade described above.

Additional siding elements

Regardless of what the siding is made of, its installation technology requires a number of components. In addition to ordinary panels, you need:

  • starting;
  • finishing;
  • connecting (or H-profile);
  • J-profile;
  • F-profile;
  • soffits;
  • platbands;
  • near-window strips;
  • internal corners;
  • external corners.

Prices for additional elements for siding

Features and characteristics of metal siding

Metal siding is chosen for various reasons. But the main ones are the strength of the panels and components, frost resistance, moisture resistance, and aesthetically attractive appearance. The relative disadvantages of these products include the ability of the metal to heat up when exposed to cold. But this problem can be solved by using high-quality thermal insulation materials.

The most popular metal siding is made from thin sheets of galvanized steel. The outer side of such panels is coated with a special protective compound that prevents the formation of corrosion. The coating of the panels can withstand significant temperature changes: from -60°C to +80°C. The most popular panels with protection are made of pural (up to 50 microns), plastisol (up to 200 microns), and polyester (25 microns).

In addition to steel, the market offers copper (oxidized or patinated) and aluminum siding. The latter is the least in demand, as it is a rather soft material that leaves scratches and dents.

When choosing metal siding, you must make sure in advance that the supporting base on which it will be installed is capable of supporting the fairly significant weight of this facing material. There is no need to worry about the service life of the panels: manufacturers guarantee at least 50 years of impeccable service.

What to look for when choosing metal siding

Having opted for metal siding, the buyer rarely thinks about the cost of additional elements that are necessary to give the facade a complete and attractive look. However, their price is only slightly lower than the cost of the panels. The number of required components is large. These are starting strips, finishing strips, cornice strips, soffits, window strips, external and internal corners.

Without installing these components, it is impossible to make high-quality facade cladding. You can calculate the number of additional elements yourself or use the services of a point of sale. Each building and finishing materials store employs qualified specialists. Using computer programs, they will be able to accurately calculate the amount of material required for cladding a particular building.

Metal siding prices

Features and characteristics of vinyl siding

Vinyl siding gained popularity at the turn of the 60-70s of the last century. This finishing material has many advantages. The main ones are low price and aesthetic appeal. That is why this type of facade cladding is so popular among middle-class private developers.

All types of vinyl siding are made from polyester sheets with a thickness of no more than 1 mm. The average length of the panels is 305 cm. You can also find other standard sizes: 3 m, but not more than 4 m.

Vinyl siding has all the characteristics necessary to provide high-quality facade protection. But it also has its drawbacks. Among them:

  • the ability to lose color saturation when exposed to sunlight;
  • fragility in frost;
  • susceptibility to combustion.

Metal siding does not have these “disadvantages”. However, it does not have such a “cozy” and “warm” look as vinyl.

Prices for vinyl siding from different manufacturers

ManufacturerLocation of productionPanel modelCost (RUB per unit)
FineberRF, VologdaFineberfrom 140 rub.
"Northside"RF, St. PetersburgNordSidefrom 145 rub.
RF, Moscow"Alta Siding"from 155 rub.

From 180 rub.

TecosBelgiumTecos Luxefrom 160 rub.
NovikCanadaWith a front surface imitating brickwork or natural stone.from 800 rub.

One of the main advantages of vinyl siding is its light weight. That is why this finishing material is so easy to install. If you have a certain skill, the panels can be installed with your own hands, without outside help. This type of siding is also good because it is easy to process. Vinyl sheets can be easily cut using a jigsaw, a grinder with a metal disc, or metal scissors.

Prices for angle grinders (grinders)

Angle grinders (grinders)

Types of profiles for ordinary vinyl siding panels

The front side of vinyl panels may look different. One lamella can contain only one relief profile (a protrusion in the form of a narrow board), or two or three. For example, these are panels such as double and triple “Shipboard”.

The “Herringbone” profile is also popular with consumers. It can also be double or triple. Among the varieties of horizontal profiles are “Scales”, “Shingles”, “Beam”, “Log”. In addition to panels with a horizontal profile, there are products with a vertical profile. To install such vinyl siding, a sheathing with horizontal rather than vertical posts is required.

Reviews about vinyl siding

Craftsmen specializing in the installation of vinyl siding prefer two brands: Deke and Alta Profile. Both of these brands are excellent. But Deke has a more complex system for installing components, so working with this brand of siding requires special knowledge. The products of the Alta Profile company have only one drawback: a rather meager color palette of panels.

You can hear the following opinion about Tecos siding: for its very average quality it is too expensive in price. Panels of the “Nordside” brand in practice did not live up to their name (“nord” - north). And they showed rather weak resistance to temperature changes and frost. Good reviews about Ortho siding, in particular about the Georgia and Pacific models.

Vinyl siding prices

Vinyl siding

Features and characteristics of fiber cement siding

Fiber cement siding is made from cement with the inclusion of cellulose fibers. The production process involves the use of high temperatures and drying chambers. The finished products are durable, flat, and resistant to temperature changes.

Fiber cement siding is intended for cladding plinths, which is included in the category of facade work. This material can also be used for wall cladding. But it does not have as attractive an appearance as vinyl and metal. Therefore, it is not often used as a façade. However, they are often used to line the walls of garages, production and utility rooms.

Structured fiber cement siding

Installation of fiber cement siding is practically no different from similar work with metal and vinyl. The same requirements apply to the presence of lathing, steam and thermal insulation of walls. In Russia, three brands of fiber cement siding are most famous:

  • Nichiha;
  • Eternit;
  • Latonit.

Domestic production – Latonit. Nichiha is made in Japan, Eternit is made in Belgium. Russian products have a lower price with decent quality products.

The cost of the panels depends on the type of protective coating used in their production. Basically, the design of fiber cement siding contains red, brown, and gray tones. Acrylic coated panels have a higher price. On average, it ranges from 600-650 rubles per unit.

Vinyl siding installation

Tools for performing work.

  1. Bulgarian.
  2. Screwdriver.
  3. Perforator (if the facade is made of brick or concrete).
  4. Building level.
  5. Metal construction square.
  6. Metal scissors.
  7. Tape measure and pencil.

Prices for the popular range of electric saws

Circular saw

An extremely important step is preparing the surface for installing siding. The final result depends on how well it is executed: the appearance of the tiled facade. First of all, make sure that the load-bearing surface does not require either cosmetic or major repairs. If necessary, remove the old cladding. Remove all finishing elements of window and door openings.

Facade cladding work begins with the installation of the sheathing, to which all finishing elements will be attached. This frame can be mounted from metal profiles, which are used when installing drywall, or wooden blocks of a suitable cross-section (from 3/3 cm to 5/5 cm).

The sheathing posts are not attached directly to the walls of the building, but through special products: hangers. In the middle part of these metal plates special holes are provided for this purpose. Fixation of the hangers is carried out only with the help of self-tapping screws and a screwdriver. Nails and a hammer are not used in this work.

If the frame consists of wooden blocks, all lumber is coated 1-2 times with any currently available fire-retardant agent. After which the bars should dry completely.

Sequence of work

Step 1. The mounting points for the hangers are marked on the wall, which should be located at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other vertically and horizontally. Thus, the step between the vertical posts of the frame will be 40-60 cm.

The upper and lower hangers should be fixed at a distance of 15-20 cm from the corresponding edge of the wall. Straight lines are drawn along the marked marking lines. Using a level, make sure that they are located exactly vertically.

Step 2. Holes are drilled at the designated suspension mounting points using a drill or hammer drill.

Step 3. Apply a suspension to each marking point so that the plate is positioned horizontally and its central hole coincides with the hole in the wall.

Step 4. Insert a plastic dowel with a self-tapping screw in it through the suspension into the hole in the wall. Screw in the self-tapping screw.

Step 5. The side slats of the suspension are bent, thereby giving it a U-shape.

Step 6. The installation of vertical sheathing posts begins from one of the corners of the building. A block or metal profile is inserted between the suspension slats, leveled vertically using a level, and secured to the suspension with self-tapping screws. The easiest way to track the vertical is to use a level equipped with a magnetic stripe. Such a tool can be mounted on a metal profile.

In areas of window and door openings, the location of the sheathing strips should follow the contours of the openings. If the windows and doors have sufficiently wide slopes, the vertical posts of the frame must be located so as to ensure the necessary slope (turn) of the slope towards the street.

Step 7. Mark the plinth line by pulling a thread or drawing a line at the bottom of the wall.

Step 8 Along this line, starting strips are attached to the sheathing posts. Between these additional elements there should be a distance of 4-5 mm wide.

Step 9 Set external and internal corners. When attaching siding and any components, one condition must be observed: the screws cannot be pulled close to the sheathing. It is necessary to leave a gap of 1-2 mm. It is needed to compensate for the movements of the finishing material when it is heated and cooled.

Step 10 Install the first row of siding panels. The lower end of each of them is inserted into the corresponding bend of the starting bar. After which the lamella is slightly pulled up and secured through the perforated top bar to the frame posts.

Step 11 Install the second and subsequent rows of siding.

Step 12 Having reached the top of the wall, before installing the last row of panels, measure the distance from the line of the installed siding to the cornice. If it (the distance) is not enough to install a solid panel, trim it. Siding is attached.

Step 13 Install a finishing strip covering the top cut of the last row of panels.

Step 14 Cover window and door openings using appropriate additional elements.

Installation of metal and fiber cement siding is in many ways similar to the technology described above. Differences may lie in the specifics of components and panel locks. The products of each manufacturer have their own characteristics. Therefore, for facing work it is necessary to use products of the same brand.

Video - Installation of Stone House siding

Siding

Siding(English) siding - external cladding) is a material for cladding the walls of buildings and performs two functions: utilitarian (protecting the building from external influences such as rain, wind, snow, sun) and aesthetic (decorating the facade of the house).

Siding was first used in North America in the 19th century. Planed and painted wooden boards were nailed to the wall at an angle so that the next horizontal layer would slightly overhang the previous one - with this arrangement of the boards, water would roll down the cladding. This type of cladding became known as siding.

In the 50s of the 20th century, vinyl facade panels began to be produced in the USA and Canada, which were much more durable than wooden ones, did not require maintenance, and were easy to install. At the same time, metal panels appeared - metal siding, as well as cement panels - cement siding. For cladding the base, a more durable base siding is used.

Wood siding

Wood siding(glued lining) is made from wood fibers pressed under high pressure and temperature, with the addition of special resins. Cover the material with several layers of paint or varnish - this is reliable protection against aggressive environmental influences. The cladding looks like real wood. Therefore, it is often used in interior finishing work. For exterior use, wood siding is made from wood-polymer composites - a mixture of wood fibers and polypropylene. Modern wood siding lasts at least 15 years; it does not need to be tinted, impregnated, etc. In addition, wood siding practically does not absorb moisture and is not flammable.

Wood siding

Wood siding They are distinguished by the type of pre-treatment of wood and by the type of cross-section of the finished product.

The classification of wood siding by type of wood processing is as follows:

  • the wood is dried to a moisture content of 16-18%. In this case, wood of resistant species, such as larch and tropical hardwood (iroko, teak, merbau, etc.) is used to make siding.
  • heat-treated wood, that is, wood that has been heat-treated at a temperature of 170-220 degrees and high humidity. This treatment changes the properties of the wood; it becomes very resistant, little susceptible to moisture, mold and woodworms. For heat treatment, unstable species are used, such as pine, ash, etc.
  • impregnated wood, i.e. impregnated under pressure with antiseptics.

Depending on the type of cross-section of the finished product, the following are distinguished:

  • tongue-and-groove wooden siding - includes various profiles of lining and block house
  • quarter wood siding
  • wooden siding “overlapping” - includes boards of rectangular section, wedge-shaped section and “wedge with selected quarter” section, the so-called “American”
  • butt wood siding, synonymous with the structural material planken. Depending on the profile, a distinction is made between straight plank, straight plank with groove and beveled plank.

Vinyl siding

Multi-storey house covered with siding

Vinyl siding can be used to decorate any facade. Outwardly it looks like the most ordinary board for cladding a facade, but it does not lose its appearance even after 20 years: it will look just as good as a clad facade, even after sudden seasonal temperature changes, heavy rainfalls and bitter frosts. In addition, the material from which the siding is made is easy to clean, dirt practically does not stick to it, so it requires minimal care - except perhaps washing off the dust with a garden hose.

Manufacturing technology

The first vinyl siding was produced in 1959. The production technology is based on the extrusion process, which consists of pressing a molten compound (raw mixture) through profiling holes in order to obtain vinyl tapes of the specified parameters. At the exit of the extruder, the tape is cut along the edges and given a certain working profile (form factor). Modern technological developments suggest two ways to produce vinyl siding: monoextrusion and coextrusion.

Currently, the monoextrusion method is used extremely rarely and is considered obsolete. The most modern method of producing vinyl siding using the co-extrusion method involves the production of a two-layer vinyl panel. A coextruder combines these layers at the molecular level.

The outer layer (capstock), designed to protect the siding panel from ultraviolet radiation and precipitation, is about 20-25% of the total thickness of the panel. The inner layer (substrate), provided for reasons of strength, heat and frost resistance of the panel, keeps the geometric parameters and shape of the panel unchanged.

Compound

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) makes up more than 80% of the base of vinyl siding, and is how siding gets its name: vinyl. Vinyl siding also contains substances that improve its physical and chemical properties: modifiers, stabilizers, dyes, etc. They give vinyl siding various colors and shades, shine, resistance to aggressive environmental influences, elasticity, resilience and durability. The following additives are used in vinyl siding:

  • titanium dioxide (up to 10% of the top layer), which serves to stabilize the structure of the siding and the durability of its pigments. It also protects vinyl siding from exposure to ultraviolet rays, preventing color loss under the rays of the sun;
  • calcium carbonate (15% of the bottom layer), the main task of which is to fill the structure of vinyl siding;
  • butadiene (1%), it stabilizes the composition, increases wear resistance and service life of siding;
  • modifiers that increase the impact resistance of vinyl siding;
  • lubricants that serve to prevent vinyl siding from sticking to the metal during its manufacture, as well as to ensure that the surface of the siding is perfectly flat and smooth;
  • concentrated pigments used to give siding the desired shade.

Types and form

Based on the type of installation and fastening of row panels, siding is divided into two types: vertical and horizontal. Vertical has the following features: symmetrical panel form factor, vertical installation of panels. In Russia, this type of panels is not widespread and is used mainly for finishing non-residential premises (cafes, car washes, shopping pavilions). Horizontal siding: panels that imitate two main types of wood siding: shiplap and herringbone.

Another form of panels is “under a log”, the so-called “block house”. In this case, a different technology for manufacturing the outer layer is used: as a rule, a laminating film with a pattern imitating natural unpainted wood. There is no long-term experience in using such panels.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

Steel siding

Steel siding mainly used in the construction of industrial buildings, warehouses, workshops, etc. In order to protect the metal from atmospheric influences, it is coated with a special anti-corrosion compound. The material is very diverse in color.

The biggest disadvantage of steel siding is that it has a very large mass, which increases the load on the building's foundation. Another drawback is that steel does not recover from accidental damage, that is, dents remain on the facade forever. This siding also has a fairly high cost. Buildings clad in steel siding take on an urban, industrial look.

Cement siding

Cement siding made from cement and cellulose fiber.
The main advantage of this finishing material is that it does not burn, and, therefore, it can be used for repair work at facilities for which fire services have increased requirements.
Disadvantages of cement siding: high cost; heavy weight, which requires powerful mounting lathing; complexity and inconvenience during processing - when cutting it, silicon dust is formed, from which it is necessary to protect yourself with masks and respirators.

When cladding residential buildings, cement siding is used quite rarely.

Literature

  • Bryan Trandem. The complete guide to roofing & siding. Creative Publishing international, Inc., Minnesota.2004, ISBN 1-800-328-3895
  • Savelyev A. A. Work with siding, M., Adelant-2010, ISBN 978-5-93642-109-9

Notes


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Synonyms:

See what “Siding” is in other dictionaries:

    Ah, plural No m. (… Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

    Noun, number of synonyms: 2 material (306) cladding (17) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary

    A name that combines both a finishing material and a technology for cladding building facades with panels or plates of various configurations made from different materials. Panels for siding are made of metal (metal siding... ... Encyclopedia of technology

    Siding- a) see Sheathing; b) wall cladding board with a wedge-shaped section. (Architecture: an illustrated guide, 2005) ... Architectural Dictionary

The appearance of siding is associated with the development of frame-panel construction technology, which is very popular in America. After assembling the frame of the house, the walls are covered with boards, called “siding”. We call this material American cladding board.


Solid wood siding has one, but very important drawback - the price. Siding became accessible after the advent of alternative materials for its production, namely: plastic (PVC) and sheet steel. Now it has become possible to use siding for cladding a house, cottage, cottage, bathhouse, gazebo and even a fence.

Modern siding is found on the market in various types and types. This number of varieties is due to the use of a wide variety of starting materials.

Below is information about the main types of siding depending on the material used. The classification involves assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each type separately.

Wood siding

The first type of siding that appeared in the construction industry was made of wood (pine, spruce).

Initially it was boards that were piled on top of each other, from bottom to top. Thus, the walls were protected from rain and snow. The boards were painted, which made it possible to extend their service life.


Types of wood siding

  • false beam
  • block house
  • ship plank

Methods for installing wooden siding with overlap and butt joints.

Geometric characteristics

Each manufacturer makes its own sizes. In addition, it is possible to make to order. The profile is a wooden beam or board.

Advantages of wood siding:

  • naturalness of the material;
  • ability to withstand low temperatures (up to 50 minutes);
  • ease of installation.

Disadvantages of wood siding:

  1. requires additional protection;
  2. highly flammable;
  3. not applicable in damp environments.

What to consider when purchasing:

  • quality of wood, presence of knots;
  • geometric dimensions of each panel;
  • material moisture;
  • type of wood;
  • additional treatment with antiseptic and protective solutions.

Care:

Requires periodic painting or varnishing. Any cracks that may appear as a result of wood drying should be filled with putty.

“Wood” siding or siding made from a wood-cellulose mixture

This siding is a panel made according to the MDF principle. It is based on a mixture of wood fibers, which is pressed under high temperature and pressure.

The strength and water resistance of such a sheet is given by the addition of resins to the wood mixture.

The appearance of the strip is shown in the photo.

Advantages:
  • low cost;
  • the ability to equip a ventilated façade;
  • naturalness of the material.

Flaws:

  • fragility.

What to consider when purchasing:

  • quality of face covering;
  • geometric dimensions of each panel.

Care:

As a rule, deformed panels must be replaced.

"Wooden" siding has a large number of colors. You can find imitation for almost any type of wood. Fastening to the surface is carried out using hardware that is passed through through holes. The sheets are connected to each other using a tongue-and-groove type.

Vinyl siding (plastic, acrylic)

The most popular material in modern construction. According to statistics, it accounts for more than 50% of sales.

Types of vinyl siding:

Ship plank (double kink)

Herringbone – single, double, triple

Block house

Vinyl siding dimensions - geometric characteristics

It should be noted that siding panels, as well as components from different manufacturers, differ in size. Consequently, they cannot always fit together. Therefore, the main dimensions of siding and its components will be given within certain fluctuations.

  • sheet thickness – 0.7-1.2 mm;
  • sheet length 3,200-3,810 mm;
  • sheet width – 230-270 mm;
  • working width of the sheet surface – 200-250 mm;
  • area of ​​one panel – 0.7-0.85 sq.m.;
  • weight of one panel – 1.5-1.9 kg;
  • weight of one sq.m. panels – 1.8-2.24 kg;
  • quantity per package – 10-24 pcs.;
  • profile length – 3,000-3,810 mm.

Good to know: vinyl siding, as well as its accessories, are sold not in packs, but in one piece at a time. In addition, vinyl siding whose dimensions are constant for each brand cannot be ordered in other sizes.

Advantages of vinyl siding:

  1. long service life (manufacturers' warranty up to 50 years);
  2. resistance to temperature changes;
  3. wide range of temperatures at which the material can be used (from -50 °C to +50 °C);
  4. UV resistance (according to the standard - at least 9 years. Uniform fading);
  5. does not burn (lights up at a temperature of +391°C);
  6. does not support combustion;
  7. optimal price-quality ratio;
  8. non-toxic;
  9. anti-hurricane lock (new, presented in the highest price range);
  10. Corrosion resistant;
  11. wide range of colors;
  12. resistance to mechanical damage;
  13. scratch resistance (sheet coloring is continuous. For high and medium price ranges);
  14. lack of electrical conductivity;
  15. the ability to drain condensate along the underside of the sheet;
  16. light weight. What makes it the only option when reconstructing dilapidated structures;
  17. ease of installation and operation.

Disadvantages of vinyl siding:

  • a strong blow can damage the integrity of the sheet;
  • the difficulty of replacing one sheet. You have to remove the cladding from the entire wall;
  • significant coefficient of thermal expansion (eliminates with the help of gaps during installation);
  • does not retain heat. Requires the use of thermal insulation materials;
  • melting of the material.

What to consider when purchasing:

  • ventilate the geometric dimensions of the sheet and the quality of the cuts;
  • uniform color of the panel on the front side and back;
  • uniform thickness along the entire length of the sheet;
  • presence and uniform arrangement of holes for installation;
  • quality of the front layer – uniformity of decorative embossing, presence of cracks;
  • manufacturer's warranty;
  • brand reputation;
  • Availability of fire, sanitary (hygienic) certificates and certificate of conformity;
  • marking. If the siding has passed certification, it is marked. Information about all siding manufacturers that are certified by international experts is posted on the VSI website.

Good to know. Dark colored vinyl siding is more expensive because it uses more coloring pigments and adds color stabilizers.

Vinyl siding care:

  • wash with water from a hose without using abrasives or aggressive detergents;
  • If you need a brush for cleaning, it is preferable to use a soft one.
The composition of this type of siding is identical to vinyl. But, since it is used for cladding the basement of a house, its thickness reaches 3.5 mm.

The advantages, disadvantages, care and selection features are the same as for vinyl siding.

Metal siding

This siding is a multilayer structure, the so-called “pie” - the core of which is metal, then primer and polymer coating.

Types of metal siding:

Rarely used in private construction due to its high cost. They are mainly used to cover shopping centers or public buildings. Aluminum siding dimensions - geometric characteristics
  • metal sheet thickness - 0.48 – 0.61 mm;
  • panel length up to 4,000 mm.
  • width 200-250 mm.
  • weight sq.m. – 2.4 – 3.5 kg.

The components (additional elements) have similar parameters to additional accessories for vinyl siding.

Advantages of aluminum siding:

  1. does not support combustion;
  2. resistant to rust;
  3. light weight;
  4. high strength;
  5. duration of operation;
  6. the ability to choose a textured or smooth panel surface.

Disadvantages of aluminum siding:

  • ability to bend during transportation;
  • low elasticity (will not bend back when dented);

What to consider when purchasing:

  • metal thickness;
  • surface quality and integrity;
  • availability of certificates;
  • manufacturer's warranty.

Care:

Since it is usually used for cladding public and high-rise buildings, it is rarely maintained.

Steel siding or galvanized siding

Most often this is what is called metal siding. It is used for cladding residential and public buildings. Galvanized steel in its pure form is not used outside of production. The top is coated with a polymer coating (polyester, pural, plastisol) or powder painted.

Manufacturers offer smooth sheets or wood-embossed sheets.

Types of steel siding:

  • herringbone - single, double;
  • ship plank;
  • vertical metal siding (corrugated sheeting);
  • block house.
  • A single block house has also appeared on the market.

Dimensions of galvanized steel siding - geometric characteristics

  • metal thickness - 0.48-0.61 mm;
  • panel length – from 2,000 to 6,000 mm;
  • width 120-550 mm;
  • weight sq.m. – 3.9-5.8 kg.

Additional elements (components) have the same shape as for vinyl siding.

Advantages of steel siding:

  1. Possibility of installation all year round;
  2. corrosion resistance (provided the coating is intact);
  3. strength;
  4. non-flammability;
  5. high aesthetic properties;
  6. weather resistance;
  7. long service life (up to 50 years);
  8. comparative ease of installation;
  9. sufficient reliability.

Disadvantages of steel siding:

  • low paint fastness;
  • poor sound insulation;
  • lack of thermal insulation;
  • susceptibility to rust of unprotected metal.

What to consider when purchasing:

  • metal thickness;
  • type of coating. Painted siding lasts longer than simple galvanized steel;
  • presence of defects on the surface. In the place where there is no protective coating, the metal will begin to rust;
  • availability of certificates;
  • manufacturer's warranty.

Care:

Cleans with water from a garden hose. If scratches appear on polyester and pural, the damaged area is painted over with special paint. If the plastisol is damaged, a replacement is needed.

Replacing one sheet is difficult - you need to disassemble the entire wall.

This type of material is still little known to domestic consumers.

Geometric characteristics:

  • metal thickness – 1 mm;
  • length 500-6,000 mm;
  • width 200, 250, 300 mm;
  • weight sq.m. – 10 kg.
The surface is finished in “anthracite” (black) or “quartzite” (gray).

The components are the same as for vinyl siding.

The high price does not contribute to the spread of this type of siding in our country.

Cement siding, fiber cement siding or cement fiber siding are different names for the same material.

It is made by pressing cellulose fibers with cement, resulting in fiber cement panels (slabs) for facade cladding.

Fiber cement panels - dimensions

  • thickness – 8-12 mm;
  • length 3,000-3,600 mm;
  • width 200 mm.

Advantages of fiber cement siding:

  1. non-flammable:
  2. sufficient strength;
  3. ability to withstand the effects of the external environment;
  4. resistance to high and low temperatures (-50 - +80°C);

Disadvantages of fiber cement siding:

  • significant weight. This means that you need a very strong frame for such material;
  • complexity of installation. To cut to the desired size you need to use a special tool;
  • small selection of colors;
  • high cost of material.

Care of fiber cement panels:

Does not require maintenance.


Good to know: When cutting fiber cement siding, silica dust is generated. Therefore, when working with this material, you need to use protective masks.

Conclusion

We hope that after reading this article you can easily choose the material that suits you.

Bright, aesthetically attractive facades of houses are already a common occurrence in cities, towns and villages. Various types of siding are used to decorate them. This cladding material is formatted panels and is used for cladding external walls, plinths and gables of buildings.

However, the main purpose of siding is not to be decorative, although this is undoubtedly important, but to protect the building from negative atmospheric phenomena. And it copes with the task perfectly thanks to its excellent technical characteristics.

General characteristics

Among the technical characteristics that are inherent in almost every type of siding, we note the following:

  • Resistance to fading under exposure to ultraviolet light
  • Strength
  • Extensive color range in accordance with the RAL color chart
  • Moisture resistance
  • Simple installation that even a non-professional can handle
  • Excellent compatibility with other finishing materials
  • Use in conjunction with thermal insulation
  • Long service life

Siding can be vinyl, acrylic, wood, metal, or cement. Each type has its own buyer. Stone siding gives the building a monumental and presentable appearance. With its help, it is easy to disguise the most inconspicuous walls of a hundred years ago and at the same time not create a load on the foundation, because such siding weighs little. Log panels turn the house into a real log house, where comfort and tranquility reign. In other words, for modest money you can quickly and easily transform any facade beyond recognition.

When choosing the type of siding for finishing, you need to take into account many factors: project data, operating conditions of the building, condition of the foundation and load-bearing walls, features of the finishing material itself.

Some popular finishes: Durable plastic siding

Plastic siding has become extremely popular among owners of low-rise real estate. With its help, all walls are sheathed completely, and only the base (cladding height is no more than 1.3 meters).

The walls are finished with PVC panels of concave or convex shape. They are fastened together with a special locking connection, and the edge is fixed with hardware.

Compared to natural wood siding, plastic has a number of advantages. It does not need to be regularly treated with an antiseptic, tinted, treated with impregnations against insects, rodents and rot - there will be no worries after installation.

For reference: siding can have a single, double or triple structure, and the length of the panels is 3-4 meters. Any of them is practical to use. The shade and texture are given to the panels due to the top polymer composition: acrylic or vinyl. Acrylic coating has richer and more contrasting shades, while vinyl wins in pastel colors.

Vinyl panels are used both when renovating old buildings and when decorating new ones. The material withstands sudden temperature fluctuations, weighs little, is inexpensive and lasts a long time. With strict adherence to the technological process during installation, vinyl panels can be used to decorate any low-rise building.

Metal plate cladding option

Metal and vinyl siding are the same in shape, strength and variety of colors. The scope of application is also similar. Galvanized steel panels are more often used for cladding industrial buildings, and aluminum panels are used for residential buildings, dachas and cottages.

Metal siding does not mold or burn, but its disadvantages include a low level of impact resistance. In terms of decorativeness, it is better than plastic: it can easily be repainted or given a different texture. Its thermal conductivity is low. Siding made of galvanized steel with imitation wood is mounted on a frame and used to create ventilated facades.

Metal siding is easily combined with various types of thermal insulation, and is also used as a backing for cornices. If the top painted layer is damaged, there is a risk of corrosion, so you need to regularly inspect the skin for damage and immediately repair it.

Classic motifs: wood siding

Siding with imitation natural wood is a classic option for facade finishing, which is always relevant. Today, panels are made for various types of wood, which makes it possible to satisfy the needs of customers with different tastes. The cross-section and methods of fastening the panels differ from each other.

  • So, the facade board, or planken, is joined end-to-end, but in such a way that there is a gap between the boards for ventilation.
  • The typesetting board is laid with an overlap, starting from the bottom row. The next board is superimposed on the previous one, as a result, moisture does not get under the cladding, and air circulates freely.
  • The most common type of connection is tongue-and-groove. It is used in such types of finishing as lining, blockhouse, false beams.

Log panels have proven themselves well in humid climates. They are not subject to rotting or corrosion and serve for more than 50 years without creating problems. The material is treated with special impregnations during the production process, so it does not require additional preparation. The products are environmentally friendly and non-flammable, which is confirmed by certificates of conformity.

Stone skeleton

Stone panels are used to cover both the façade and the basement. Walls sheathed in this way are indistinguishable from walls made of real natural stone, and they are much lighter and easier to maintain. When finishing the basement, not only aesthetic problems are solved, but also operational ones: the heat and sound insulation characteristics of the house are improved. Stone siding is an opportunity to give your home an exclusive appearance and reliable protection without extra financial costs.

On a note! Basement siding made to resemble various types of wild stone looks very respectable. It gives the house solidity and behaves well in any climatic conditions - it is not afraid of either heat or cold.

How to sheathe the base

The main difference between basement siding and vinyl panels for the facade is higher strength and impact resistance due to the addition of special components to the composition. In addition to stone siding, brick siding is also produced. Both types are twice or even three times thicker than wall panels.

Not long ago, a new finishing material imitating natural wood appeared on the construction market - cement siding. The texture and pattern of the panels are perfectly similar to natural ones. This similarity is achieved by adding natural cellulose fibers to the cement composite. The finished panels are quite heavy, so they are mainly used only for cladding the base.

Another thing is fiber cement siding. In appearance, it also imitates various natural materials, but weighs little. On the outside, ceramic coatings of different colors are applied to the panels, which gives them strength and resistance to mechanical stress, fire, and moisture. Thanks to the listed advantages, as well as light weight and simple installation, ceramic siding has gained popularity among consumers.

Almost all modern facades are equipped with additional thermal insulation during construction. As a result, the load on the walls increases, and the external cladding also increases. Siding allows you to reduce this load to a minimum, since in comparison with other finishing materials it weighs little and interacts well with various types of insulation. There are many types of siding today, so decide for yourself which one to choose. In any case, you can't go wrong.

Types of siding - materials for facade finishing

There are many types of siding on the market that are so popular among builders. There is an opinion that this material appeared recently, but in fact it was invented more than a century ago. Naturally, during this time it was significantly improved. Once upon a time, siding consisted of elongated wooden slabs attached to the facade of buildings with an overlap. Modern companies produce several different types of siding that have unique properties:

  • Vinyl. The most popular type of cladding panels, which has found application in individual construction, in the finishing of commercial and residential buildings. Vinyl siding, consisting of 80 percent polyvinyl chloride, is not afraid of moisture, fire and temperature changes. It won the hearts of people thanks to the variety of colors and ease of installation.
  • Metal. Divided into zinc, aluminum and steel. Most often, metal siding is used in the construction of industrial buildings. It is durable, not afraid of fire and has a special anti-corrosion coating. Metal panels can last about 50 years, and they can be fastened in two directions - vertical and horizontal.
  • Wood. Produced from a mixture of wood and cellulose by pressing. In terms of performance characteristics, it is not inferior to natural wood and is ideal for giving a stylish look to residential buildings. Wood siding is quite expensive, because it is produced by prestigious companies.
  • Fiber cement. Consists of cement and cellulose. Ideal for cladding the plinths of buildings and boasts an unusual textured surface. Fiber cement panels are designed for northern regions, and therefore are not afraid of frost.

Have you decided to purchase popular vinyl siding to decorate your building? Then take a closer look at its quality. To avoid making a mistake with your choice, give preference to products from well-known manufacturers, for example, Canadian companies.

If you do not have the opportunity to purchase guaranteed flawless material, inspect it carefully. Make sure that the color of the panels is uniform and that they are of the same thickness along their entire length. Also, be sure to ask the seller to present a fire and hygiene certificate for the product.

Pros and cons of using siding as a finishing material

The main advantage of siding panels is their affordable cost. They delight people with their durability, ease of installation, and impeccable performance characteristics. Only products manufactured by unscrupulous companies have disadvantages. In particular, over time it fades in the sun and may begin to crumble. Poor-quality siding often attracts dust strongly and therefore requires additional care.

By choosing panels for cladding your house wisely, you will, spending a minimum of money, change the appearance of the building beyond recognition and extend its service life.

Types of siding: wood, metal, vinyl

Translated from English, the word “siding” means “cladding material.” Indeed, its purpose is to cladding the facades of buildings. Siding protects buildings from snow, wind, hail and rain, and also increases their attractiveness.

Siding was invented back in the 19th century. At that time, it was a cladding made of boards, attached to the facade in a special way. The wood prevented moisture from reaching the walls. Over time, manufacturers began to produce many different types of siding, the production of which now uses not only wood, but also polyvinyl chloride, steel, and cement.

Types of siding on the facade materials market

Metal cladding panels are very popular on the building materials market. They are not afraid of corrosion and mechanical damage, and boast a rich range of colors. However, this type of siding also has disadvantages, in particular, its impressive weight, due to which it cannot be used for all buildings. If you clad a residential building with metal panels, it will take on the appearance of an industrial building.

Metal siding competes with wood siding. It is made from compressed wood fibers to which resin is added for strength. The finished product is additionally coated with paint and varnish. Such panels are most often used inside buildings, because outside they cannot last long, being constantly exposed to moisture.

On sale you can find wooden siding made entirely of wood. Depending on the level of dryness of the material, it is divided into several groups. Such panels are made from soft wood, but after undergoing special treatment it becomes impervious to rodents, moisture and even fire.

The next type of cladding material is vinyl siding, the production of which uses polyvinyl chloride. It is durable, resistant to low and high temperatures, and has an attractive appearance that does not deteriorate over the years. Vinyl siding is loved by people due to its affordability, breathability, heat resistance and beauty.

Finally, there is cement siding, created from a mixture of cement and cellulose. It is attractive and not afraid of fire, but it is quite heavy, which makes it difficult to install.

Siding artificial or natural

The facade is the “face” of any building. To enhance the beauty of your home, you need to choose the finishes for it wisely. When looking for a suitable material, pay primary attention to its appearance. The high cost of a product does not mean that it is guaranteed to be of high quality and beautiful, but the rest is not. On sale you can find many impeccable finishing materials sold at affordable prices.

Finishing materials are divided into:

  • Artificial - siding imitating stone, brick, log.
  • Natural – facing brick or real stone.
  • Synthetic – vinyl siding. It does not require special impregnation or painting.

When setting the goal of purchasing material for the facade of a building, take into account the aesthetic properties of the product, its cost and installation features.

Siding. Types of siding for finishing

The construction industry today uses many innovative materials, in particular siding. These are cladding panels that can be used to change any home beyond recognition and extend its service life. Siding protects the walls of buildings from the effects of wind, snow, and rain.

On the market you can find finishing panels made from plastic, metal and cement. What features do they have?

Vinyl sidenig

It is made of polyvinyl chloride - a material that is not afraid of mold and corrosion. Vinyl siding is resistant to various types of damage and is easily washed off from dirt. It also pleases people with its affordable cost and ease of installation. You can use finishing panels made of polyvinyl chloride in different climatic zones, because they can withstand both positive and negative temperatures equally well.

Metal (steel siding)

These are panels made of thin steel, on top of which a special protective layer of polymer is applied. Metal siding is used both in private construction and in the arrangement of warehouses, plants, and factories. It is easy to install, durable, cheap and attractive. The only disadvantage of steel panels is that dents that appear on them due to accidental damage cannot be eliminated.

Cement siding

It is made from cement to which cellulose fiber is added. The main feature of cement siding is fire resistance. This material is successfully used in buildings that have special fire safety requirements. The disadvantage of cement panels is their heavy weight, which requires the use of particularly strong lathing for their installation.

Siding panels are the most popular material used for cladding facades. It is used by millions of people to decorate their homes with their own hands, making it beautiful and at the same time saving on work. Covering a building with siding is not difficult, but we’ll talk about that later. First you need to understand the large number of product varieties and their features.

Types of siding

The following types of panels can be found on sale:

  • plastic;
  • metal;
  • basement (made of asbestos cement or fiber cement).

Many articles on the Internet talk about the existence of wood siding, but experts call it clapboard. Siding is often mistakenly classified as lining with a rectangular or round profile. Indeed, these materials are similar and, after installation, also form a monolithic surface. This confuses consumers.

The most common are finishing panels produced by the following companies:

  • Alta-Profile;
  • Dock;
  • Fine Ber;
  • Snow Bird;
  • Tekos;
  • "Grand Line" and others.

All these brands operate in Russia, using foreign technologies - German, Belgian, American. There are few companies that rely on domestic methods in their work. This is explained simply: siding was invented abroad, and therefore all the nuances of its production have long been studied there. The panels sold in Russia meet international quality and can last for many years without replacement.

When decorating a house with any siding, it is necessary to install a so-called ventilated facade - a structure made of lathing, special moisture-proof and heat-insulating materials. The ventilated facade makes the walls warm and impervious to moisture, while at the same time not interfering with natural air circulation.

It makes no sense to insulate buildings located in regions with mild climates too much. In this case, thin thermal insulation is used. Sometimes it is not applied at all. Building facades can be covered with all types of siding: vinyl, metal. The main thing is to attach it to the crate.

Additional siding elements

It doesn’t matter what material the siding is made of - when installing it, a whole list of special components is always used. In particular, in addition to regular panels, you will need connecting, finishing and starting panels, as well as trim, soffits, internal and external corners.

Metal siding has become in demand all over the world due to its strength, resistance to temperature changes and humidity, and attractive appearance. The only disadvantage of this material is that it “heats up” at sub-zero temperatures. But this problem can be eliminated by using high-quality thermal insulation.

In most cases, products made from thin steel coated with zinc are used for cladding facades. A special protective compound is applied to the outside of such sheets to prevent the metal from rusting. The protective coating is also pleasing because it is not afraid of extremely low and high temperatures.

In addition to steel panels, you can find aluminum and copper siding on the building materials market. Aluminum panels are the least popular, because they are afraid of mechanical stress, scratched and wrinkled.

When you decide to purchase metal siding, make sure that the base to which it will be attached can withstand an impressive load. As for the service life of the material, you don’t have to worry: it will retain its original beautiful appearance and impeccable performance characteristics for at least half a century.

When choosing metal siding, be prepared to spend a decent amount of money on it. Not only the panels themselves are expensive, but also numerous additional elements, which you cannot do without when arranging the facade of a house: soffits, other starting strips. It is possible to calculate the number of additional elements on your own or by asking sellers for help. All reputable finishing materials stores employ specialists who will be happy to advise you. Using special PC software, they will accurately calculate the amount of material needed for cladding a particular house.

Vinyl siding has become popular since the sixties of the 20th century. It has an impressive number of advantages, including beauty and affordable cost. Plastic finishing panels are widely used by middle-income homeowners.

The main component of vinyl siding is polyvinyl chloride. It is supplemented with various stabilizers, modifiers and dyes. They make the material more durable and elastic, increase its attractiveness and extend its service life. The key components of vinyl siding include:

  • calcium carbonate – fills the structure of the panels;
  • titanium dioxide – stabilizes the durability of material pigments, preventing them from fading in the sun;
  • butadiene – extends the service life of cladding panels;
  • modifiers – increase impact resistance;
  • lubricants - make the surface of the plastic smooth and even;
  • coloring pigments – give products any desired color.

The average length of plastic panels is 300 cm, and the thickness of one sheet used to produce the material does not exceed 1 mm.

Vinyl siding is durable and provides reliable protection for the facade of buildings, but it also has some disadvantages. He:

  • afraid of fire;
  • becomes brittle at sub-zero temperatures;
  • gradually fades under the rays of the sun.
Metal finishing panels do not have all these shortcomings, but they do not look as beautiful.

Returning to the advantages of plastic siding, we note that it has minimal weight and is therefore easy to install and transport. Vinyl panels can be installed by one person without any assistance. This type of siding is easy to process: the material can be cut with special scissors, a grinder, or a jigsaw.

Vinyl siding looks different. One lamella on its front side may have one or several relief profiles. A striking example of this is the “Shipboard” panels. Equally popular is double or triple Herringbone siding. There are also panels on sale with a vertical profile, the installation of which requires a frame with horizontal slats.

Reviews about vinyl siding

Specialists use plastic finishing panels produced by the Alta Profile and Deke brands in their work. The products of these companies are impeccable. Siding from Deke is more difficult to install, and therefore its installation cannot be handled without experience. The only disadvantage of Deke panels is that the color palette is not very rich.

You can find Tecos siding on sale. It is not flawless and quite expensive. The “Northside” panels are not too encouraging either - despite their “northern” name, they do not tolerate sub-zero temperatures well. But consumers speak well of Ortho siding.

This type of finishing panels is made from cement, to which cellulose and a number of other components are added. In production, special drying chambers are used, where the material is exposed to high temperatures. It turns out to be very durable and resistant to external influences.

Fiber cement siding is ideal for covering the bases of buildings, but can also be used for walls. Such finishing panels do not look as beautiful as iron and plastic ones, and therefore they are usually sheathed in factories, warehouses and shops, and not in residential buildings.

The installation process for fiber cement siding is exactly the same as metal or plastic siding.

In our country, the most popular fiber cement panels are the following brands:

  • Latonit (Russia);
  • Eternit (Belgium);
  • Nichiha (Japan).

Russian panels are the cheapest. They are not inferior in quality to Japanese and Belgian ones. In general, the price of panels depends on what kind of protective coating they have. The most expensive is siding, which is coated with acrylic.

Vinyl siding installation

To complete the job you will need the following tools:

  1. metal scissors;
  2. Bulgarian;
  3. pencil and tape measure;
  4. level;
  5. screwdriver;
  6. construction square

Before you begin installing siding, you need to make sure that the walls of the building do not need major or cosmetic repairs. It is also necessary to remove finishing elements from them. After this, you should prepare a frame for attaching the siding. It can be made of wooden blocks or metal profiles. The racks of the sheathing are attached through hangers, fixed with self-tapping screws. Nails are not used during this procedure.

Have you decided to build a frame out of wood? Then be sure to cover it with 1-2 layers of special impregnation designed to protect the material from insects and fire. Allow the material to dry before continuing.

Sequence of work

  • Stage 1. Mark the places on the walls where the hangers will be attached. They should be at a distance of 0.40-0.60 m from one another. The lower and upper hangers are attached approximately 0.20 m from the edge of the wall. Straight stripes are drawn along the marking lines. It is important to make sure that they are strictly vertical. The level will help you with this.
  • Stage 2. Holes are drilled at pre-designated attachment points.
  • Stage 3. Suspensions are applied to the markings. They should be positioned horizontally, and their central hole should coincide with the one drilled in the wall.
  • Stage 4. A dowel with a self-tapping screw is inserted through the suspension and tightened. After this, the side strips are bent so that they acquire a U-shape.
  • Stage 5. Vertical sheathing posts are attached to the walls. They need to be installed from the corner, inserting a metal profile or wooden beam between the slats. It is attached to the suspension with self-tapping screws. When securing the sheathing strips, keep in mind that they must coincide with the contours of the window and door openings.
  • Stage 6. Mark the base line with a pencil or thread. Then the starting strips are fixed along it in increments of 4-5 millimeters.
  • Stage 7. Installing internal and external corners. Remember that the heads of the screws should not be flush against the sheathing. Leave a gap of at least one millimeter to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the material during temperature changes.
  • Stage 8. Installation of the first row of finishing panels. The lower end of the slabs must be placed in the starting plan. Then the lamella is pulled up and fixed to the frame through the top bar with holes. When working with siding, proceed carefully. Do not drive staples or nails through it as this will damage the material. When securing the panel, start from the center and work your way out to the edges.
  • Stage 9. Installation of the second and remaining rows of finishing panels.
  • Stage 10. Before installing the last row of siding, it is necessary to measure the distance from the already installed panels to the eaves. If a solid panel does not fit there, it must be trimmed.
  • Stage 11. After securing the last row of siding, the finishing strip is installed. It is needed to cover the top cut of the panels. The plank is fixed close to the cornice in the place where the horizontal finishing panels turn into vertical ones. It is also used under and above openings coming from walls.
  • Stage 12. Covering door and window openings with special additional elements. Let's look at this process in more detail using windows as an example. A sheathing is inserted into the window with a slope along the perimeter of the slats to secure the finishing profile. After this, you need to install the finishing profiles, inserting them into the windows. In the slope flanges in the lower and upper near-window profiles, it is necessary to cut and bend the “tongues”. They will be hidden by side window profiles.

Fiber cement and metal siding are installed in much the same way as vinyl siding. Minor differences in installation arise due to the characteristics of the components and locking panels: products of each brand have certain design features. When carrying out facing work, it is recommended to use products manufactured by one company.

Additional elements for vinyl siding: dimensions

Vinyl siding, or PVC, is a modern, practical solution for cladding facades. He is able to radically transform any building, giving it accuracy and originality. This material is easy to install, but this does not mean that it can be nailed directly to external walls. For installation you will need special additional elements of various types. They are produced at the same enterprises where the siding itself is produced. At the same time, the dimensions of the same element may differ from different manufacturers.

Features of vinyl siding

PVC siding began to be produced in the mid-twentieth century. In appearance, this material is similar to natural wood siding, and in terms of technical characteristics it even surpasses it in many ways, including durability. It serves for at least 50 years without losing its original appearance and performance qualities. Vinyl siding withstands sudden temperature changes, exposure to precipitation, and harsh climatic conditions - it can be used in a wide variety of regions.

Note: high-quality vinyl panels do not fade in the sun for over 10 years. Even if in a few years you add additional rooms to the house and line them with the same siding as the main house, there will be no difference in shade. Naturally, we are talking about material of impeccable quality.

In the manufacture of vinyl siding, the extrusion method is used: the polymer mass is pressed through special equipment with holes, resulting in long panels that are cut to specific sizes.

Almost all modern siding is made using an improved extrusion method called co-extrusion. This method makes it possible to obtain two-layer panels, with the layers connected at the molecular level. The outer layer makes up about a quarter of the entire thickness of the panels and is designed to protect them from negative atmospheric factors - rain, snowfall, wind, ultraviolet radiation. The bottom layer gives the panel strength and frost resistance.

Vinyl siding includes the following components:

  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is the main component contained in siding in an amount of 80% by weight. It is this component that determines the quality of the panels. Unscrupulous manufacturers who are trying to save money deliberately reduce the percentage of PVC in the raw material to 70%, which negatively affects the quality of the material and significantly worsens the technical characteristics. In addition, hack workers can add secondary raw materials to the polymer mass.
  • Calcium carbonate. This substance is included in the panels in an amount not exceeding 15%. It fills the panel structure.
  • Titanium dioxide. It is part of the outer layer in an amount of about 10% and serves to protect the panels from fading under the sun's rays.
  • Butadiene. Stabilizes the siding structure, added to the composition in an amount of about 1%.
  • Coloring pigment - gives the panels a certain shade.
  • Modifiers - give panels resistance to mechanical damage.

PVC siding has many advantages over other types of finishing materials, thanks to which it has gained well-deserved popularity among owners of private houses and cottages. It is beautiful, durable, easy to maintain, resistant to fire and chemically aggressive substances, environmentally friendly and also inexpensive.

However, to cover the facade with vinyl siding, panels alone are not enough - you will also need to purchase various additional elements. With their help, the cladding will take on a complete and aesthetically attractive appearance.

Why are additional elements needed?

When installing siding, additional elements perform several important tasks. They make work easier, secure the panels to the façade surface and add aesthetics to the finish. They make the cladding stronger and more durable. For example, thanks to corner profiles, the cladding becomes more airtight, that is, more protected from moisture penetration. Other special elements prevent panels from rattling during strong winds and being torn off.

Note: without additional elements, the cladding will look ugly and sloppy, since all the joints and cracks on the surface will be visible.

All additional elements have special holes for fastening, with the help of which they are firmly joined directly to the siding. The holes are made oblong so that during thermal expansion/contraction of the material there is an opportunity for the free movement of the panel - thus avoiding deformation of the panels. If the additional elements are installed correctly, there should not be large gaps between them and the siding.

Attention: if the panels warp in hot or cold weather, it means that they were most likely installed incorrectly or are of poor quality.

Types of siding additions

All additional elements are divided into two types: decorative and load-bearing. Decorative ones are intended solely to give the skin an aesthetic appearance, while load-bearing ones play an important role in giving the structure strength and reliability.

Elements required when installing siding panels.

  • J-profile - used when arranging vertical joints, window and door openings. Siding panels are inserted directly into this profile. It is also used when arranging soffits, gable and end walls, corners, but in these cases the joints will not be masked as well as with the help of elements specially designed for this.
  • Initial bar (strip). This element is the starting point for attaching the panels - the panels of the first row of sheathing are inserted into it.
  • Corner profiles. Used for processing external and internal corners of the house.
  • H-profile. It is used as a connecting element between adjacent siding panels in case they have to be added, that is, increased when the size of the facade is too large, that is, when the length of one panel is not enough for the entire wall.

Elements necessary to give the facade an aesthetic appearance.

  • End bar. With its help, the siding installation is completed, giving the facade a complete appearance.
  • Window profile - platband. Used when processing window and door openings recessed into the wall.
  • Drainage elements. They are installed to drain rain and melt water from the foundation.
  • Cornice chamfers. They are used for finishing narrow slopes and cornices.

Note: Additional elements are made from the same raw materials as siding. The differences between them are in design, shape and parameters.

Why do you need to consider sizes?

Additional elements differ in parameters. Even the same type of additional element may have different sizes from different manufacturing companies. Moreover, even from the same manufacturing company they may differ if they are manufactured in different batches.

The length of panels manufactured at different enterprises can be in the range of 2.5 m - 4.0 m, width: 0.20 m - 0.30 m, thickness: 1 - 1.2 mm. A similar difference is observed in additional elements. In this regard, it is important to take this point into account when purchasing materials for facade cladding. You need to purchase panels along with all accessories from one company to avoid complications during the installation process.

Dimensions of additional elements

Below we will introduce you to the parameters of additional elements for siding from several popular vinyl siding companies. Today, the construction market is in demand for products from VOX, Grand Line and Docke.

VOX PVC siding is a high-quality and durable material suitable for finishing buildings of any type. It is easy to install - you can handle the cladding yourself.

Grand Line PVC siding is a high-quality finish that Russian consumers have been familiar with for over 10 years. In addition to vinyl, metal siding is also produced under this brand.

PVC siding Docke is one of the best examples present on the Russian market. Both the panels themselves and the additional elements are made from high quality raw materials.

Tips for choosing

To avoid any difficulties during installation, approach the selection of siding and components as seriously as possible.

  • Choose products only from well-known manufacturers who have proven themselves on the positive side in the construction market. This way you will be protected from counterfeiting, and if necessary, there will be no problems purchasing exactly the same material.
  • Buy panels and components only from the same manufacturer - then there will be no problems when joining elements, which will significantly speed up installation work.
  • It is recommended to purchase and use additional elements for their intended purpose. Otherwise, the cladding will not be of sufficient quality and aesthetics.

Calculation of high-quality elements

For high-quality installation, it is important to correctly calculate the number of high-quality elements. This can be done using the following recommendations:

  1. Measure all the necessary parameters of the building you are going to cladding. After this, draw an accurate sketch of the building and apply all the obtained dimensions to it.
  2. First of all, calculate how many siding panels you will need. To do this, determine the area of ​​each of the facade walls and subtract from the result the area occupied by the openings of windows and doors. Then divide the resulting number by the area of ​​one siding panel. Important: When making calculations, take into account that any installation work leaves waste. Therefore, purchase all materials with a small margin - about 10% of the amount you got in the calculations. If the building architecture is complex, it is recommended to increase the margin to 15%.
  3. Now you can count the number of starting and ending strips. Measure the length of all the facade walls of the building and divide by the length of one plank.
  4. To count corner profiles, count the number of external and internal corners and multiply each result by the height of the wall, then divide by the length of one corner profile. Tip: it is recommended to count the number of corner profiles for each corner separately, otherwise it may turn out that there will be trimmings from already used profiles for the last corner.
  5. To calculate J-profiles, add up the length and width of all sections located vertically and horizontally - window and door openings, and so on. Divide the resulting number by the length of one J-profile.
  6. To calculate the number of H-profiles, you need to focus on the number of connections of the siding panels to each other along the length.
  7. Window strips are calculated individually so that during installation they do not spoil the appearance of the window openings. They will only be needed if the window and door openings are recessed into the facade wall to a depth of more than 0.20 m.

So, we draw a conclusion from everything that was said above. Additional elements are an integral part of siding installation. Without them, you will not be able to do quality work. At the very least, you need to purchase at least the initial strip, since the first row of siding panels is inserted into it. However, we recommend using other necessary additions, since they will not only facilitate and speed up the work process, but will also give the facade an aesthetically attractive appearance.

In the modern construction market, siding occupies one of the leading positions in demand among all finishing materials. It is affordable, can be installed quickly, and the finished result is always pleasing (if, of course, everything is done correctly). Moreover, finishing the facade with this material does not require much experience and professionalism. Naturally, it is better to trust specialists who are guaranteed to do everything right. But many owners of private houses, in an attempt to save even more, try to do all the work themselves. And most people do it very well.

The first dilemma faced by those who decide to install siding themselves is the choice of suitable material. Conventionally, it can be divided into the main one, that is, the siding panels themselves, and consumable or additional ones (screws, nails, connecting strips, corners, starting panels, and so on). But it is the choice of panels that should be a priority. And taking into account the characteristics of the main material, you should choose an additional one. So, let's talk about siding panels, or more precisely, about their varieties.

Types of siding

  • metal siding;
  • vinyl (blockhouse, vinyl siding, siding made to look like brick);
  • basement (asbestos-cement, fiber cement).

You can often see another type being mistakenly classified as siding: wooden. But experts tend to call it differently: clapboard. And it belongs to a completely different category of materials, although it is used very often for finishing work.

The most popular manufacturers of finishing siding panels are:

  • Alta Profile;
  • Docke (“Docke”);
  • Northside;
  • Fine Ber;
  • Grand Line;

All manufacturers work using modern technologies, adhering to international quality standards. Those types of siding that come off their conveyors meet all quality and safety requirements.

Experts assure that all siding profiles produced by domestic enterprises can be considered as an option for purchase. The fact is that almost all Russian companies use European and American technologies in their production processes. This is more profitable for them, since such products are sold much faster.

Regardless of what type of siding you decide to give your preference, do not forget: the facade must be well ventilated. This is provided by technology. Unfortunately, there are such masters who simply neglect it. Even if you do not install the facade yourself, but order the services of companies or private craftsmen, it will not be amiss to remember: the facade consists of several layers, consisting of: lathing, steam and thermal insulation layers, cladding. The harsher the climate, the thicker the insulating layers should be. It is better to choose the siding panels themselves from vinyl or metal.

Additional siding elements

The finished structure consists of more than just panels. They, of course, must be attached to the walls with something. Self-tapping screws or nails are used for this. And the fastening is carried out not directly on the plane of the walls, but on the sheathing, which can be made of either metal or wood. But this is not the entire list of components that you will need during the work process. You will also need to calculate the current quantity and purchase:

  • start and finish lines;
  • F-, J-profiles;
  • connecting strips;
  • near-window strips;
  • soffits;
  • corners internal and external;
  • platbands.

All this will be needed not only for mounting on walls directly in one plane, but also for finishing window and door openings.

Features and characteristics of metal siding

It can be safely said that it is the most popular among other types. The reasons for this are different. You can start with aesthetic ones. Thanks to its appearance, you can achieve good results, making even an unattractive structure beautiful and presentable. In addition, the color, shade and even texture can be chosen to suit your taste. The price range is also affordable for the vast majority of those interested. And this is the number two reason why most clients choose metal.

Its physical and technical characteristics are no less important. Maintenance, if any, is required - minimal. This is achieved due to its special protective coating. Simply wipe it with a damp cloth. Can be washed with plain water. The material gets dirty very “reluctantly”, which further minimizes the need for its regular maintenance.

Strength is another significant indicator. In this case, this, unfortunately, is more of a minus than a plus, since it leaves nothing to be desired. You should choose panels as thick as possible. As thickness increases, strength also increases. But the durability of metal siding is enviable. It is capable of serving, without significant loss of its technical and aesthetic properties, for at least 10-15 years. But in most cases, the service life, with proper organization of the structure, is tens of years. All this is achieved due to moisture resistance, immunity to direct exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, and temperature changes.

Deformations due to changes in ambient temperature are often observed. But if during the installation process such properties of the material were taken into account (and this is a mandatory condition, the observance of which allows us to call the work high-quality), then they will not affect in any way either the appearance or the technical condition of the structure itself.

In most cases, domestic consumers choose galvanized sheets coated with protective components. They provide long service life and attractive appearance to ready-made panels. In addition, they can be used in regions where there are strong, almost extreme, changes in atmospheric air temperature. Pural, plastisol and polyester are the best components for reliable anti-corrosion protection.

Copper and aluminum can also be used as one of the main metals for the production of siding panels. Aluminum and copper sheets are produced, respectively, but they are in low demand. Their use for finishing work is limited by their insufficient rigidity. For example, copper panels are quite soft, and it is very easy to leave scratches and dents on them. Even if metal siding bends and deforms without much effort, copper siding is even more susceptible to such processes.

Siding made of metal panels has another drawback, so to speak. This is more likely not even a drawback, but simply a nuance that you should pay attention to. We are talking about a rather impressive total weight of the finished structure. And before you begin arrangement, it is important to calculate whether the walls are able to withstand the entire mass of the cladding.

What to look for when choosing metal siding

Corners, profiles, soffits and strips, slopes, screws, beams - this is not the entire list of those additional components, most of which will definitely be in demand during finishing and installation work. The mistake of many people, especially those who try to make siding at home with their own hands, is not taking their cost into account in the overall estimate. That is, the expenditure budget includes only siding panels with a small margin, and that’s all. And the price of consumables is practically leveled. And how great is the surprise of a person who comes to the store and receives an invoice for the purchase of the entire set (main and additional), when it turns out that it is almost twice as high as expected.

Be sure to take into account the cost of additional materials when you create your spending budget for installing siding!

Of course, you can limit yourself to only purchasing panels and fasteners for them. But what about the sheathing to which they should be attached? What about the corners, connecting strips and everything else? Without them, at least such a high-quality finish will not work.

Advice! If it is difficult to independently calculate the required amount of basic and additional materials, contact a specialist at the point of purchase for help. As a rule, siding is sold by people who have extensive practical experience in this matter. It is such a person who will be able to accurately calculate the amount of materials you will need. The only thing is, do not forget to provide him with the exact parameters of the building that will be finished with panels.

Features and characteristics of vinyl siding

Material belonging to the middle price category. It has quite good physical and technical characteristics, has an attractive appearance, but at the same time costs less than a similar metal material. Its weight is also lower, which makes it possible to install high-quality facades even on walls that have a low safety margin.

Most of the vinyl siding panel is PVC (polyvinyl chloride). In addition to it, stabilizers, modifiers, and coloring elements are also included in the composition. The result is a material that is resistant to the influence of external destructive factors and is affordable. That is why it enjoys considerable popularity both among private customers and among specialized construction companies.

Vinyl siding is made in the form of polymer sheets, the thickness of which is a maximum of 1 mm. Panel length – about 3 m. Maximum length – 4 m.

This material has characteristics that allow it to be used in different climatic latitudes. It is able to reliably protect the walls of a building and improve their insulation (especially in combination with a thermal insulation layer). However, you should remember that it also has certain disadvantages!

  1. Flammability. It can ignite when exposed to extreme temperatures. But from the sun, due to overheating, this will not happen. Moreover, modern quality standards are constantly improving. And those global, as well as domestic, manufacturers who adhere to them (and these are the vast majority!) are increasingly producing products that can melt even under the influence of a flame, but will not burn and smoke, releasing toxic substances into the air.
  2. Fragility. When exposed to sub-zero temperatures, the material becomes brittle. Due to this, the risk of damage to the facade increases. Therefore, on frosty days it should be handled as delicately as possible. Many people are concerned about the question: can it crack and break on its own in the cold. Answer: no, unless the siding is exposed to external mechanical factors, it will not be damaged.
  3. Discoloration due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. If your facade is constantly exposed to the sun, and the process is accompanied by its heating, then it will fade or, as they also say, burn out. How quickly will this happen? Most likely, you will not be able to visually notice the color changes for the first few years. Then every year the shade may change, but very, very insignificantly. Much here depends on the intensity of the sun’s rays, as well as on the quality of the material itself, which is subject to their destructive influence.

Many people note that a facade finished with PVC looks somehow more welcoming, warm and cozy. It gives off a feeling of comfort. And the “metal walls” give off a cold feeling. Naturally, what type of material to choose is a personal matter for everyone. Different people have different preferences.

Light weight is another distinctive feature of PVC. Thanks to this, such panels are easier to install (they are not very heavy, their processing is simplified), and the load on the walls is minimized, which only expands the range of its application.

You can cut PVC panels using regular metal scissors. But a grinder with a jigsaw is also used for these purposes. In this case, you need to install a metal cutting disc on the grinder.

Types of profiles for ordinary vinyl siding panels

The front sides of vinyl panels may differ in appearance. The lamellas can contain from one to several relief profiles. A striking example of this is “Shipboard”, “Herringbone”. Varieties of horizontal profiles: “Log”, “Shingles”, “Scales”, “Beam” and others.

There are panels with a vertical profile type. For it it is necessary to build a horizontal sheathing. It turns out like this: for horizontal panels you need vertical sheathing posts. And vice versa: for vertical ones - horizontal racks.

As experience shows, and this is confirmed by statistics, the most popular materials for organizing siding today are “Deke” and “Alta Profile” panels.

The first, like the second, are characterized by high quality, affordable price, reliability, and durability. However, Deke is more difficult to install. That is, to work with them you need to have at least minimal experience in this field and good theoretical knowledge. Alta Profile is much easier to install.

The materials from the Ortho company have also proven themselves well. Their price is reasonable and their quality is top notch. In general, we can say the following: certain companies and private craftsmen may have different opinions about different manufacturers. Much here still depends on who is used to working with what material. The above ones can be considered universal: they are most suitable for both experienced professionals and beginners.

Features and characteristics of fiber cement siding

Cement-cellulose mixture is the basis for this type of material. These two main ingredients are mixed, pressed under high pressure, exposed to extreme temperatures and dried. The result is panels that are perfectly flat, resistant to deformation, and impact resistant. They are not afraid of low or high temperatures, moisture or sun. They have high sound insulation, are heat-resistant, and so on.

This type of siding is ideal for finishing basement surfaces. But it is also used for walls, and quite successfully. It is immediately worth noting this fact: fiber cement panels are used less often in the decoration of residential buildings than metal or vinyl. This is primarily due to its less presentable appearance. Although some clients order the finishing of their houses only with fiber cement, explaining this by its high physical and technical characteristics. Most often it is used in finishing work when arranging garages, warehouses, retail (and similar) premises.

As for the installation of fiber cement siding panels, it should be noted that its algorithm is identical to that for installing PVC or metal panels.

Many manufacturers are engaged in the production of this type of material. But the most popular among them on the domestic (Russian) market are:

  • Nichiha (made in Japan);
  • Eternit (Belgium);
  • Latonit (Russia).

Surely many will be interested primarily in Russian products in the hope that they will be of high quality and relatively inexpensive. And these expectations are completely justified. Therefore, Latonit is in high demand. And although imported analogues are not inferior to it in terms of quality, they will cost a little more in terms of price.

The price of siding panels made from cellulose and cement is also affected by the type of their external coating. Thus, acrylic is considered the most durable and at the same time the most expensive.

Vinyl siding installation

To install the panels and fasten the additional elements, you will need not only the panels themselves, but also special tools. These include:

  • construction tape;
  • chalk or pencil for marking;
  • grinder, metal cutting scissors or electric jigsaw;
  • construction level;
  • hammer drill and screwdriver;
  • construction square.

Before you begin directly installing the siding, you need to prepare the surface. It will be a load-bearing structure, that is, almost the entire load created by the mass of the finished structure will act on it. If the walls need repairs, do not neglect them. Reinforcement is the first thing to do in this case. Cosmetics can be neglected. But it is necessary to strengthen the surfaces on which the sheathing will then be mounted. Before this, you may need to remove all decorative elements, including from window and door openings, which will also be subject to finishing.

When the walls are cleared of elements that could collapse and reinforced (as necessary), you can begin organizing the sheathing. It can be made of a metal profile or wooden beam. The sheathing will be attached to the walls of the building being finished using hangers. And the façade will be installed on it. If wooden sheathing is planned, it is better to pre-treat the beams with a high-quality antiseptic, which can protect them from rotting and other negative processes. Before the treated beams are installed on the walls, they need to be given time to dry.

Sequence of work

Stage No. 1. Mark the points where the hangers will be located. The optimal distance between them is 50 cm. It must be observed in both horizontal and vertical projections.

About 18 cm should be the distance between the hangers and the edge of the wall, both above and below. Do not forget to monitor their verticality, using a special level for this - a construction level.

Stage No. 2. Make holes in pre-marked areas. An electric drill or punching device is ideal for this job.

Stage No. 3. Installation of hangers. Attach them to the drilled holes. The center of the suspension must clearly coincide with the hole in the wall. Suspensions must have a horizontal position.

Stage No. 4. Attach the hangers to the wall using appropriately sized self-tapping screws with plastic dowels. Bend the hanger strips on the sides so that you get U-shaped figures.

Stage No. 5. Next comes the installation of the verticals of the sheathing structure. She should start from the corner. Between the suspensions (more precisely, their slats), in order to level them in one plane, bars are installed, and the racks are attached to the bars and the wall using self-tapping screws.

Stage No. 6. If there are window or door openings along the way, then the contours of the sheathing should exactly follow them. Do not forget to make slopes under slopes and ebbs.

Stage No. 7. The plinth line is “beaten off” using thread or a construction marker. Starting strips are installed along it, which are already attached to the sheathing.

Stage No. 8. Corners are mounted: internal and external. They should not be pulled too tightly to the sheathing elements. A gap of about 1.5 mm will be very helpful. This will avoid many troubles in the future, the main one of which is possible deformation of the structure.

Stage No. 9. Installation of the very first (bottom) row of siding panels. Place each of them, with the lower end, into the corresponding groove of the starting strip. After this, there is minimal upward movement and fastening through the perforation holes of the panel to the previously constructed frame.

Stage No. 10. If the length of the panels is less than the width of the wall on which they are installed, then several of these elements can be connected into one strip using a connecting H-profile.

Stage No. 11. All subsequent rows of panels are fixed in a similar way.

Stage No. 12. If the distance between the penultimate panel and the cornice is less than the width of the solid panel, then it can be reduced by trimming it.

Stage No. 13. The finishing strip is installed close to the eaves under the roof itself. It also serves as a cosmetic element, helping to hide the cut of the last siding panel on top.

Stage No. 14. Finishing window openings and doorways using flashings and slopes purchased in advance.

Important! It is best to use products from one company in finishing facades. This will ensure 100% compatibility between all purchased elements.

Siding is a purely American invention. It is not known who first came up with this method of external wall cladding. However, the fact that siding has radically changed the construction world is a fact beyond doubt. Siding is not just one of the cladding methods. Siding is an entire industry and construction philosophy. How to navigate the world of siding? How to find the option that is needed right now? The presented article will answer these questions.

Siding – modern, functional, beautiful

Initially, siding meant another way of covering walls. It differed from other methods in its simplicity and unpretentiousness - boards were attached from bottom to top, overlapping the wall. Then everything was covered with paint. However, this simplicity also concealed the main drawback - the fragility of the coating. Over time, the paint aged, peeled, and the house acquired an unpresentable appearance, which was especially important when selling it. We had to repaint the walls.

Modern science has given siding new life. After the invention of vinyl, wall siding became one of the most popular in the world. This is evidenced by the fact that more than half of the market for facing materials is occupied by vinyl siding.

Vinyl clad house

What are the advantages of modern siding? There are many of them, but the main ones are the following:

  • a large selection of materials - from traditional wood to plastic and metal;
  • durability of the coating;
  • various colors;
  • a large selection of accessories for decorating windows, doors, balconies;
  • a developed system of mounting options and, as a result, traditional ease of installation.

Types of siding

Vinyl has not become the only siding material. The increasing demands of modern design have led to an expansion of the list of materials. Currently the following types of siding are available on the market:

  • vinyl;
  • basement;
  • metal;
  • ceramic;
  • cement;
  • wood.

Vinyl siding is a bestseller

As mentioned above, vinyl is the most popular type of siding. Often it is a panel that follows the shape of a classic siding structure - overlapping plank upholstery. The thickness of the panels is 1 mm. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Vinyl color palette

It should be noted that there is no general standard for panel sizes. And this should be taken into account when purchasing. The most popular panel sizes among manufacturers are:

  • length – from 3 to 4 m;
  • width – from 20 to 25 cm.

The advantages of vinyl siding are determined by the qualities of the manufacturing material - PVC:

  • resistant to natural factors (humidity, temperature changes, sunlight, acidic and alkaline environments);
  • not hygroscopic;
  • not subject to biological destruction (rotting);
  • Available in more than half a thousand color shades
  • can be operated at temperatures from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius;
  • Traditional service life guaranteed by manufacturers is up to 50 years

In addition, the technology for installing vinyl siding is extremely simple and does not require the use of complex equipment. Fastening to the facade sheathing is done with self-tapping screws or nails.

Warning!

In the manufacture of vinyl siding, recycled PVC is sometimes used to reduce costs. This leads to a significant deterioration in performance. It is almost impossible to distinguish such a panel “by eye” from one made of pure vinyl powder. The only criterion is price. Panels made from “recycled” vinyl can only be used in areas with mild climates and with reduced requirements for the service life and aesthetics of the building.

The disadvantages of vinyl siding are also determined by the characteristics of PVC:

  • high coefficient of thermal expansion, which entails the need for “movable” fastening;
  • refers to flammable materials (burns or melts under the influence of open fire).

Vinyl siding under laminated veneer lumber. Kinds.

Important! When purchasing, be sure to check for certificates of conformity.

Metal siding - beauty and reliability

This type of siding is also the result of technological progress. Only after the invention of the technology for producing galvanized steel and sheet aluminum did the appearance of metal siding become possible.

Steel siding a very common type of cladding. It is made of galvanized steel panels. To protect against external influences, polymer coating or powder painting is used.

Siding Eurobrus light wood

The length of the panels is made according to the Customer’s dimensions and is limited only by the technical capabilities of a particular manufacturer. In addition, the length is affected by the possibility of transportation and ease of installation.

For the meticulous reader, I will name a fork from 0.15 m to 12 m. The most common sizes are from 3 to 6 m.

To fasten the panels together, special mounting locks are installed. Nails or screws are used for fastening to the facade, as in the case of vinyl siding.

Advantages of steel siding:

  • possibility of year-round installation;
  • good strength characteristics;
  • resistance to precipitation, sunlight, and aggressive environments;
  • non-flammability;
  • environmental Safety;

The disadvantages of steel siding are:

  • insufficient resistance of the coating to mechanical stress (impact, scratch, etc.);
  • the difficulty of dismantling during repairs, since it is almost impossible to disconnect the panels from each other.

Decorative siding imitating natural materials

In addition, steel siding is produced stylized to match existing natural facing and building materials:

  • tree,
  • stone,
  • brick.

Houses covered with metal siding - imitation of natural materials

Aluminum siding much more expensive than steel. Therefore, it is rarely used for cladding private houses. This type of siding is a leader in cladding expensive multi-story office and shopping centers. Its significant advantages over steel:

  • more resistant to corrosion;
  • has less weight.

The strength characteristics of aluminum siding are slightly worse than those of steel. However, this circumstance is compensated by the ease of installation, which is used when facing complex architectural surfaces.

Cement siding - solid and stylish

Made from a cement-fiber composition. Cellulose fibers are added to cement. The mixture is baked at high temperature. The presence of fibrous inclusions gives the panels a texture reminiscent of various types of wood. The use of cement siding gives the lined surfaces the elegance characteristic of wood cladding.

Important! Most often, cement siding is produced unpainted. This allows you to paint the panels in any color.

Advantages of cement siding:

  • does not burn;
  • resistant to moisture;
  • not subject to biological destruction.

The disadvantages include the weight of the panels, which leads to the need to use special sheathing for brick and stone facades. Installation is carried out with roofing nails.

Ceramic siding - the Japanese answer to the West

Invented by the Japanese in the second half of the last century. It is one of the options for silicate-fiber fiber cement siding. The coating is multi-layered, reminiscent of ceramics in properties. It has increased strength and is intended for wall cladding in harsh climatic conditions.

The advantages and disadvantages of ceramic siding are the same as those of cement siding. At the same time, it is necessary to note its excellent heat-insulating properties inherent in ceramic products.

Important! The use of ceramic siding requires the presence of a ventilation gap between the wall and the panels.

Wood siding - a fashionable classic

Still popular, despite being expensive and impractical. Made from boards or wooden profiles.

Advantages:

  • natural material;
  • ease of installation;
  • Possibility of operation at very low temperatures.

Flaws:

  • additional fire and bioprotective treatment is required;
  • exposure to moisture;
  • fire hazard;
  • the most expensive type of siding.

Siding made of the MDF type is practically devoid of these disadvantages - a mixture of wood fibers and additives that improve the performance characteristics of the siding.

Basement siding - continuation of the vinyl theme

This type of siding is a type of PVC panels, but with increased strength and resistance to the external environment. Basement cladding, due to operating conditions, is exposed to a stronger influence of external factors, since it is located in the lowest tier of the house, next to the soil. The constant presence of moisture in summer and ice in winter requires the use of panels of increased thickness compared to conventional vinyl siding.

The traditional cladding of the basement floors was natural stones, bricks and wood. Modern technologies for manufacturing basement siding support this design idea and offer a wide selection of panels that imitate natural materials.

Conclusion

As can be seen from the article, the use of siding is a common practice in modern construction and design. In most cases, installation of siding panels can be done on your own, without involving expensive specialists.