Wood Siding vs. Fiber-Cement Siding: What Is the Difference?

It’s no secret there are many great type of siding on the market (and the same can be said about siding contractors). However, when it comes to your home or business, there’s a good chance you want to know more about the siding options available to you so that you can trust you’re making the right choice.

Two of the best siding materials are wood and fiber cement. In this blog, we’re going to cover some pros and cons of wood siding vs. fiber-cement siding to help you make an educated decision about which type of siding is best for your needs.

Let’s get started!

Differences Between Wood Siding vs. Fiber-Cement Siding

Wood and fiber cement are among the most popular exterior siding options for property owners. Each choice has its pros and cons. Here’s everything you need to know about wood siding vs. fiber-cement siding:

Wood Siding

Wood siding is applied to the outside of a building structure to provide protection from the elements. Wooden frames made from plywood line the exterior walls of most modern homes. Then, a house wrap gets installed over the frames for a second protective layer. 

Lastly, the exterior walls are lined with wooden siding panels, which add style, insulation, and a third layer of protection. Most wooden siding panels are available in plywood, shingles, clapboard, or rectangular plank. 

The benefits of wood siding include: 

• It’s easy to replace.
• It can be painted or stained any color.
• It’s environmentally friendly.
• It’s generally quick to make wood siding repairs.

The main drawback of wood siding is that it can become damaged by termites, water, or insects. In other words, it is important to keep up with siding maintenance to ensure that no issues go unnoticed and that repairs are done in a timely manner to protect your home. 

One thing you can do to maintain your siding is inspect it often for warping, dry rot, etc. You should also clean your siding one time every two years at a minimum. All you’ll need is a soft brush and lukewarm water with a splash of soap to get started. If you notice damage during your cleanings, you can call a siding repair specialist, such as Top Form Contracting. 

Fiber-Cement Siding

Fiber-cement siding contains a combination of cement, cellulose fibers, sand, and water. Together, these materials provide the highest level of durability, flexibility, and protection. We often use fiber-cement siding on residential homes and commercial properties since it is long lasting, economical, and easy to maintain. 

Here are some other advantages of fiber-cement siding: 

• Unlike wood siding, it’s impervious to fire, moisture, temperature changes, and insects. 
• It’s significantly lighter than brick and stone. 
• Fiber-cement siding typically comes in clapboard and shingles, which can be painted.
• It can emulate wood and other textures. 

What are the disadvantages of fiber-cement siding? All in all, it’s an incredible type of siding. However, it can cost more to install than other types of siding, aside from wood siding. Of course, this may pay off in the long run, as fiber-cement siding may also require less maintenance than alternatives.

At Top Form Contracting, we offer James Hardie fiber-cement siding, which is one of the world’s leading siding options. It’s known for its pristine quality and for being long lasting. (Learn more about our siding installation services.)

Is Fiber-Cement Siding Better Than Wood?

Both are great siding options. However, fiber-cement siding has been shown to stand up better against the elements and time. That means that if you value durability, fiber cement is a wonderful choice.

Is Wood Siding Cheaper Than Fiber Cement?

Generally, wood siding costs more than fiber-cement siding. However, the exact price varies based on many factors, such as who you choose to install your house siding and the amount of siding you need. It’s important to get a quote from your siding company before the installation so that you can ensure the job is within your budget. 

At Top Form Contracting, wood siding repairs can range from $500 to $2,000 or more based on your needs. Fiber-cement siding repairs could be anywhere from $800 to $1,400 depending on the issue. Learn more about how we calculate the cost of siding repairs. 

Schedule Your New Siding Installation Today | Albany, OR

Still deciding between wood siding vs. fiber-cement siding? No worries! Top Form Contracting is Albany’s top choice for siding installations, and we’d be happy to help you figure out which option is best for your home or commercial building. We’re a local, family-owned business committed to providing optimal siding services to homeowners and business owners in Oregon. Let’s work together. 

Contact us online here, or call us today at (541) 926-4597 to request a free siding installation quote.

Should I Get a Dry Rot Repair or Replacement?

If the wood on your home feels squishy or looks decayed, you could have a dry rot situation on your hands. (Some other signs of dry rot include the smell of mildew or orange-brown spots or pieces of gray on the wood.)

This fungus moves fast from one part of a home to another, inching closer to areas of moisture. It is vital to fix dry rot right away to preserve the remaining wood and keep your home safe and intact. 

Here at Top Form Contracting, we are experts in spotting dry rot and alerting our clients on the best course of action. In this blog, we’ll cover when it’s time for a dry rot repair or replacement so that you know what to do next.

DRY ROT REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT

Dry rot expands at an alarming rate–as much as 80 mm daily. While it needs some moisture to grow, there doesn’t have to be much of it. In fact, as little as 30 percent moisture in a given area is the prime breeding ground for dry rot. Also, it only needs to be about 66 to 70 degrees.

It is generally safe to repair dry rot, but there are times when a replacement is in order. In either case, it is important to work with a professional who has the expertise to get the job done right. This can ensure your home is safe, as is everyone who lives in the home. 

WHEN TO GET A DRY ROT REPAIR

If the wood is intact and sturdy with just one or two tiny rotted spots, a repair could be all you need. Dry rot repairs are also generally sufficient if the dry rot affects the siding or roof, as they do not affect your home’s structure. 

As long as the dry rot is new, it shouldn’t be too difficult to repair. However, if it’s left for an extended period, it can move to the framing and cause you to have to consider other options. (The right contractor will know how to repair rotting wood without replacing it.)

Just remember that you must get rid of the dry rot and any damage completely before starting the repair process. (Have questions about how to prevent dry rot? Check out our blog here.)

WHEN TO GET A DRY ROT REPLACEMENT

It’s true that dry rot is generally safe to repair. However, it’s a good idea to replace the wood affected by dry rot if it is vital to your home’s structure. Some examples include beams and floorboards–in addition to framing. 

Why is it important to replace the wood if dry rot affects these places? As we mentioned before, dry rot is a fungus, meaning that it starts small and enlarges fast, moving throughout your home. If you wait to replace the wood until it’s too late, the dry rot can cause great damage and lead to high repair costs.

At Top Form Contracting, we aim to help you avoid structural damage by repairing the wood or replacing the wood–whatever is necessary for a given circumstance. Our team will ensure that you never have to stress about whether the dry rot is gone. You can trust that we’ll handle it.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY FROM OUR DRY ROT REPAIR CONTRACTORS IN ALBANY, OR

Whether you’re due for a dry rot repair or replacement, the first thing to do is remove any dry rot present in or on your home. A professional dry rot repair specialist, such as ourselves, can take care of this for you, making sure that no dry rot is left behind that could damage your home. 

Rotted wood can indeed be repaired, but we don’t recommend treating it yourself. Instead of figuring out the specifics on how to remove dry rot safely, solicit the help of a friendly local contractor. 

Top Form Contracting offers multiple years of experience in dry rot fixes, and we’d be happy to come to your home and let you know the damage. Then, if you’d like us to move forward with the repair, just ask. We’re here to help. 

Need an affordable contractor who can take care of your dry rot repairs? Top Form Contracting is the place to call. Reach out to our Albany-based team online today, or give us a call at (541) 926-4597 for a free estimate. 

DRY ROT FIXES: WHAT WE DO AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Fortunately, there are noticeable, telltale signs of this fungal infestation, and dry rot fixes and treatment are possible in the hands of highly qualified experts. Identifying its presence early on can help treatment programs to be more cost-effective.

Read on to understand how to identify dry rot and what measures experts take to repair this problem.

DRY ROT FIXES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Dry rot appears when particular types of fungus infect the wood in your home, stripping away its toughness. It’s a common problem in the Pacific Northwest since fungus thrives in moist environments.

Infected wood can be challenging to detect because it commonly appears beneath floorboards and behind plaster. It can also materialize on timber in your patio, attic, roof, deck, or outdoor steps.

Since dry rot can appear so easily on wood, it is important to be aware of the ins and outs of dry rot fixes. 

CAUSES OF DRY ROT

Lack of ventilation and humidity of around 18 to 30 percent can create the ideal damp environment for fungus and, ultimately, dry rot. Your home might be susceptible to dry rot issues if the following conditions are present:

• Presence of moisture in the environment
• Timber material used in the home
• Inadequate ventilation
• Dry rot spores*

*Dry rot spores are usually harmless and present in most homes, but if your property has wood and a moist environment, the fungus can multiply and develop into a dry rot infestation.

HOW TO IDENTIFY DRY ROT

Detecting dry rot in the beginning stages is critical for lowering repair costs and reducing the level of damage to your home. The best thing to do is walk around your property and look for signs so that you can take action.

The wood in your house could be experiencing dry rot if you notice the following:

• A damp, musty odor
• Brittle, dry, and powdery-looking wood
• Gray, silk-like strands coating the timber
• Concentrated patches of spore dust
• Mushroom-like fruiting bodies

Want the best dry rot prevention tips? Check out our blog here. 

HOW TO REPAIR ROTTING WOOD WITHOUT REPLACING IT 

Once you identify dry rot in your home, you must act fast. If you don’t, the infection can spread further and severely damage your home’s foundation and structure.

While you must act immediately to repair rotting wood in your home, you shouldn’t panic. Even if you can’t locate the moisture source causing the dry rot, professional dry rot repair contractors, such Top Form Contracting in Albany, OR, can help.

It’s always best to trust the experts who know how to fix dry rot siding and offer you the best solutions, from locating the source of the moisture to taking care of the repairs.

As your dry rot repair experts, we will first analyze if it’s possible to repair the compromised timber or if it needs complete removal. If it only needs a repair, we will present you with a suitable treatment plan. Then, we will start by using fungicidal spray on the affected areas to repair the decorative wood and structural timber.

CONSULT ONE OF THE TOP DRY ROT REPAIR CONTRACTORS IN ALBANY TODAY

Living with dry rot is not an option. Get help from experienced professionals who can deliver quality dry rot fixes and restore that area of your property to its former glory.

Don’t attempt to fix your home’s dry rot issue yourself. Top Form Contracting is here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate.