The Best Types of House Siding For Your Home
Admin • January 11, 2019
Siding forms your home’s first line of defense against wind, rain, and snow. But, you not only want your home to be protected from the elements, you also want to be sure that the exterior siding option you choose helps you maintain its curb appeal. There are a number of methods and types of siding you can use that will both protect and improve the look of your house. Our guide will help you decide which type of siding is best for you.
Why you should explore different exterior siding options
Siding protects your house
Your house is vulnerable to the weather, and you need to take precautions to protect it lest it begins to fall apart. Siding protects your home by preventing moisture and water from getting into your walls and insulation. If water and moisture get into these areas, they will mold, mildew, and become infested with insects, which can cause serious structural damage to your home.
Energy efficiency
Well installed siding can keep in the heat during the winter months, and it can keep your house cool during the summer. In addition to keeping you comfortable, professionally installed siding can allow you to save thousands on your heating and cooling bills. Therefore, it’s important to determine what type of siding will best help you insulate your house.
It looks nice
Curb appeal is a large part of the value of your home, and one way of improving on your house’s appeal is to install siding. There are different types of siding you can use for your house, such as shingles, clapboards, or even plastic. It all depends on your tastes and your house’s structural needs.
The types of house siding available on the market today
There are numerous types of siding available on the market today, ranging from wood to synthetic. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as different prices. Let’s have a look at the most popular of them:
Cedar shingle siding
Cedar shingles are a great idea for those who want to give their house an old fashioned, rustic look. The major disadvantage to using these shingles is that they can be expensive and can easily catch fire. Another problem is that you will have to replace them every nine to ten years or they will start to rot.
Exterior wood siding panels
The advantage to using wood siding panels is that they offer you many ways to do your siding. You can use drop siding, battens, clapboard, or live edge. Like cedar shingles, wooden panels can make your house look nicer, but they are expensive and can increase the chances of your house catching fire.
Fake stone siding
People like stone houses because they hearken back to the old times of stone farmhouses and barns. Using fake stone for your siding is a lot cheaper than using real stone, and it is much easier to install. One major drawback is that some veneer stone siding allows water to seep underneath, so you have to be very careful when choosing a supplier.
Metal house siding
Metal siding is very popular these days because it comes in many colors and styles. It is also a great material to use if you want your house to look modern. Corrugated aluminum is a very popular metal to use for siding because it is durable, lightweight, and is relatively easy to shape and install.
You can always rely on Home Run Improvement for siding installation
As you can see, you have many options and styles to choose from when you make the decision to purchase siding materials for your house. No matter what option you decide to use to protect your home from Kentucky’s wild weather and climate, remember that you can always rely on Home Run Improvement to help you with the installation. We have 20 years of experience serving home and business owners in Louisville and throughout Kentucky while getting their siding done right the first time. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.
A well-built deck creates an inviting outdoor living space that adds value, functionality, and curb appeal to your home. If you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood, TimberTech composite decking is an excellent choice. Designed to resist moisture, fading, staining, and splintering, TimberTech products provide the appearance of natural wood with significantly less upkeep. This guide walks through the major stages of building a TimberTech deck, from planning to the final inspection. Home Run is an official TimberTech Gold installer with specialized TimberTech training and access to enhanced warranties. Planning the Project Every successful deck begins with careful planning. Determine how the deck will be used, whether for entertaining, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing. Consider the size, shape, and location of the deck while taking into account access points from your home and the surrounding landscape. Select the TimberTech decking collection and color that best complements your home's exterior. At this stage, establish a realistic budget that includes materials, hardware, permits, and any specialized tools you may need. Before construction begins, verify local building codes and obtain any required permits. Preparing the Site Once the design is complete, prepare the building site by clearing vegetation, removing obstacles, and marking the deck layout with stakes and string lines. Confirm that the area is level and that drainage directs water away from the home's foundation. Accurate measurements during site preparation help ensure the framing and decking install smoothly later in the project. Building a Strong Foundation The strength of any deck depends on its foundation. Install concrete footings below the local frost line according to building code requirements. Secure support posts to the footings before installing beams and floor joists. Carefully check that all framing members are square, level, and properly spaced. Solid framing provides the support needed for the composite decking and helps prevent movement over time. Installing TimberTech Deck Boards With the framing complete, begin installing the TimberTech deck boards according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many TimberTech products use hidden fastener systems that create a clean, fastener-free surface while maintaining consistent spacing between boards. Work methodically across the deck, checking alignment frequently. If your design includes a picture-frame border or decorative patterns, install those features as you progress. Take extra care when constructing stairs to ensure uniform rise, run, and secure fastening. Installing Railings Railings enhance both safety and appearance. Install railing posts securely to the deck framing before attaching the top and bottom rails. Complete the system by installing balusters and any gates required for stairways or access points. Choose railing styles and colors that complement your decking for a cohesive finished look. Adding the Finishing Touches Complete the project by installing fascia boards to conceal the framing and create a polished appearance. Many homeowners also choose to add deck lighting, post cap lights, stair lighting, or under-rail illumination to improve safety and extend the enjoyment of the deck into the evening. After construction is complete, clean the deck surface and remove any remaining debris. Final Inspection Before putting the deck into regular use, perform a thorough inspection. Verify that all fasteners are secure, railings are solid, stairs are stable, and the structure complies with applicable building codes. A careful final inspection helps ensure the deck is safe, attractive, and built to last. Maintaining Your TimberTech Deck One of the biggest advantages of TimberTech decking is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood, composite decking does not require annual sanding, staining, or sealing. Routine maintenance typically includes: Sweeping away leaves and debris. Washing the deck periodically with mild soap and water. Cleaning spills promptly to prevent staining. Inspecting railings and fasteners during seasonal maintenance. With proper care, a TimberTech deck can maintain its appearance for many years while requiring significantly less maintenance than a wood deck. Conclusion Building a TimberTech deck is an investment that enhances both your home and your outdoor lifestyle. By carefully planning the project, constructing a solid foundation, following proper installation techniques, and performing regular maintenance, you can create an outdoor space that is beautiful, durable, and enjoyable for years to come. Whether you're building the deck yourself or hiring a professional contractor, choosing quality materials and following best practices will help ensure a successful project and lasting results. Not sure how to proceed? Call to schedule a free Deck assessment with our team today.
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Metal roofing has gone from a niche product to one of the most talked-about options in residential roofing over the last decade. You've probably seen it on newer builds, heard it mentioned by a neighbor, or come across it while researching a roof replacement. And then you ran into the price tag. That sticker shock is usually where the research stops — or where homeowners start looking for reasons to justify it. This guide doesn't do either. It gives you the honest metal roofing pros and cons and a clear framework for deciding whether it makes sense for your specific home in Louisville. What Is Metal Roofing? Before getting into pros and cons, it helps to understand that "metal roofing" covers several different products that perform and cost very differently. The two most relevant for residential homes in Louisville: Standing seam metal roofing — panels run vertically from ridge to eave with raised seams that interlock. No exposed fasteners. This is the premium option you see on high-end custom homes. It's what most people picture when they hear "metal roof." Metal shingles / stone-coated steel — metal panels shaped and coated to look like traditional shingles or tiles. Lower profile than standing seam, easier to retrofit, and less expensive. There's also corrugated metal — the classic ribbed panels more common on agricultural buildings and outbuildings. You'll occasionally see it on residential homes for a specific aesthetic, but it's not what most Louisville homeowners are evaluating. Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roof Since both come up in residential conversations, here's a direct comparison:
