Engineered wood is the practical homeowner’s choice for exterior cladding. But consumers who choose engineered wood also have an eye for beauty — they’re not getting the cheapest product out there, they’re getting one that will look great and last a long time.

Homeowners have been building houses out of wood for centuries. This natural material is strong, durable and in plentiful supply. But it’s not without its drawbacks.

Sure, wood is strong — stronger than sod or bamboo, but not as strong as brick. And it’s long been considered durable, but remember the life expectancy in 1900 was 31 years — 40 in the United States — so a wooden house didn’t have to last that long.

CAREFUL MAINTENANCE 

Today, we expect more. We expect to live in our homes for 50 years or more, and when we’re done with them, we expect to reap the rewards of our investment, either by selling the home and living comfortably in retirement or leaving the profits and rewards to our descendants.

For this reason, we are more diligent at keeping up our homes. We replace the roof regularly, we repair what’s broken and we update the inside. But none of this will be enough if we don’t keep up the exterior as well.

Looking good is important, but that’s not all that matters when it comes to your home’s exterior. Your exterior has to protect your home’s soft, white underbelly, lest it be penetrated by water, bugs or other undesirables, leaving it vulnerable to rot and other forms of destruction.

WOOD’S ENEMIES

Many materials have been invented to help protect our homes — vinyl, aluminum, stucco. Wood is still used because it is prized for its natural beauty. But it has to be kept up and sealed meticulously, or moisture will take hold, and conditions will be ripe for mold, mildew and rot.

Even if you do seal your wood siding faithfully, this cannot keep out termites, carpenter ants and beetles. An infestation of any of these can render your siding worthless. And worse, it can give pests access to the inside of your home.

ENGINEERED WOOD GETS A FOOTHOLD

That’s why engineered wood is so popular today. Practically indistinguishable from genuine wood, engineered wood is made up of wood and resin fibers. The combination results in a wood-look siding that is resistant to fire, rot, pests and more.

It’s also lighter weight, easier to install and much cheaper than genuine wood.

It’s not impervious to moisture, however; engineered wood must be painted or stained. Some engineered wood comes prefinished, saving you the time and trouble of doing it yourself or hiring someone to do it for you.

WEIGHT THE OPTIONS

If you love the look of wood but not the cost or the upkeep, engineered wood siding may be for you.

Talk to the experts today at Renovation by Burbach about engineered wood, and let us help you come to a decision about the best type of siding for your home.