The texture of natural wood attracts the attention of designers even in the age of modern technology, when composite products can be given a variety of shades and patterns. In the case of siding, the imitation of the traditional style goes beyond the color scheme. The texture of the facade panels can be made in the form of a log of a real log house. Of course, woodgrain siding has nothing to do with the environmental characteristics of natural lumber, but in terms of technical reliability and operational practicality, this solution has much more advantages.
Material overview
Siding panels are lightweight, practical to maintain and durable material for sheathing bare facade surfaces. In the classic version, it was wood that served as its basis, but in order to improve the technical and physical qualities of the finish, manufacturers began to experiment with plastic and metal. On thetoday most of the assortment in the segment is represented by artificial panels.
As already noted, this is not the best plating option from the point of view of ecology, but in terms of the combination of other operational properties, it fully justifies itself. In addition, wood-effect siding for outdoor decoration attracts attention with its structural capabilities. Along with cladding panels, manufacturers supply a wide range of accessories and fittings that facilitate installation processes in complex facade areas. For example, corners, slopes, chamfers and profiles allow you to organically combine siding elements with a gutter system, window openings and a roofing cake.
Varieties of designs
Imitation wood can be different, like real facades made of natural lumber. The most popular solution is the already mentioned log texture. Such cladding segments are arranged horizontally and recreate the image of a classic log house. Today, such structures are known as block houses. Also, wood-like siding is also performed in the format of a conventional lining. In this case, the finish will be close to the visual image of a row board or batten installed horizontally or vertically.
In a way, the average solution is to simulate a beam. Unlike the lining, such panels are wider and slightly thicker, and compared to the block house, the timber has a flat surface. All the listed siding designs are combined with color schemes. The texture of the material from each category can be very different - fromnatural wood tones (the most common options) to gray and even black palettes.
Metal wood siding
Reliable, physically strong and durable material for outdoor decoration. Aluminum or steel alloy can be used as a base. The first option is good for its lightness, ease of installation and a variety of possibilities for external processing. Aluminum panels are often coated with polymer compounds such as polyester, plastisol and pural, which increase the protective properties of the skin. But even multi-layered external processing of soft metal does not exclude the risk of serious mechanical damage.
From the point of view of strength, it is still more expedient to choose steel wood siding. The price of metal panels of this type will be higher - about 600-700 rubles / m2, but you can count on many years of operation of the facade coating even in harsh climatic conditions. The increase in the price tag is due precisely to the fact that the steel is galvanized. This procedure is important as an effective way to protect metal panels from corrosion. But polymer protective layers are not excluded in this case.
Acrylic siding
A kind of plastic facade panels, which have fundamental differences from metal cladding, and also stand out in their group of synthetic materials. Why is acrylic wood siding better than steel, for example? It is more practical in physical handling, more convenient to transport and install, does not ring under dropsrain and, in principle, is not afraid of moisture. In terms of mechanical reliability, acrylic, of course, is inferior to metal, but here we can return to the practicality of plastic and once again note the ease of replacing a damaged element.
If we talk about the unique properties of acrylic against the background of family brethren, then resistance to heat and ultraviolet will come to the fore. On average, manufacturers set limits from 70 to 80 ° C as the maximum temperature at which the material does not melt, does not burn out and generally maintains its performance properties. In other words, the southern regions with hot sunny summers can be called optimal for using this wood-like siding. The price of such panels is only 200-300 rubles/m2.
Fiber cement siding
We can say that this is a premium solution in the general segment - both in terms of cost and performance. This positioning is due to the composition of fiber cement. The structure of the panel is formed by a combination of cement, sand and cellulose fibers. The latter act as a reinforcing link that adds strength to the material. High-quality cement also forms a solid base, and outdoor processing is by no means limited to the implementation of a wide variety of imitations - from clapboard to block house and shipboard.
The output is a durable, environmentally friendly and outwardly attractive wood-like siding. The price, however, is also considerable and averages from 1200 to 1500 rubles/m2. But it shouldkeep in mind that for this amount, it is not a thin-walled synthetic substitute for a capital finish that is purchased, but a quite worthy analogue of a traditional facade based on cement. The difference with conventional cladding will be a variety of textured design solutions and design flexibility that allows installation of any complexity.
Woodgrain vinyl siding
These are panels made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are distinguished by frost resistance, low weight and practicality in maintenance. The main advantage is resistance to temperature extremes and moisture. But this applies to low limits in the northern regions. It is undesirable to use vinyl in conditions of high temperatures. It can not only melt under the scorching rays of the sun, but also releases harmful substances. Only the cost can justify such operational risks - on average, the price of wood-like siding based on PVC is 180-200 rubles/m2. And yet, for a private residential building, such a sheathing is not recommended. More often, vinyl panels decorate household, industrial and technical objects.
Installation features
Mounting activities in most cases can be performed even by one person without outside help. This is the feature of installing panels. But this does not mean that work operations do not require attention and serious preparation. Unlike other types of sheathing, woodgrain siding requires a precise fit. The contractor's task is not so much to provide reliablemechanical fixation with hardware, how much in the correct design of the skin from segments adjacent to each other with locking joints.
Given the technical subtleties, the question may arise in principle about the expediency of performing an independent installation. By average standards, the price of finishing wood siding with the help of specialists is 800-1000 rubles. for 10 m2. However, if you follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, the quality of the result can be professional. In addition, the experience of handling panels and understanding the technology of such sheathing in the future will allow repair operations to be performed without the participation of a master.
Preparation for installation
Before working activities, each panel that is planned to be fixed to the facade should be thoroughly checked. Appearance, structural integrity and dimensional conformity are evaluated. If necessary, cut individual elements. Without this operation it is almost impossible to do with the complex design of the house. Woodgrain soft vinyl siding can be cut with regular scissors or a jigsaw. Metal panels will have to be processed with a power tool - for example, a circular saw or angle grinder. Surfaces for laying are also prepared separately. They should be cleaned of dirt and leveled. Mounting should only be done on a flat surface.
Installation process
First of all, the carrier is createdthe base to which the profile elements will be fixed. Particularly rigid metal wood siding for outdoor applications requires a reliable batten. It can be made from a bar that has previously been treated against decay and other biological processes of destruction. Laths should be placed so that they correspond with the holes in the siding panels.
The placement configuration will depend on the design of the elements. So, the standard is the horizontal superstructure of each subsequent segment on the lower one. As for fastening, wood siding is usually installed on self-tapping screws, screws or nails. Too rigid fixing to the batten should be avoided, as overstressing the metal or expanding the plastic may eventually lead to deformation of the cladding.
Material reviews
Initially, siding was developed as a more practical and affordable replacement for traditional facade cladding. All the pluses and minuses that are noted in the practice of operation have come from this concept. So, among the advantages of wood-like siding, many homeowners note the texture that looks like natural sheathing, minimal maintenance requirements and relatively high protective properties. In terms of technical and structural advantages, metal siding still comes to the fore. Vinyl and acrylic panels are often criticized for their lack of strength. Weak thin elements in windy weather can be completely deformed without the possibility of recovery.
Conclusion
Of course, imitation of natural wood is not the only offer on the siding market with a stylized texture. There are no less attractive options for various types of natural stone, for example. The choice should be made taking into account the existing textured structures in the overall facade composition. As for, in principle, the choice in favor of this skin, it justifies itself as a practical and yet budget solution. The standard price of wood-like siding at 500-700 rubles/m2 will allow you to organize a facade design that is quite acceptable in terms of design and solid in terms of reliability. The main thing is not to miscalculate in the characteristics of the base material. There is a big difference between metal, cement and plastic elements, which must be taken into account, based on the specific conditions for further use of the cladding.
