Home exteriors entered a new wave of remodeling when aluminum siding hit the market in the 1940’s. Because it required little maintenance (no repainting or staining), it quickly caught on. It was inexpensive and lightweight, and quickly became very popular. But it also had its drawbacks. The painted finish peeled and faded, and it was susceptible to dents. Enter vinyl siding, eclipsed aluminum as the siding of choice in the 1970’s. It had all the benefits of low maintenance aluminum but none of its drawbacks.
Other siding products have been introduced – fiber cement, asphalt, and steel. But the new hot trend in residential siding? Fiberglass. Fiberglass has the same low- or no-maintenance features of vinyl, and it can be produced in profiles which closely resemble wood (you have to get right up to it and feel it to tell the difference). But what sets it apart from vinyl is that it is composed of natural materials. This is a plus for anyone who has an historic home which is subject to restrictions on exterior products such as siding. Many historic districts require only natural products. Fiberglass siding fits the bill; it’s manufactured from sand – an abundant resource.
In addition to being a natural product, fiberglass provides the look of wood, but is less costly and much more durable, in addition to being virtually maintenance-free, other than periodic hosing off to remove dust and dirt. It won’t rot from moisture, resists damage from insects and mildew, and stands up well to hail impact. And unlike wood, it doesn’t expand or contract with temperature changes. That means when it’s installed with a tight joint, no trim is needed to cover the joint in case of gapping over time. It’s put in tight, it stays that way. And no caulking to fill gaps which might develop, because they simply don’t.
If you’re not convinced about the durability of fiberglass siding, consider this. Boats with fiberglass hulls are still watertight and afloat, some for more than 60 years. You probably won’t own your house that long, but isn’t it nice to know that you can choose siding that could possibly be there after you’re not? If you dread the periodic maintenance your old wood siding requires, consider installation of fiberglass siding. Window Outfitters is a Select Contractor for Apex Ultrex fiberglass siding from Marvin, an industry leader in home remodeling products.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
