If you are choosing new wall siding for your home, and want a design that is both practical and attractive, reverse board and batten siding is hard to beat. As its name suggests, reverse board and batten is a reversed version of conventional board and batten siding, with narrow batten rods attached beneath wider boards.
This unique design doesn't just look great. The spaces left between your home's exterior walls and the siding boards also help to promote airflow through the siding, preventing problems with mold and dampness. These spaces can also be useful for fitting under-siding insulation, helping you cut down on heating and air conditioning usage.
Traditionally, reverse board and batten siding was always made from cedar or other timbers. However, vinyl is becoming an increasingly popular alternative, and for good reason. If you are considering reverse board and batten siding for your home, here are four reasons to consider vinyl.
Moisture And Insect Resistance
Timber reverse board and batten siding may be designed to resist problems caused by dampness, but it can still fall victim to rot without protection. Cedar and other commonly used wood varieties have some natural resistance to mold, but they still need to be treated with antifungal stains and paints on a regular basis.
All types of timber siding are also vulnerable to termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects. You will need to treat timber reverse board and batten siding with insecticidal chemicals to keep these voracious insects away.
Vinyl reverse board and batten siding does not suffer from either of these problems. The vinyl plastic is completely immune to mold, and because it is waterproof, it will act as a vapor barrier, keeping dampness away from the walls of your home. It is also impossible for insects to consume.
Low Maintenance Requirements
As you can imagine, keeping timber reverse board and batten siding free of mold and insects can be time-consuming and labor-intensive (especially if you have a larger home). Vinyl reverse board and batten siding is much easier to care for. With no surface treatments required, a quick cleaning with a hose or damp rag is all you need to do to keep your siding looking brand new.
Vinyl reverse board and batten siding is also more resistant to color fading caused by sunlight exposure. If you don't want timber siding to turn gray and dull over time, it will need to be repainted or restained every so often. Vinyl will hold its color and vibrancy for years, with no maintenance required.
Versatile Design Options
Vinyl reverse board and batten siding is available in a wide variety of colors and designs, allowing you to achieve almost any look for your home. If you like the old-world charm of traditional timber, you can choose vinyl boards and battens with convincing, 3D wood grain patterns. This siding closely resembles real timber, even up close.
For a more contemporary and distinctive look, you can choose boards and battens in a range of vibrant colors. Very pale or dark colors, such as eggshell or black, can be particularly attractive. As the sun moves through the sky, the raised boards will cast contrasting shadows over the siding, creating real visual interest.
Cost Effective
Despite all of these advantages, vinyl reverse board and batten siding is considerably cheaper than most timber alternatives. Coupled with its excellent weather resistance and long service life, vinyl reverse board and batten siding represents an excellent long-term investment for any home.
For more information on vinyl siding, contact a professional near you.