Wood is an attractive and durable siding material, but it is undeniable a maintenance-intensive option. The natural material is not unaffected by the weather it is exposed to – harsh sunshine causes it to fade, excessive rain might cause it to rot, pests have an appetite for it and extreme temperatures can also harm it. However, regular maintenance that involves regularly painting or staining the panels can ensure the durability of your wood siding – here are some things to know about the two finishing options:
- Coverage – paint and staining are different in terms of the coverage provided. While paint forms a thicker surface layer that does not penetrate the deeper layers of the wood and conceals imperfections more efficiently, stains come with moderate pigmentation and they enter the pores of the wood, leaving the grains visible;
- Application – both paints and stains need to be applied on clean surfaces, but paints require more preparation. While the wood only needs to be cleaned before stain is applied, if you decide to paint the surface, you need to perform a thorough cleaning, followed by the application of a water-repellant layer and primer before you can finally start to apply the paint;
- Durability and protection – properly applied paint can last for up to 10 years, while stains need to be refreshed every 2 years.
Eagle Eye Renovations will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have about siding options.