Board and batten siding will make your Calgary home stand out from the rest. There’s a variety of materials to choose from, and you’ll have to do a bit of research before you schedule the installation with your siding contractor. Based on typical customer preferences, your decision will likely boil down to either wood or aluminum batten siding. Here are some key differences between the two.
Material and installation costs
Both wood and aluminum battens are relatively cheap and easy for siding contractors to install. Depending on the brand and quality, you can expect to pay between $3.50 and $6 per square foot for wood board and batten styles. The price includes the material itself and the manual labor required to install it.
Aluminum costs about the same, though you might be able to find a contractor who offers it for as little as $3 per square foot. A difference of 50 cents doesn’t seem like much, but when you add up the total cost of replacing your siding, aluminum will save you a ton of money.
Maintenance requirements
Wood panels need significantly more upkeep than aluminum. Homeowners should either stain or repaint the board and batten siding once every five to 10 years to preserve the aesthetic appeal and durability of the wood. It will also need a power wash every once in a while to prevent mold from deteriorating the boards.
Painting aluminum battens isn’t a necessity, but rather a personal choice. Unlike wooden boards, aluminum endures harsh weather just fine on its own without the need to stain or paint it. You don’t have to power wash aluminum, either—a quick rinse with the garden hose will do.
Protection from the elements
Wood siding is a time-honored tradition in Calgary because it can hold up against any weather conditions for a whole century with proper maintenance. The one downside is that wood can rot, leaving your home susceptible to a pest invasion.
Aluminum board and batten styles are impervious to insects and won’t sustain damage from severe weather. Unlike other types of metal siding, aluminum doesn’t rust, either. Overall, homeowners should go with aluminum if they want durability with minimal maintenance.
Changes in temperature
Siding contractors recommend wood planks for board and batten siding because they adapt to fluctuating humidity levels in the air. The board and batten style allows wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and diffuses moisture. Homeowners in Calgary won’t have to worry about replacing cracked boards since wood is suitable for any type of weather.
Aluminum siding also expands and shrinks with extreme temperatures, but it’s less ideal than wood boards in the winter. Aluminum absorbs heat from interior rooms that are poorly insulated, which makes your furnace run constantly to keep up with the energy loss.
Regardless of their benefits and drawbacks, both wood and aluminum would make great choices for a home. The real decision comes down to finding the right team for the job. The siding contractors at Rhino Exteriors have completed thorough training and bring quality workmanship to every Calgary family. We’re guaranteed to give your home the makeover it deserves.