While wood siding has long been a staple in homebuilding, it has fallen by the wayside as far as popularity goes. And there’s a good reason for that: Wood siding simply doesn’t provide the value that other siding options on the market now do. Back in its heyday, wood siding was a fairly reliable, highly available, lightweight building material that proved to be adequate for structures that would stand for a few dozen years. However, nowadays, our building standards have grown so that siding must last for decades on end while providing complete protection from moisture, pests, and other hazards.

Wood siding is popular throughout the United States. Many people have grown up seeing wood siding everywhere. From their perspective, there is no other option. However, when a person takes the time to examine wood siding closely, it becomes clear that far from being the best option, it has many drawbacks. Even the affordable vinyl siding installers say the same.

It is High on Maintenance

Wood is a natural material. It is susceptible to the elements, such as rain, wind, snow, and sun. Wood requires a lot of maintenance for it to keep its appearance. For example, wood siding must be painted and stained at regular intervals.

Regularly maintaining wood siding is expensive. Not only will it take money out of your pocket, but it will require time. If you do not regularly maintain wood siding, it will eventually rot, twist, or warp. When this happens, water can seep behind the siding, damaging your home. With wood siding, you have two options. You can spend money regularly maintaining the wood, or you will dish out a ton of money to repair the structure of your home.

Easily Destroyed by Insects

When insects, certain birds, and rodents see a home with wood siding, they either see a delicious meal or a great place to build their own home. Termites are one of the most destructive pests that homeowners must battle against. If termites find their way into your wood siding and you do not catch them for just one year, you might experience unspeakable structural damage to your home.

Termites are not the only insects that would love to make a meal out of your wood siding. There are several ants, wasps, and beetles that will drill holes into your siding and build their nests. We have yet to discuss how squirrels, woodpeckers, and other vermin can affect your wood siding.

Cost

Wood is becoming more and more expensive as deforestation continues and regulations restrict the market. Plus, it takes more time and effort to make wood siding over siding that can be produced quickly by a manufacturer. For these reasons, you’ll find that wood siding is more expensive up front.

In addition, wood siding is more expensive to maintain. While other siding options (for example, vinyl siding) don’t require any upkeep aside from the occasional rinse, wood siding requires consistent maintenance. You’ll have to wash your wood siding and paint or finish the surface every few years to ensure that it lasts as long as it should.

Overall, the durability of wood is decent, but it’s not going to outlast more modern siding options. While wood siding can last about two decades — maybe more if you maintain it perfectly — other siding options will last for decades on end without need for maintenance. That’s why homeowners often think that wood siding has less value than other options.