5 Key Issues with Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding & The Best Alternative
Wondering where to buy vinyl shakes and vinyl siding for your home? Let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of this material, along with some potential alternatives.
In many parts of the country, cedar shake siding is a dream for most people. But, cedar shakes aren't easy for everyone to have. From the cost to the maintenance level, cedar has been difficult to attain in the past. These days, there are better alternatives to real cedar shake siding. Instead of the real thing, you have options like vinyl cedar shakes and vinyl cedar shake siding.
Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding Issues
1. Installation is Key
While installing vinyl siding is not necessarily difficult in itself, it is something to be approached with care. With any siding, you want to hire a professional contractor to ensure the job is done correctly. Otherwise, you can find yourself with all sorts of issues. If you do not install your vinyl cedar shake siding properly from the start, the long-term consequences can be disastrous–and costly. When installing vinyl cedar shakes or vinyl siding please ensure proper key way space between shakes. Improper key way space can lead to a variety of issues for your home or structure. Planks or shakes nailed too tightly together will expand, crack, and bulge in different temperatures. If they are too loose, it can allow moisture to get through and into the membrane, where it can cause more damage.
2. Can Be Hard to Maintain
When you live in an area that gets a lot of sun, it will eventually wear your vinyl shakes out. The colors will begin to fade after only a few years, and repainting them isn't an ideal option since the paint will eventually peel and crack. When they get dirty, you also have to watch how you clean them. A pressure washer can damage the siding and can even get past and into the membrane, where it can seep into the home and cause issues like mold and mildew. Maintaining your vinyl cedar shakes is key to longevity.
3. Fragility
If you choose vinyl siding that looks like cedar planks, those planks can split or break as they expand and contract when temperatures change. Additionally, if a rock hits your siding while you mow the lawn, it can damage the siding. They can also suffer damage from strong winds and hail. Once vinyl siding is damaged, there is no other option other than to replace the damaged pieces. While vinyl cedar shakes may be fragile, the benefit is that you can replace damaged shakes individually as opposed to having to replace an entire section or panel.
4. Low Fire Rating
Vinyl cedar shake siding, in most cases, does not offer much in terms of fire protection. That means that if you live in a location with strict building codes, vinyl shakes may not be permitted for safety reasons. It also means that if you choose this style of siding, your home is not as well protected as it could be from the risk of fire. Vinyl cedar shakes are inherently combustible because they are made from wood which is naturally flammable.
5. Moisture Can Get Below the Surface
One of the most devastating elements that can impact your home when buying vinyl shakes, vinyl cedar shakes and vinyl siding is moisture intrusion.
Alternatives to Vinyl Shakes and Cedar Siding
While vinyl shakes and vinyl siding that looks like cedar planks sounds like a nice alternative, it still has some flaws. There are also other options on the market. Instead of vinyl cedar shake siding, you can choose synthetic cedar shake siding.
Alternatives to Vinyl Cedar Shakes and Cedar Shake Siding
CeDUR synthetic cedar shakes look stunning on siding applications. With their unique polyurethane composition, they are also an incredibly durable option that meets strict building codes. CeDUR is an incredibly lightweight option at just 170 pounds per square, features a Class A Fire Rating and a Class 4 Impact Rating. If you are looking for alternatives to vinyl shakes then look no further than CeDUR shakes.
CeDUR - The Best Alternative to Vinyl Cedar Shakes
CeDUR's synthetic product is made to look like real cedar shakes, and the differences are virtually indistinguishable. They are easy to install, resistant to moisture, and will help to insulate your home. Once they are installed, they require very little maintenance, and one less thing you have to worry about with your home.
Although cedar shake siding is popular and well-loved, it is not for everyone. Even an alternative like cedar shake vinyl siding has problems that make it less-than-ideal. Fortunately, for those with their hearts set on cedar shake style siding, there is a better alternative that will look beautiful and last for years: synthetic cedar shakes. Their realistic appearance, high durability, and low maintenance, make these shakes the perfect choice for your home improvement needs.
