There are several options when redoing the siding of your house, each offering different looks and levels of energy efficiency. Aluminum, vinyl, stucco, and steel are some of the more familiar siding options. A less commonly known exterior siding option is liquid, or spray-on, siding.
What Is It?
Liquid siding is a relative newcomer to the home siding scene, thus, the reason it's not as familiar as the other options. However, since this siding is water resistant, energy efficient, and flexible, not to mention that it often comes with a 25-year warranty, more and more people are recognizing the benefits of having it installed on their homes.
After doing plenty of research about the costs and the pros and cons of the different types of siding, you may decide to go with liquid siding. If that's the case, you should understand that you shouldn't go about applying the siding yourself. The process necessitates an intense cleaning process, followed by multiple applications of various substances. If not applied correctly, the siding and the home itself can get easily damaged. For these reasons, the application of liquid siding should only be handled by professionals.
How Liquid Siding Is Applied
First, your home will be prepared for the liquid siding application. Any fixtures and other items attached to your home, or placed near it, will be removed or relocated. Objects that can't be moved, such as landscaping, will be otherwise protected. Additionally, the existing wooden siding will be cleaned and repaired as necessary.
The entire process of coating your home with liquid siding will usually involve applying a few different layers to the house. Though these may vary between different companies, they will generally include the following:
- Surface conditioner - This substance will get the surface of your home ready for other layers, as it will allow the coatings to more easily bond to the house.
- Priming coat - This layer works to seal up the home against moisture, and it serves as a stain blocker to keep the siding from getting dirty.
- Thermal barrier - The thermal barrier is designed to help regulate the temperature of the home by keeping extreme temperatures at bay.
- Top coat - The final step is to add the top coat, which gives the siding flexibility and keeps the surface from cracking. The top coat is also the colored part, and you can select from many different colors.
The Disadvantages
Despite the many benefits of having liquid siding applied to your house, there are some drawbacks. Be sure to consider all of the pros and cons before making a decision on how to side your home.
- Because of all the benefits liquid siding provides, the cost can be pretty high. In fact, it is usually four times the cost of a regular paint job.
- Having been released in the late 1990s, liquid siding is still a relatively new invention. Though it often comes with a 25-year warranty, most homes with liquid siding haven't reached that threshold yet. Thus, the jury is still out on whether that time frame is valid.
- Liquid siding is supposed to form a waterproof seal around your home. However, if it is not applied correctly, and if any joints or openings aren't properly caulked, the siding can get damaged.
There are a lot of siding choices out there, each offering different levels of protection at varying prices. While liquid siding can offer your home an insulating, waterproof coating, the cost is understandably high. People who have had their homes covered in liquid siding are generally happy with how it turned out. However, it remains to be seen whether it can live up to the 25 year warranty. But, if you want to give it a shot, you can enjoy a wide selection of colors and, perhaps, the best coating you can give your home.