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Most exterior sidings are either wood or composition type materials made to simulate the look of real wood. The reason for this imitation is simple; people love the look of wood. However, high maintenance and the risk of rot and failure often cause customers to seek alternative wood-look-alike sidings.

Wood sidings and trims that are Carolina Machine Finished have significantly increased longevity and the exterior paint job is usually warranted by the specific coating manufacturer for up to 25 years and beyond. This innovative coating process allows home owners to choose wood sidings and trims without the fear of premature substrate and coating failures. The reason lies in the fact that the entire surface of the wood substrate is encapsulated in an oil based primer, thereby preventing moisture infiltration, which reduces wood rotting, cupping, warping, and splitting, as well as preventing premature coating failure due to cracking, blistering, peeling, and erosion.

Wood sidings are high wind resistant, have a good R-value, add structural integrity to the building, are aesthetically pleasing, and significantly increase the value of a home. Many of the top developments require wood sidings and trims to maintain a level of quality unmatched by any other product. These materials must be Carolina Machine Finished to protect them from moisture infiltration and thereby protect the siding and trim for years to come.

Fibered cement sidings and trims, i.e. Hardi Plank & CertainTeed Weatherboards are warranted by the manufacturers for up to 50 years. Once these materials are Carolina Machine Finished the coating is warranted by the coating manufacturer for 25 years or longer. These fibered cement materials are fire retardant, insect resistant, high wind resistant, have an R-value, add structural stability to the building and may actually decrease the homeowner's insurance due to its masonry composition.

These products are certainly among the fastest growing products in the Southeast and are recommended in many of the newer high-end neighborhoods. Once these materials are Carolina Machine Finished there is no comparable product that delivers a higher manufacturers warranty on the substrate and coating while increasing the marketability of the home.

Vinyl siding is the siding of choice on all low-end production type housing. Vinyl siding is susceptible to wind damage as well as heat damage from barbecue grills and other external heat sources. Vinyl adds no structural integrity to the home and is not as aesthetically pleasing as other materials. It has no R-value and is not fade resistant. These sidings are considered to reduce maintenance, but are in no way maintenance free. The adage that "Vinyl is final" simply is not true, however, "cheaper is always cheaper."