One of the biggest shifts in the log cabin industry is the preference for smarter siding options that rely on updated compositions and cutting-edge designs and construction techniques. Products that can offer enhanced strength and durability without losing the alluring appearance of real wood are becoming more and more popular with homeowners who have always dreamed of a charming wood exterior.
There are many wood-look alternatives already available on the market. One supplier, Adirondack, produces a log-style vinyl siding product that is supposed to capture that attractive appearance of natural wood without the hassle of maintenance.
Comparing all the wood-style siding products out there is important so that you can find the best option for your home. So, how does Adirondack siding stack up to wood and other wood-look alternatives? Let’s take a look!
Get to Know Adirondack Siding
Adirondack siding is produced by ABTCO, a company that offers a huge selection of vinyl product lines. This type of siding is sold with a panel thickness of 0.046 inches thick, and it is advertised as having a unique panel lock system that establishes good longevity.
Adirondack siding is actually vinyl siding that features a cedar-style finish for a wood-look appearance. Unlike other vinyl options, Adirondack vinyl log siding is advertised to make a home appear like it’s finished with real wood. The wood grain texture is molded from real cedar to enhance the visual effect. Though it looks like wood, Adirondack siding is not wood, so it has very different maintenance requirements.
Creating the Wood Look
Molded from real cedar, Adirondack vinyl log siding features a cedar wood grain style with beautiful patterns that appear natural. It is available in four color options: three shades of beige and one shade of ashy gray. Though the colors are somewhat limited, there are great palette suggestions provided for each Adirondack siding color choice to help select trim and roofing that will complement the vinyl log siding.
Adirondack Vinyl Log Siding vs. Real Wood
When it comes to comparing vinyl and wood, the most noticeable difference is in the amount of upkeep that will be required to keep the siding looking and performing its best. Wood requires routine maintenance every few years, like painting, staining, and caulking, in addition to regular checks for insect, rodent, and moisture damage. Adirondack vinyl log siding, on the other hand, requires much less maintenance than a home finished with real logs.
Maintaining a wood home in peak condition is hard work, but it’s critical for keeping the home safe and comfortable for those inside. Even seemingly small areas of damage and decay can cause big structural problems in the long run, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with all maintenance routines.
Sustainability is the other issue that commonly comes to mind for homeowners interested in wood-style exteriors. Sourcing real wood means supporting the logging industry and cutting down trees. If being environmentally friendly during construction is a priority, Adirondack siding may be the better choice for homeowners.
Smarter Wood-Look Alternatives
Adirondack siding is just one of many wood-look alternatives available on the market. Homeowners who value color choice may be interested in checking out some of the other wood-look siding options out there, as different materials offer a much wider spectrum of siding colors.
In addition, there are some products that can offer better durability and strength than Adirondack vinyl log siding. For example, steel log siding is another material that has the warm appearance of wood without the typical wear and tear (and maintenance!). Though Adirondack siding requires less maintenance than traditional wood siding, steel log siding reduces maintenance even further, as it generally lasts longer than vinyl and is not as susceptible to color fading due to prolonged exposure to UV rays.
The enhanced performance of steel over vinyl is especially true in environments that have heightened weather challenges, like high winds, storms and regular snowfall, or hot and arid regions that see a lot of direct sun exposure. Most vinyl, after all, can take a beating in extreme weather conditions, sometimes resulting in warping, fading, snapping, and individual vinyl panels tearing off the home. Replacement can be pricey, especially when it’s happening every time there’s a big storm. For that reason, many homeowners prefer to invest in a product like steel log siding that they know will last for many years to come.
Final Take on Adirondack Siding
There’s no doubt that Adirondack vinyl log siding is a beautiful product that cuts back on the environmental impact made by homes with real wood. However, while Adirondack siding does offer an interesting alternative to natural wood, the benefits are minimal compared to other wood-look alternatives, like steel log siding from Trulog.
Contact the siding experts at Trulog today for more information on a better Adirondack Siding alternative.
