Board and batten vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners looking for an affordable option that improves the look of their house. However, the original appearance isn’t likely to last long, since vinyl shows signs of wear and tear quite quickly after installation. This can lead to buyer’s remorse for many who wish they had taken the time to find a more durable siding material that can offer better value in the long run.
If you love the look of board and batten – after all, it’s an awesome stylistic choice – there’s no need to give up on your design dreams of having a board and batten house exterior. Instead, consider fiber cement, the best modern alternative to vinyl siding board and batten.
Beautiful Texture and Endless Possibility: The Board and Batten Aesthetic
Board and batten siding is a traditional type of exterior cladding that consists of wide vertical boards and narrow strips that run vertically along the seams between the boards. In addition to creating incredible visual texture and natural shadow lines, this distinct siding style brings immediate character to the home.
Versatility is a big draw for board and batten siding, as it can be used in so many different ways to achieve distinct design styles, including coastal, cabin, modern farmhouse aesthetics and more. Because board and batten can be used in a variety of ways, it has continued to grow in popularity.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to assume that vinyl board and batten siding is the only option. Traditionally, board and batten siding was crafted from wood, which required a lot of resources, a complicated installation process, and almost nonstop maintenance to address dry rot, leaks and peeling paint. For many years, vinyl board and batten was considered an improvement over wood, since it’s easier to install and pretty affordable. However, vinyl still isn’t the best choice in today’s market.
Vinyl Board and Batten Siding is Prone to Damage and Deterioration
Vinyl board and batten siding is made from a plastic-based material, which is the start of many issues for construction materials that are routinely exposed to the elements. Here are some of the most common issues with vinyl board and batten siding:
Shifting, Sagging and Cracks
Vinyl performs best in climates that experience a mild, consistent temperature range year round. Any region that experiences heat spikes or freezing temps will likely cause problems for vinyl board and batten siding. Vinyl can swell and expand when it gets warm, and crack when the temps fall below freezing. This can lead to the appearance of board and batten vinyl siding looking wavy, irregular, and sloppy.
Scrapes, Dents and Holes
Most vinyl has significantly low durability ratings, and vinyl board and batten siding gets surface damage quite easily because of its plastic composition. Hail, strong winds and tree debris can leave noticeable damage on the surface of the siding that can compromise the home’s curb appeal.
Moisture Damage and Mold
Vinyl is also known for providing ideal conditions for mold and mildew to spread, since the plastic-based surface is fairly smooth. Board and batten style features vertical grooves, so it can be difficult to clean the siding and remove mold completely. Humidity, rainfall and seasonal snowfall can leave moisture damage on vinyl board and batten siding. For these reasons, it’s better to find a low-maintenance siding option that’s moisture resistant.
Boost Durability with Fiber Cement Board and Batten
Modern materials can make a world of difference for board and batten siding styles. Fiber cement is a material that provides exceptional durability and defense against everyday wear and tear from the elements. Crafted from sand, cement, water and cellulose fibers, fiber cement siding offers a much stronger performance, so there’s no need to worry about surface dents and dings.
Its unique design also enables it to remain consistent and secure, even in areas where the temperature ranges from below freezing in winter to excessively hot and humid in summer. Fiber cement siding from Allura is also moisture resistant and low-maintenance, which can clear up a lot of concerns for homeowners. With better durability and overall performance, fiber cement siding is a much better alternative to vinyl siding board and batten.
Get Beautiful Board and Batten Siding from Allura
Board and batten crafted from a modern material like fiber cement is the much better alternative to vinyl board and batten siding. With fiber cement, homeowners can be confident that their home exterior will continue to look great season after season.
Allura specializes in crafting high-performance fiber cement siding that is affordable, long-lasting, and capable of maintaining its beautiful appearance with very little maintenance.
It’s the best choice for getting both style and durability! Contact Allura to explore different board and batten siding colors and find a design that will beautify your home for years to come!
