Life is a dream in the Pacific North-west. It is bathed in gorgeous evergreen forests, majestic mountains, and gorgeous, sometimes moody coastlines. This beauty, however, is blessed with our signature climate – a stubborn drizzle, half-moist air, and mild but wet winters. This weather makes the area lush and green but is very harsh on the exterior of our homes.
With moisture as the constant element, choosing their building material is not just a matter of beauty; it is an investment in the house’s longevity and your own peace of mind.
If updating the exterior of your own home is on your agenda, the next question is usually, ‘Where to even begin?’ Let me go through the best performers and the most popular and most intelligent choices for siding and decking in the trade for our downright specific type of climate.
Discerning Detail: Stand Strong Against PNW Weather!
Since siding in any house is basically its rain gear, the main barrier for shielding the structure from winds, rain, and pest attacks rests with the siding. With moisture absorption issues associated with it, along with high maintenance costs, rotting will be speedily caused by mold with repairs on the high side. Hence, durability or water resistance must be the foremost consideration.
The right choice of siding is a vital aspect of any good exterior remodelling project undertaken in our area so that your house will be aesthetically pleasing as well as well protected against weather.
Fibre Cement Siding
Fibre cement siding is one of the most highly regarded materials for the PNW.
- It is exceptionally durable since it is a composite made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibres.
- It will not rot; pests such as termites and carpenter ants simply avoid it; and it is non-combustible.
- Unlike wood, it does not witness significant expansion and contraction during our varying moisture conditions, literally meaning that the paint job lasts much longer without chipping and peeling.
- There is a huge variety of styles available – from traditional lap siding to modern panels to rustic shingles – so you can pretty much achieve any aesthetic with no compromise in performance.
Cedar Siding
It follows that natural woods, especially cedar, are a must when discussing Pacific North-west architecture. Cedar siding provides a never-out-of-style, iconic view and is well adapted to integrating with nature.
- With their natural oils and tannins, these woods are naturally resistant to rot and insect damage. This is, without a doubt, a major plus.
- On the negative side, cedar requires periodic maintenance to preserve this beauty and resistance. It must be washed down and stained or resealed every few years to shield it from moisture and to make sure it does not take on that weathered silver-grey patina.
Cedar is great and very classic and highly recommended for a homeowner who loves the authentic wood look but does not mind a bit of upkeep.
Building a Deck That Lasts Through Drizzle and Sun
There are several reasons the deck must be considered more than just an attachment to the house; it must be an extension of the living area. It is where one can sit and enjoy the much-needed morning coffee, have sumptuous food from an outdoor barbeque in the summer, and simply sit back and relax during those few gorgeous sunny afternoons.
The deck material, like siding, has to be sturdy. After all, it sustains direct rain, foot traffic, and moss and mildew growth once in a while. The deck material you will choose will determine the appearance, ambience, and maintenance schedule of your custom decks, making it one of the most crucial decisions of your project.
Composite Decking
If it’s good for a low-maintenance solution, it is the undisputed winner for this Northwest region.
- Composite decking is manufactured from a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastics so that it could withstand whatever the climate throws at it.
- It will never splinter, warp, or rot, and it also has a very high resistance to mold, mildew, and stains.
- While the initial cost is higher than ordinary wood, in the long run, it saves a lot of time and money. You will never again have to spend an entire weekend sanding, staining, or sealing.
- Just clean it with soap and water once in a while, and your deck will look great forever. Plus, contemporary composites come in an almost endless range of rich colours and very realistic wood-grain textures.
Pressure-Treated Wood
On the other hand, many still prefer a deck with the real wood feel and aroma. Pressure-treating wood is one of the most common and inexpensive choices.
- The wood is usually a softwood and is chemically treated against rot and insects.
- It does work, but then, so far as our wet climate is concerned, this treatment does not last forever.
- Yearly maintenance is required for the pressure-treated deck, and that includes a good power washing, followed by the application of some good water repellent and stain that will keep it from cracking, splintering, and absorbing moisture.
The idea here is that with a good yearly maintenance schedule, pressure-treated wood deck remains a great alternative.
Tying It All Together for a Cohesive Home
The siding and deck are the two largest and most important visual elements of a home’s exterior; the materials should coordinate with each other. Think of the look you want to create. Sharp contemporary looks arise from a house with sleek dark grey fibre cement panels that sit next to a light-coloured minimalist composite deck. Meanwhile, the classic rustic lodge vibe sits well in the PNW, from warm-toned cedar siding going into a natural hardwood deck.
These are final decisions regarding materials that ultimately determine how successful and valuable your home remodel Kirkland will be regarding beauty and durability.
Making a great decision needs to be balanced between your aesthetic preferences, your budget, and upkeep for a given time. Having bought the right materials that are weather appropriate and high in quality, you are going to enjoy the beautiful, durable exterior of your house for decades to come, rain or shine.
