When choosing the best siding material for your multi-family property, keep in mind that harsh weather, uninvited pests, destructive water intrusion, and unexpected fire can all put siding to the test. Investing in durable siding with a track record of success is vital to your property’s protection.
So, what is the best long-term siding solution for your investment property? Read on to discover how some of the top siding materials compare:
Commercial Siding Options for Your California Multi-Family Property
Stucco Siding
- Beauty—Stucco can give your multi-family commercial building a stunning appearance. It can be painted in a wide range of colors, complementing your property’s architecture, accents, and location. It holds color well when properly applied.
- Maintenance—While it may be less maintenance than wood siding if properly cared for, stucco can take a lot of time and money to maintain. When cracks form in stucco siding, they need to be sealed promptly to avoid further damage. It’s prone to problems that cause water to invade, and while remediation is an option, it still presents extra cost and hassle.
- Moisture Resistance—The primary problem with stucco is its trouble keeping moisture out of your commercial building. When tiny cracks form in this siding material, water can begin to seep in, causing mold, rot, and other damage. If your building’s protective layer has been compromised and the destruction goes unnoticed, more and more problems will occur over time, leaving you with major repairs that can even include structural damage.
- Pest Resistance—Stucco doesn’t attract pests.
- Fire Resistance—The makeup of stucco ensures it is fire resistant.
- Longevity—Stucco is a cement, sand, and water mixture, so it can last many years if it is well maintained.
Fiber Cement Siding
- Beauty—James Hardie, the most popular fiber cement siding, comes in a variety of stunning styles. Gorgeous HardiePlank lap siding gives you horizontal panels for a traditional look that works on many different architectural styles. HardiePanel vertical panels create a more modern look for your commercial building. HardieTrim gives your building a finished look while it surrounds windows, doors, and other architectural elements with distinction. When covered with fiber cement, your multi-family property will look stunning, helping you draw and retain tenants with ease.
- Maintenance—This low-maintenance siding material holds up against the elements, making its upkeep simple. Just wash your siding once or twice a year, according to the Hardie company’s recommendations. Be careful not to use a power washer or harsh cleaners, or your warranty may not stay intact. Keep shrubs trimmed away from your siding, and if its caulking shows signs of wear and tear over the years, re-apply caulking to keep your multi-family property well-sealed and protected from the elements.
- Moisture Resistance—Moisture and rot-resistant fiber cement siding protects your multi-family property from damaging water invasion, giving you peace of mind. In fact, after studying the long-term impact different climates have on James Hardie siding, the company engineered the Hardie Zone system to ensure the product will stand up to your area’s weather. HZ10 products are made specifically to resist California’s weather, keeping your investment property safeguarded from heat, humidity, blistering sun, and more.
- Pest Resistance—Pest-resistant fiber cement isn’t edible by critters (termites, carpenter ants, woodpeckers, and more) and therefore protects your multi-family unit with ease. Pests can’t eat it, can’t break it down, and can’t sneak their way behind it, so you can rest at ease that your property is shielded from the costly damage pests can create.
- Fire Resistance—James Hardie fiber cement won’t ignite when exposed to direct flame or contribute fuel to a fire. Because this siding is non-combustible, some insurance companies offer a discount when you side your building with it.
- Longevity—Made of cement, sand, and cellulose, fiber cement lasts up to 50 years when installed properly and well maintained. This resilient material stands up against the needs of multi-family properties with ease, making it a smart choice when it’s time to re-side. In fact, the Hardie company stands behind its siding with an outstanding 30-year warranty, giving you even greater confidence that your investment is well protected.
Vinyl Siding
- Beauty—This siding is known for its affordability, and while it can be chosen to re-side commercial exteriors, it doesn’t provide the curb appeal other siding materials deliver.
- Maintenance—Vinyl can be easily dented, and it is difficult to replace an individual panel. Its color fades over time due to UV exposure, dimming your building’s curb appeal. Painting faded vinyl is not a good option since the paint will likely peel and crack.
- Moisture Resistance—This vinyl siding material is prone to cracks, allowing moisture to penetrate and linger beneath the panels.
- Pest Resistance—The problem with vinyl siding is that it easily expands and contracts, so it needs to be properly installed to allow for that movement, or else it will warp and buckle. The gaps can allow a way for pests to enter and get in behind the vinyl and into your property’s substructure.
- Fire Resistance—Vinyl siding burns more slowly than wood, yet it doesn’t stand up to fires like other siding options such as brick or fiber cement.
- Longevity—Made of PVC (rigid plastic), vinyl lasts 20-30 years when installed properly and maintained well, but it can begin to show its age after 10-15 years.
Superior Commercial Siding Installation
It’s just as important to hire a reputable company with a track record of success in their siding installations as it is to choose the best siding material for your commercial property.
At Approved Contractor, we specialize in the services we offer and stay on the cutting edge of technology so you get the maximum installation benefits.
Learn more about the advantages of fiber cement siding for your Greater Los Angeles or San Diego investment property.
