Board and Batten siding is a type of wood siding that has been around for centuries. It was initially used to protect the exterior walls from water damage, but it has evolved into much more than just a protection measure. Today, board and batten siding can be found on many different homes across the United States – from small bungalows to large mansions. The following article will explore the pros and cons associated with this beautiful style of home design.
What is board and batten siding?
In recent years, board and batten has steadily risen in popularity as one of the most common siding types in the United States. It’s a simple yet distinctive style of siding that’s commonly used on barns across America and is known as “barn siding.”
Board and batten siding is made up of tiny pieces of wood known as battens. These items are contrasted with larger planks, giving your home a stacked appearance. It’s both watertight and windproof because of its design. Many people like the distinctive look of board and batten, which is why it’s frequently chosen over other siding styles.
Pros of board and batten siding
Board and batten siding is one of the most popular types of siding available. Many homeowners select it for a variety of reasons. We’ll go through some of its significant benefits in this section. If board and batten siding is what you’re searching for, you could want to consider it! Board and batten siding has the following benefits:
Aesthetic appeal – The stacked look of board and batten is distinctive. It’s commonly used on barns, but it can also be an excellent choice for homes as well. Not only does the appearance draw your attention, but it’s functional because of its watertight qualities. Board and battens are made up of weathered wood planks and battens, which gives your home a rustic feel.
Versatility – board and batten siding can be used on many homes, including bungalows, mansions, beach houses, etc. It’s got the ability to weather well with time because it is made up of weathered wood. This style of siding is also great for both modern and traditional homes.
Protective qualities – Board and batten provide a protective barrier that helps protect your home from water damage, rot, etc. It’s made up of planks with vertical grooves which form an impenetrable wall to prevent leaks in harsh weather conditions like rain or snowfall.
Weather-resistant – Board and batten are a great choice in climates where the weather can be harsh. It’s been known to withstand hurricanes, high winds, heavy rainstorms, etc. The design also provides an insulation barrier that helps prevent extreme temperatures from getting into your home, which could cause damage or discomfort for you and your family members.
It’s long-lasting – Board and batten siding is durable and long-lasting, provided that it is installed and maintained correctly. If properly installed and taken care of, board and batten can last several years or even decades. Board and bat will last a long time if you don’t want to replace it very often.
It increases curb appeal – Do you plan on selling your house soon? If this is the case, board and batten can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal, allowing it to sell faster and for a better price.
It’s versatile – This siding can be utilized in a wide range of settings. It can be used in a variety of applications with relative ease. The boards may be installed vertically, horizontally, or both, with the battens placed between them. And because they have separate components, it’s simple to replace them, which lowers maintenance expenses.
BOARD AND BATTEN SIDING PROBLEMS
Although there aren’t many, there are a few drawbacks to this sort of siding. The board and batten cladding issues, on the other hand, might be overlooked depending on your budget and how quickly you require the siding put up. The disadvantages include:
It might take a long time to install – With this sort of siding, there are a lot of boards and battens that must be placed, so make sure it’s properly installed. This procedure may take longer than normal siding installation, especially if it is done correctly the first time.
Board and batten can be expensive, especially when you add the many labor hours that go into the installation.
It can be challenging to find – if you’re looking for a specific color or texture of board and batten siding, it might be hard to come by. Depending on where you live, the type of material that suits your needs may not always be readily available at local home improvement stores.
It may not always be right for your home – If you’re looking to install board and batten on a tiny house, it might not look as if it’s proportional. While the style can look great on much larger homes, it might not work out as well for smaller properties.
It could warp over time – This type of siding material may change shape after a few years in some instances, which will cause difficulty with replacement or repair options. It won’t always fit back into place properly if you have to replace a particular section.
It may be difficult to repair – If a small piece of board and batten siding gets damaged, you can’t just pop it back in place like with vinyl or other types of wall coverings. Depending on the extent of the damage, there might need to be an entire replacement job which will add to your expenses later on.
Board and batten siding has several advantages, but it isn’t the right choice for every homeowner. If you’re looking for a material that’s durable and long-lasting, then it might be exactly what you need. However, if time or money is a concern (or your home requires less upkeep), the disadvantages of board and batten could outweigh its benefits.
