Advantages & Disadvantages Of Board And Batten Siding
Board and batten siding is regarded as one of the beautiful options when it comes to your home’s exterior & has been around for centuries. It adds a certain rustic charm that usually has a similar appearance to a modern farmhouse look. It was initially used to safeguard the exterior walls from water damage, however, it has developed gradually into much more than just a protection measure. In recent years, board and batten have gradually risen in popularity as one of the most popular & well-known siding types in the United States. It is a simple but distinctive style of siding that is commonly used on barns throughout America and is known as “barn siding”. Board and batten siding is composed of tiny pieces of wood known as battens. These items differ strikingly with larger planks, giving your home a stacked appearance. It is both watertight as well as windproof due to its design. The majority of people like the distinctive appearance of board and batten, which is why it is more often than not chosen over other siding styles.
Advantages/pros
- Aesthetic Appeal
The stacked appearance of the board and batten is peculiar and remarkable. It is mostly used on barns, however, it can also be one of the best options for homes as well. Apart from the distinctive appearance of the board & batten, it is also functional due to its watertight qualities. Board and battens are composed of weathered wood planks and battens, which in turn gives your home a rustic feel. - Versatility
Board and batten siding can be used on many homes, which may include bungalows, mansions, beach houses, etc. It is got the ability to weather well with time, due to the fact that it is made up of weathered wood. This style of siding is also great when it comes to both modern and traditional homes. - Protective Qualities
Board and batten also provide a protective barrier that helps safeguard your home from water damage, rot, etc. It is composed of planks with vertical grooves which form an impenetrable wall in order to prevent leaks in harsh weather conditions like rain or snowfall. - Weather-resistant
Board and batten are also great options when it comes to harsh climates. It has been known to remain undamaged or unaffected by hurricanes, high winds, heavy rainstorms, etc. The design also offers an insulation barrier that helps keep extreme temperatures away from getting into your home, which could cause damage or discomfort for you as well as your family members. - Long-lasting
Board and batten siding are also durable and long-lasting, however, you need to install and maintain it correctly. If properly installed as well as taken care of, board and batten can last so many years or even decades. The board and batten will last for a longer duration of time if you don’t want to replace them frequently. - It Increases Curb Appeal
If you are planning to sell your house within a short span of time, board and batten can considerably improve your home’s curb appeal, which in turn helps it to sell faster as well as for a better price.
Disadvantages/cons
- Scaling
Board and battens can be prone or vulnerable to scaling. This is when moisture penetrates the exterior cladding, resulting in splitting or warping boards. They are not as resistant to water penetration as other materials including brick or vinyl. - Periodic Maintenance
Board and battens need regular maintenance to keep them looking at their best. You need to repaint them every few years, which can be very costly if you allow them to go too long. If you do not want to paint your board and batten siding at regular intervals, then you may need to choose a different material. - Heavy Snow
Due to the reason that board and batten siding is not as thick as other types of exterior cladding, it can get damaged during heavy snow seasons if you have not installed the fasteners properly or maintained them. If you are living in an area that gets a lot of snowfall every year, then you may need to take into consideration a different type of exterior cladding for your building. - Cost
One potential drawback to board and batten siding is its cost. Board and Batton Siding has become increasingly popular, making the supply and demand prices higher in comparison to other types of siding materials. - Installation Issues
You need to install a high number of boards and battens with this type of siding, therefore, it is important to install it properly. If done right, installation of siding can take a longer time duration than the usual process. There are also some installation problems that can come up when board and batten are used on your home’s exterior. Due to the fact that it has to be laid horizontally, this means you will need a flat surface having no dips or ruts for proper adhesion. A building that has any type of exterior damage will need expensive repairs before board and batten can be installed.