Ditch Vinyl Siding: Use An Ancient Technique That Doubles As Home Protection

Vinyl siding is a popular choice in the U.S., with brightly painted vinyl homes livening up streets across the country. But there are disadvantages of vinyl siding, prompting a lot of homeowners to look for alternatives. Cheap is not always cheerful, and the warping, damage, and discoloration of vinyl can become a real headache. If you are looking for something new, you may wish to consider an ancient siding home protection technique that brings a unique look to your exterior. It's called shou sugi ban and it's a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation.

This ancient technique involves burning the surface of wooden timber without actually setting it on fire. After the timber is charred, an oil is applied. Incredibly, this process makes the wood more durable than it was before, as the carbonization that occurs protects the wood, and in turn, your home, from rot, insects, and decay. The shou sugi ban technique can be used on various types of timber, such as cedar, pine, and oak. When maintained, shou sugi ban siding can last longer than wood that hasn't had this treatment, and because the process doesn't involve chemicals, it allows you to bring eco-conscious design into your home. 

Shou sugi ban is an amazing technique that protects your home from damage, but is it right for you? That all depends on your style and budget. The initial cost of shou sugi ban is often higher than painted wood or vinyl, and as it's not always readily available, you may be looking at shipping shou sugi ban timber in from other locations. However, once installed, shou sugi ban siding is relatively low maintenance — you won't need to constantly spend money on repairing damage. Recoating the timber with oil every few years is usually all the care it needs.

As the appearance of shou sugi ban is striking, it kind of has a love-it-or-hate-it vibe. You may adore the distinctive black appearance of shou sugi ban siding, or you may find it a little bit oppressive. Having a black house isn't for the faint hearted, so you really should feel confident before diving in. If you do decide to use shou sugi ban siding, using the best front door colors for black exterior houses can help you balance it out and get the aesthetic you desire. Lightening it up with a white door and trim can bring a modern, contrasting look to shou sugi ban siding, while natural green hues can soften the look. Alongside colors, greenery and landscaping can make the house feel relaxed, allowing the bold black color to flow within nature instead of taking over.