One of the most crucial decisions you need to make before building a barndominium is choosing the type of siding you will use. The first thing that outsiders will see is your barndo’s siding, so be sure it will act as the face of your barndominium. The siding and your roof are your primary protection against the elements.
This article will tell you more about the different siding options you can explore. We will also tell you about the benefits and drawbacks of each option so you can choose the one that will serve you the best.
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What is a Barndominium Siding?
A barndominium siding is the exterior wall of your structure. While most barndominiums have metal sidings, some have sidings made of wood, timber, or vinyl.
What are the Different Types of Barndominium Siding?
Let’s dive right in and discuss in detail the different barndominium siding options and why you should choose them.
1. Metal
This is the most popular siding option for a metal building like a barndominium. When you order a barndominium kit, you will most likely have a prefabricated frame with metal siding and a roof.
Metal is probably the most durable siding option you can choose. Unlike wood, metal panels are resistant to pests such as termites. If you live in an area where termite infestations are common, metal sidings should be on top of your list.
A metal wall is also more resistant to mold and mildew. Metal also performs better during earthquakes. Metal sheets dissipate seismic waves, so they don’t get damaged easily. If you live in an area where bushfires are common, a barndo with metal sidings is your best option because it is fireproof and non-combustible.
Barndominium metal sidings require minimal upkeep. Although metal sidings can get dinged, they are easy to repair. If you are worried about corrosion, you can apply an anti-corrosion coating to extend the life of your metal sidings.
Metal sidings are easy to customize. If you want to build a custom metal building, you can request one from a manufacturer. You can present them with a custom barndominium floor plan. You can also choose one of their stock barndominium floor plans and request modifications, so your barndo will have the design and color options of your choice.
Using metal sidings can help you build a barndominium faster. A barndominium kit often comes with a metal wall that you can install and leave as it is. This can reduce building time and allow you to move into your barndominium quickly. One downside is that metal sidings can be more expensive than other types. However, you can save on labor expenses and minimize the cost of building your barndominium.
Pros
- Metal sidings are durable.
- They perform better during earthquakes.
- Non-combustible.
- Can help reduce construction time.
- Resistant against termites, mold, and mildew.
- They are easy to customize.
Cons
- Metal is more expensive than other building materials.
- Prone to corrosion.
2. Wood
Wood siding is an excellent alternative if you want a barndominium and are not too keen on having a metal-looking structure. Wood is visually appealing and can make a barndominium look like a classic house. Wood also comes in a wide variety of options to help you build a barndo that looks precisely how you want it. You can choose light-stained or dark-stained wood. You also have many color options because you can paint wood any color you want.
Aside from color options, wood comes in various styles and designs. The most basic and cheapest option is to use wood boards. These are smooth pieces of wood you can use to cover the metal siding of your barndominium. Batten siding is another option. Batten are wood trim pieces you can install on top of wood boards. These decorative accents can give your barndo a chic and rustic look. Batten siding also adds texture and enhances the character of your barndominium.
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Wood siding can enhance the insulating capabilities of your barndominium. With the help of wood siding, you can keep your building cool during summers and warm during winters. Aside from keeping your home at comfortable temperatures, it can help you save money by keeping your utility bills in check. Your barndominium will always be at optimum temperatures, so there’s no need to use your HVAC system frequently. Aside from heat and cold, wood sidings are also excellent in insulating against sound. Adding wood panels to the exterior and interior walls can help enhance the acoustic properties of your barndominium.
Wood panels are easy to install; hence they are favorites of DIY builders. Tongue and groove types of wood panels slot together like a jigsaw puzzle and take less time to install. This can help you save money by handling the installation yourself instead of hiring a contractor.
Speaking of money, if you spend enough time, you can buy cheap reclaimed wood planks that you can use on your barndo. Some demolition teams salvage wood from old structures and sell them at affordable prices. Aside from helping you save money, using reclaimed wood can help give your barndominium an authentic rustic look. This is also an eco-friendly approach since you are repurposing materials that would otherwise get thrown away or burned.
Although barndominium wood sidings are excellent options, they have some downsides. For one, they are prone to deformation and shrinking. Be sure to give wood panels time to acclimate before installing it. Letting wood panels acclimate allows them to lose moisture and shrink properly, so they don’t shrink after installation. There is also the possibility of wood rot and termite infestation. However, these are easy to prevent by treating the wood panels you will use.
Pros
- Wood comes in a wide variety of styles.
- You can paint it any color you want.
- It can act as additional insulation.
- It can help improve the acoustics of your barndominium.
- Wood panels are easy to install.
Cons
- Wood panels are prone to termites and wood rot.
- Wood panels can warp.
3. Vinyl
Vinyl siding is another cost-effective option for barndominium siding. Vinyl is an excellent choice if you are financing your barndominium and don’t want to go overboard. It is easy to install yourself. This means you might be able to bring down your barndominium expenses because you can save on labor expenses. Vinyl is also low-maintenance, so you don’t need to clean it frequently to make it durable.
Vinyl sidings can withstand harsh weather conditions depending on the brand or manufacturer. This means that your barndominium is protected against damages during inclement weather. However, vinyl can crack under strong impact, forcing you to replace a damaged panel.
Pros
- Vinyl siding is cheap.
- It is low maintenance.
- It is easy to install.
- It does not attract pests and insects.
Cons
- It can crack under strong impact.
- Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride or PVC. Prolonged exposure to PVC might cause health issues.
4. Stucco
This may come as a surprise, but you can use stucco siding on a barndominium. Stucco is a construction material made from water, binder, and aggregates. It is a common exterior material on conventional houses or buildings.
When applied properly, Stucco is a rigid material that can withstand harsh weather conditions. It expands and contracts with the weather to avoid damage, so there’s no need to repair it. Stucco is also resistant to rot, mold, and mildew. It can also help increase the curb appeal of your barndominium and improve the aesthetics of your barndo, so it looks more like a traditional house. This can help increase the value of your property.
One disadvantage of stucco is that it requires a fair amount of maintenance. Make sure that you regularly inspect it for cracks and holes. These can lead to major damages when left unrepaired.
Pros
- Stucco is durable.
- It can help improve curb appeal.
Cons
- High maintenance.
- It can be expensive.
5. Stone Veneer
Adding stone veneer to your barndominium siding is an excellent way of increasing its curb appeal. Stone veneer can transform your metal building into a structure that exudes classic beauty. However, stone veneer can be expensive. To save money, you can opt for faux stone veneer instead. Aside from being a cheap option, faux stone veneer is easier to install because it is lighter. The light nature of stone veneer means you can install it without additional structural support to your barndominium.
Pros
- It can help improve curb appeal.
- It is easy to install.
Cons
- It can be expensive.
What to Consider When Choosing Barndominium Siding
Below are some things you need to consider before choosing a barndominium siding.
Style
Consider the overall barndominium style you want to achieve. Remember that some sidings won’t work well with some styles. For example, if you are aiming for a rustic barndominium, vinyl siding will clash with other style elements. For rustic barndominiums, you should go with wood sidings.
Location
Your location plays a crucial role in choosing the materials of your barndominium, including sidings. For example, if you are building in an area that experiences a lot of rain or snow, stucco sidings may not be ideal because stucco soaks up water and moisture. If you are building in an area that experiences bushfires, consider going for steel siding instead of wood.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another consideration you should keep in mind. If you have little time for upkeep, a low-maintenance material like vinyl or steel will suit you the best. A material like Stucco requires constant check-ups and touch-ups to extend its life.
Pricing
The cost of materials is another factor you need to consider. Present a budget to your general contractor and ask for recommendations. This will help prevent you from overextending yourself and going over your budget.
Final Thoughts
Your choice of siding has a great impact on your barndominium. It can influence the overall design and aesthetics of your structure. Some sidings are more suitable to certain climates and environments. Sidings also cost money and can raise your budget or bring it down. If you are building a DIY barndominium, some sidings are easier to install than others. All these reasons emphasize the importance of carefully choosing the type of siding you will use. Make sure you refer to the list of popular barndominium siding options above to choose a type that can help elevate your barndominium to the next level.
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