Everybody desires a home with an exterior that can stand out and withstand any weather conditions. One promising home siding option that has grown increasingly popular over the years for home improvement is the GenStone siding.
This blog will lead you on a journey exploring everything you need to know about Genstone siding— from its unique design options to its unquestionable durability.
What is GenStone Siding?
GenStone siding is a type of stone veneer siding that realistically mimics the appearance of natural stone, brick or wood. However, it is a synthetic material made out of polyurethane. This siding is popular among homeowners and builders due to its durability, affordability, and ease of installation.
Unpacking the Unique Design of GenStone Siding
Beautiful aesthetics are one of the significant reasons homeowners opt for GenStone siding. The siding is available in a variety of design options so you can find something to match your personal taste, or the existing exterior design of your property.
Design Varieties
- Stacked Stone Panels: They offer a classic stone look and add a sense of toughness and timelessness to your property.
- Brick Panels: They provide a specific vintage or rustic feeling that adds charm and character to your residence.
- Rock Panels: They lend a natural, rugged look that blends well with any landscape.
Durability and Performance: What Makes GenStone Siding Stand Out?
Apart from the aesthetics, durability is another key aspect that sets GenStone siding apart. The siding is made with high-quality polyurethane which results in a sturdy material that can stand up to various weather conditions.
As stated by GenStone, their siding can resist harsh conditions, from driving rain, high winds, snow and ice formation, to extreme heat. This is the kind of durability homeowners can depend on for the long-run.
Beyond the durability, GenStone siding also has an excellent insulation property. This added layer of insulation can help lower your energy bills by reducing heat transfer, making your home more energy-efficient.
Easy Installation: No Mason Required
GenStone siding is lightweight and comes with a user-friendly design, which makes installation easier compared to natural stone siding. Being a hassle-free Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project, homeowners can install it themselves without needing to hire professional masons.
Items required for installation include:
- GenStone panels
- Screws and nails
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver or drill
- Level
- Saw
Follow the manufacturer's instructions provided to ensure correct fittings and waterproof sealing.
Cost-effectiveness of GenStone Siding
The cost of GenStone siding is something that sets it apart from its natural stone or brick counterparts. It is a more affordable option that still manages to maintain an elegant look. This affordability combined with the minimal requirements for installation and low maintenance costs result in significant total cost savings for homeowners.
Maintaining Your GenStone Siding
GenStone siding is practically maintenance-free. It doesn’t chip, crack, or fade which means no regular repainting, and resealing is required. However, homeowners are advised to conduct occasional light washing of the siding to maintain its charming look.
Wrapping Up
Considering aesthetics, durability, easy installation, cost-effectiveness, and low maintenance, GenStone siding is an eye-catching choice for home sidings. With the wide range of design options available, select the one that is perfect for your home improvement project and watch as your dream house design turns into reality.
No other siding matches up to the level of beauty, durability, and ease of installation offered by GenStone siding. Whether you are improving your home's curb appeal for sale or personal enjoyment, remember that with GenStone siding, you can never go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions about Genstone Siding
Can Genstone siding be applied to any surface?
Yes, Genstone siding can be easily adhered to most flat and dry surfaces. This includes wood, stone, brick, concrete, and vinyl among others. As the sidings are very lightweight, they will not exert any substantial pressure on the structure, making it safe and conducive for different types of building materials.
How is Genstone siding installed?
Genstone siding employs a simple and straightforward process for installation. The siding panels are designed to seamlessly interlock with each other, creating a unified look on the surface they are attached to. Installation requires basic tools like a saw to tailor-fit the siding, adhesive to secure it on the surface, and screws to reinforce its placement.
What forms does Genstone siding take?
Genstone siding panels come in different forms to suit different customer needs and styles. Popular styles include stacked stone, brick, and rock. Each style has a variety of color options to match the theme of various homes and buildings.
Does Genstone siding require maintenance?
One of the significant advantages of opting for Genstone siding is its low maintenance quality. Unlike natural stone, which may need regular sealing to avoid moisture seepage and weathering, Genstone sidings are created to withstand different weather conditions without requiring frequent attention. However, periodic cleaning to remove accumulated dust or dirt can keep the siding looking fresh and new.
How does Genstone siding perform in different weather conditions?
Genstone siding is designed with durability in mind and is made to resist various weather conditions. It has efficient UV inhibitors that protect the color from fading due to prolonged sun exposure. These panels are also designed to withstand extreme temperature changes without cracking or getting damaged.
Is Genstone siding eco-friendly?
Yes, Genstone siding is considered more eco-friendly compared to natural stone. The manufacturing process of natural stone involves intensive quarrying and cutting, which have detrimental effects on the environment. On the other hand, Genstone sidings are made from an artificial material-In this case, polyurethane, which significantly reduces environmental impact.
What is the lifespan of Genstone siding?
Genstone siding is known for its longevity. With normal usage and minimal maintenance, Genstone siding can last for many years, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Can Genstone siding be painted?
Absolutely. The beauty of Genstone siding is its versatility. While it comes in a variety of natural-looking colors, it can also be painted over to match a specific color theme. However, it is advisable to use a primer before painting, and a UV-resistant sealant after painting to preserve the color.
Pros of Genstone Siding
Excellent Durability
One of the primary advantages of genstone siding is the fact that it showcases an excellent level of durability. These sidings are designed to withstand harsh weathers and climates. Unlike natural stone, genstone is resistant to cracking, discoloration, and other adverse effects from weather exposure. The material itself is incredibly durable and can withstand impacts that would cause severe damage to other types of siding.
Aesthetically Pleasing
With genstone siding, homeowners are able to achieve the aesthetic of real stone without the cost and difficulty of installation. They offer various types of stone-like appearances such as stacked stone, brick, and rock face. This kind of diversity of styles and colors makes it easy for homeowners to find a look that complements their home's exterior.
Low Maintenance
Another advantage of genstone siding is the relatively low maintenance it requires. Unlike real stone or wood siding, which requires periodic cleaning or sealing to prevent wear and tear, genstone needs minimal maintenance. A simple wash every now and then is enough to keep it looking fresh and new.
Lightweight
In comparison to actual stone, genstone products are lightweight. This lightness makes the product easier to handle and to install. Because of this characteristic, genstone siding can also be used in projects where weight is a concern, such as on walls that cannot bear too much weight.
Energy Efficient
Genstone panels are well insulated which means they can help regulate indoor temperatures, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. As a result, it can aid in lowering energy costs in the long run.
Cons of Genstone Siding
Cost
Despite being a cheaper alternative to natural stone, genstone siding is still a premium product and generally falls into the higher price range when compared to other siding materials such as vinyl or wood. Additionally, the cost of professional installation can increase the total cost significantly.
Not Authentic Stone
While genstone does an excellent job of mimicking the appearance of natural stone, it is still not the real thing. For some homeowners, nothing can quite replicate the look and texture of authentic stone. There may be subtle differences in look and feel that can distinguish it from the real deal.
Potential Water Damage
Though genstone siding is designed to be waterproof, poor installation can lead to water seeping in behind the panels, potentially causing damage. It is crucial to have these sidings installed by a professional to minimize this risk.
Repairs Can Be Challenging
Although genstone is highly durable, if a piece does get damaged, it can be difficult to repair. Unlike natural stone or brick where a single piece can be swapped out, with genstone, you may have to replace an entire panel, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Limited Resale Value
While genstone siding can be a beautiful addition to a home, it may not increase the property’s value as much as natural stone would. Potential buyers who recognize that genstone is not real stone may not perceive it as highly valuable, potentially limiting its impact on resale value.
Myths and Misconceptions About Genstone Siding
The world of home improvements and construction sports a variety of myths and misconceptions, especially when it comes to new, innovative products. Genstone siding is no exception. It's a popular and durable choice for many home exteriors, but a lot of homeowners and those in the construction industry hold onto misconceptions that have been floating around for years. Let's set the record straight on a few of these.
Genstone Siding is Just Like Any Other Siding
General Misconception
One common misconception is that all sidings are essentially the same and that Genstone siding doesn't really offer anything special. Many homeowners may think that siding is siding, no matter what material or brand you choose.
Reality Check
Nothing could be further from the truth. Genstone siding is a faux stone siding, made to mimic the look of natural stone but without the downsides such as high cost, heavy weight, and the need for professional masonry skills. As such, Genstone siding is a synthetic product, but that doesn't make it any less durable or attractive. In reality, it's designed to stand up to rigorous use and resist damage from the elements.
Genstone Siding is Not Durable
Common Belief
There's a belief among some that Genstone siding isn't durable because it's not made from a natural material. These critics argue that stone or brick siding must be sturdier because they're derived from natural resources.
The Truth
In reality, Genstone siding is designed to be extremely durable. It's made from a high-quality polyurethane that's realistically textured to mimic stone, while being lightweight and easy to install. Moreover, it's resistant to UV rays, temperature fluctuations, wind, moisture, and many other environmental factors. Most importantly, it requires less maintenance than real stone or brick.
Genstone Siding Looks Fake
Common Assumption
Another myth is that Genstone siding looks cheap or artificial, that it doesn't offer the same depth and variation as natural stone.
Debunking the Myth
The high-quality manufacturing process for Genstone siding ensures a very realistic texture and color. Genstone siding comes in a variety of styles and colors, with each piece uniquely molded to replicate natural stones. The color variations and realistic texture provide a great alternative to a real stone that is often indistinguishable from the real thing.
Genstone Siding is Difficult to Install
General Belief
The assumption that because it resembles heavy stone material, Genstone siding must be hard to install, is one of the most common misconceptions.
Setting it Right
In actuality, Genstone siding is relatively easy to install compared with many other siding materials. Thanks to its lightweight design and hassle-free installation process, even DIY enthusiasts can undertake a siding project. While having construction experience can certainly help with any installation, many homeowners find that they don't need advanced skills or special tools to do it themselves.
Genstone Siding is Expensive
Common Perception
Another prevalent misconception is that Genstone siding is far more expensive than other alternatives.
Unveiling the Truth
While it's true that the upfront cost for Genstone siding can be higher than other options, it's important to factor in other expenses like maintenance and replacement costs. Over time, Genstone siding actually proves to be quite the cost-effective solution, thanks to its durability and low-maintenance needs.
By dispelling these myths and misconceptions, we hope to provide a clearer picture of Genstone siding. It's a practical, attractive, cost-effective, and easy-to-install solution for homeowners who want to improve their properties' aesthetics and functionality. But as with any home improvement project, doing your research and understanding the facts is key to making an informed decision.
Summary
There's no denying that Genstone siding is a real game changer in the world of home exteriors. It delivers on both aesthetics and durability, truly being able to withstand the test of time and elements. Its various styles and colors enable homeowners to vastly customise their homes, giving them a truly unique and personal touch.
When it comes to installation, Genstone siding has got it covered. Easy to install and low-maintenance, it appeals to both DIY enthusiasts as well as professional contractors. Plus, it's the perfect option for those who value high-quality materials but don't want to spend a fortune.
Genstone siding has truly revolutionized how we look at home exteriors. It's weather resistant, visually impressive and budget-friendly. With its expanding portfolio of designs and colors, there truly is a Genstone siding product for every home and every homeowner.
About US Quality Construction
At US Quality Construction of Kansas City, MO, we're all about delivering top-notch work with a friendly, Midwestern vibe. Committed to high standards and superior support since our launch, we offer construction and repair services that blend supreme quality with cost-effectiveness. Our superb team executes every job, big or small, with the same level of dedication because we believe in going that extra mile. As part of the beloved Kansas City community, we prioritize impeccable craftsmanship and close attention to details to give you the best looking buildings in town. After all, there's a reason we're called US Quality Construction! Trust us for a solid build that's just as warm and inviting as our beautiful Kansas City.
Tags: siding, natural stone, home renovation,
