Life in a tiny mobile trailer isn’t something to belittle. In fact, it’s a nice way not to get stressed with cleaning massive spaces or dealing with clutter everywhere. On top of that, you’ll get to be anywhere you want as soon as you can. But while there’s a certain charm to the trailer life, you’ll also have to deal with several challenges. One of them is protecting your home from the elements and weather. No worries, though. Take good care of your trailer by investing in the top siding materials discussed below.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding isn’t only popular among residential homes. It’s an ongoing thing among trailer homeowners as well. What can you say? On top of being affordable, it’s pretty durable against the weather too. The average reported lifespan of vinyl siding lasts for up to 30 years. It’s also available in various colors and patterns to match your vehicle, and the cost of installation is relatively low since you can do it yourself. However, vinyl will warrant a good load of paint job since it quickly fades to sunlight. It also catches dirt and dust more easily than other materials, which will require regular cleaning.
Hardboard Siding
Hardboard siding is very similar to plywood siding since they are both manufactured from wood cells that have been compressed under high heat until the cell structure changes. The main difference between these two siding materials is that hardboard contains a water-resistant finish, making them great options for mobile trailers since they’re more exposed to different types of weather. Meanwhile, hardboard is also very easy to maintain since it only needs a light sanding and is paintable with any type of water-based paint. Most importantly, this is an inexpensive material that does not require any heavy maintenance in order for it to retain its durability.
Aluminum Siding
Metal has proven its reliability as a siding material since ancient times. And with that comes aluminum that has become the go-to choice for many mobile homes due to its sturdiness and long-lasting durability. Speaking of durability, it can resist most weather conditions, insect damage, and warping. Plus, the fact that aluminum’s fireproof plays a significant factor between life and death during emergencies. A common drawback to aluminum siding, though, is that it can corrode. Fortunately, there’s plenty of treatment options available to make it last longer.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement might be one of the newest players in the siding market, yet it has taken over the industry by storm. Made from a mixture of sand, lime, and cellulose fibers suspended in water, fiber cement can be molded into virtually any shape desired. It seriously has no limits! Like steel or stucco, this product is known for its durability. While most other siding materials will warp or crack after prolonged exposure to the elements, fiber cement holds up like a champ. Even when small cracks do occur, you can fix them up with a bit of caulk. This makes it perfect for mobile homes where it will have to withstand harsh wind conditions and temperature changes regularly.
Wood Siding
Wood siding on a mobile home is akin to icing on a cake. The classic look of weathered-wood siding will surely impress you and outsiders alike. It’s also light, so moving places won’t consume as much fuel compared to heavier materials. However, keep in mind that wood siding itself is expensive already. More than that, it requires consistent maintenance to prevent fungal growth, insect attacks, and rotting over time. If you don’t have the budget to rock authentic wood, you can always settle for the cheaper engineered version with more minor durability issues. You can also pair it with metal sheets to save money and enjoy an added layer of protection.
Stucco
Stucco is the last thing you might expect from a trailer, but it’s actually a solid choice. Applied in 2 – 3 coats, this material is highly resistant to fire damage. Another notable benefit is that it dramatically reduces noise that reaches the inside of your home. Perfect when you’re surrounded by wildlife, urban bustle, or sounds from nature. While stucco is easy to clean and maintain, the downside is that it can crack to the rattling and shaking during transit. That’s why if you ever choose stucco, don’t skimp on hiring a professional to ensure a proper installation. Other than that, you can go wrong with this one.
Additional Tip for Putting on Siding for Your Trailer
Like regular houses, trailers deserve some love too. Luckily, investing in siding doesn’t have to be expensive since they’re smaller than traditional homes. Experts at www.cladsiding.com, a professional siding company, suggest you shop around for multiple quotes to find the best services that suit your needs.
