Don’t be in the dark when it comes to bark
Poplar bark siding, made from tree bark, warps and develops gaps during extreme temperature swings, allowing moisture under your siding.
Termites and other wood-boring pests target bark siding, damaging your home’s structure and increasing repair cost, so schedule regular inspections.
Stain or seal your bark siding every two to three years, helping you limit decay, reduce repair cost, and keep color consistent.
Hiring a local siding repair professional provides reliable support when you spot warping, pest damage, or rot that needs attention.
Bark siding is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a rustic and natural aesthetic for their homes. While this unique and eco-friendly siding option can enhance your home’s charm and curb appeal, it is not without its challenges. From issues related to maintenance to considerations for different climates, understanding the challenges related to bark siding is critical before beginning any siding installation project.
Contact a pro to diagnose any potential damage to your home's siding, as they may be able to identify damage that is difficult to spot.
Bark siding is an organic option for a home’s siding, manufactured from the bark of trees. Typically made from poplar, pine, or cedar trees, bark siding dates back to at least the 17th century. Many homeowners love the natural look of having tree bark as the material for their siding—its organic look fits in with a range of styles.
Many people bill this type of siding as ecologically-friendly, but it’s imperative that you learn the source of your siding—it’s not a win for the environment if a bunch of trees were cut down to make your siding. If this is important to you, always ask:
Was the bark from a recycled source?
Where is the bark harvested?
Is this bark siding fully biodegradable?
Bark that has been sourced nearby means there was less gas spent to transport it to you, and if it comes from a recycled source, you’ll know that trees weren’t cut down in the interest of your siding.
Bark siding is an unusual, striking choice for your home, but it might not be the best option for certain climates or for homeowners who don’t wish to put in the maintenance work required to keep it functioning as it should. Read on to learn the most common bark siding problems.
Under extreme temperature swings and heavy moisture, the bark can warp and leave gaps in your siding. The gaps might then allow moisture to get underneath, which can lead to mold and mildew problems. Spaces in your siding also give room for pests to burrow and build nests. You’ll need to stain or seal your bark siding every two to three years to give it some protection.
Bark, like any kind of wood, is a magnet for termites and other critters—including pesky woodpeckers. Pests can damage your siding and your home’s structure; some can even carry diseases. Make sure to have a local pest control company inspect your home once per year to keep these unwelcome guests at bay.
Bark siding does well in temperate weather, but extreme heat or heavy rain can damage the wood to the point where the planks need to be replaced. Not all woods are created equal, however—it’s worth talking to a nearby siding installation professional who can discuss the wood siding types and options with you.
Because wood is prone to absorbing moisture, it can become a breeding ground for fungal organisms, which eventually break down the bark and cause it to rot. Regularly inspect your bark siding for signs of decay: discoloration, weak wood, or crumbling pieces. If you notice any of these issues, call a siding repair company near you.
The natural fading that happens to wood over time after it has been exposed to rain and sun might appeal to some homeowners who wish for an earthier look to their siding, but others may find the inconsistency frustrating. If you want your siding to look continuously uniform, you’ll need to commit to restaining regularly.
The guys at PaveWay are top notch. From the estimate to the job being completed,all was done in a timely and professional manner. I myself was a DOT Engineer Inspector(know what to look for) and got to talking with Cameron and he himself was a Contract inspector for a few years,same job as...
All Star Paving and SealingI highly recommend KTM construction! I will look no where else for anything that needs to be done, in or out side of our property. The level of craftsmanship is 5 star service across the board! The level of detail, knowledge and professionalism is 5 star service across the board! Ken is a...
KTM Construction, LLCI purchased the "Big Deal": $199.00 for exterior pressure-washing of one- or two-story home up to 2,000 square feet. They cleaned the siding only. I wasn't aware when I bought the Big Deal that they would not do any other surfaces other than the siding (i.e. sides of the gutters or stucco). I...
Complete Home ServicesThis brownstone is historical and the carpentry work is very detailed. I was very happy to secure a company in NY and living in OH to complete the request. Wood work on this brownstone has been existing since approximately 1888 and West side did a GREAT JOB. I will not be able to...
Westside Home ImprovementNice group of workers, very friendly. Day 1 covered everything before starting, seemed very organized. Things seemed to be going great. Day 2 they didn't show up until around 10:00a.m. and work crew was cut in half, was told they had another job. Day 3 they didn't show up until around...
CertaPro Painters of ColumbusThe work went great! Couldn't ask for better. Joel set a work start date. About the time of the storms that may have been associated with Sandy. He was half a day late. They set up on a Thursday. On Friday they had a full crew at work. By Monday they were finishing up. Now, the best...
NJW ConstructionA few months ago, a tree branch fell across my car, leaving a series of dents across the hood and driver's side fender. I took it to Rife's after reading the Angie's List reviews. Rife's did a great job! My car looks like new. And they made the process as easy as possible. When I came in...
Rife's Autobody IncI received an email from Angie's List offering Car Detailing 4 U's services for $99. Coming from Angie's List, I expected this to be a highly dependable and qualified company that was known for doing exceptional work. I set the appointment for them to come to my home. They were arrive at...
We first had Mark fix the back patio and liked his work so much we had him make a brick patio on the side of the house. When we decided to change our concrete walkway to brick, we wanted Mark to do the job because his prices were fair and he did such good work on t he other two projects.
Mark Monnette MasonryI was very pleased with the cost and end result. I truly expected this job to cost me 50% more than it did. When you factor quality and cost, I would highly recommend Mark's services and plan to use him in the future. The best part was, I asked Mark to match the paint color in one section...
Fresh Touch Custom Painting Inc.From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Siding replacement costs around $11,000 on average, but several factors influence what you’ll pay. Our guide breaks down all the siding cost factors.
Learn about the average siding repair cost to expect based on siding type, repair type, and extra labor when getting estimates to fix siding from contractors.
Love the rustic look of log cabins but want a more durable siding? Use this vinyl log siding cost guide to see if this is a good alternative for your home.
Old, damaged siding may leave your home unprotected against the elements. Learn when to replace siding and what signs to look for.
Learn to identify the warning signs of siding damage like rot, pest infestation, and mold growth, and learn what to do to protect your home’s exterior.
Not sure you want to go with the standard siding material for your home? Learn about vinyl siding pros and cons to see if there’s a better option.
