Adding some kind of wood siding has been a common practice for many residential homes for more than two centuries. Wood siding has withstood the test of time for so long because it hits that sweet spot of form and function. It looks great and it works just as well.
In recent years, Ipe siding has been one of those popular wood choices. But even with its growing positive reputation, many homeowners are unaware of this great option.
If you’re a homeowner that falls into that category, let us fix the situation for you! We’ve compiled the top five reasons why Ipe wood siding is a great option for any outdoor upgrades you need!
1. Unique Design
Let’s face it, a lot of exterior design choices can be pretty bland and a lot of houses look the same. Switching the material up to an Ipe wood exterior siding can give your home an extra dose of excitement to take it to the next level.
Ipe siding is a natural wood found in the forests of Brazil. The coloring and grain of the wood bring out the exotic and luxurious feel from the very beginning. Many homes use a painted, vinyl siding, so going with natural wood is already outside-the-box thinking.
But you also have the ability to really customize the look of your Ipe siding. Planks come in a variety of widths that can be installed in a variety of ways to create specific looks. You can go for a more traditional look or a fun Ipe shiplap siding design, both work and look great!
2. Extended Lifetime
A major downside of many designs is that they don’t stand the test of time. They look great initially and even for a few years after that. But then they start to fall apart and the beautiful look you worked so hard to get is destroyed.
That will definitely not be the case if you decide to go with an Ipe wood siding option.
Ipe is an extremely strong wood that has a very strong reputation for being able to withstand the elements. Rain, wind, snow, dirt, and debris can’t do very much to damage its surface. Even after years of this, you won’t have to worry about needing to spend a ton of money to get your siding replaced.
Since the wood grows in such extreme weather conditions, you know it will be able to stand up to whatever your local area brings!
3. Environmentally Friendly
As we mentioned before, Ipe wood is found in the Brazilian rainforests. These trees can grow up to 100 feet tall and 50 feet wide. They’re extremely large, especially when you consider the environment that they’re growing in.
One of the best parts about using this type of material for your home improvement projects is that it’s an extremely environmentally-friendly choice. Even though these trees reach incredible heights, they do it quickly. So it only takes a few years (relative to the average tree’s life) to replace the trees that are used.
Most organizations that sell Ipe siding are sustainable resources that are making sure they look out for the environment that produces such a great material to work with.
Ipe siding also doesn’t require any plastics or chemicals to be added to before it can be used as siding. The process to get it ready for use on a home is much more environmentally friendly than others as well.
4. Cost-Effective Material
There’s no getting around it, re-siding a home is an expensive project. It requires so much material that it’s impossible for it to be a cheap upgrade. But you can make a smart investment and make it work for you by going with Ipe wood exterior siding.
When you use a wood that is going to withstand the test of time and does not need to be replaced for decades, you are going to be getting your full money’s worth!
Beyond its longevity, Ipe Wood siding installation often costs less than other siding options because of the way it’s purchased. Companies who sell this type of product often purchase in bulk from their suppliers. This action saves them money upfront which can be passed on to you at the price offered.
It’s almost like double savings, you save upfront at the time of purchase and then down the road when you’re home looks great and you don’t have to redo the project!
5. Added Safety Measures
There are so many ways that your home can be damaged, many of them are facts of life and nothing can be done. But there are ways you can try to prevent other types of major damage and the main one is by choosing the right material.
One of the coolest traits of Ipe wood is that it’s fire-resistant. This doesn’t mean that it will never burn or catch on fire but it does mean that the chances are lower. Also if it does catch fire, it will burn much slower giving you more time to get to safety. It’s remarkable for a wood product to be able to do this.
It’s also less likely to have infestations of insects as well. The wood is so hard that the bugs can’t get inside of it, which is a huge bonus!
IPE Siding for Your Exterior
Making any major decisions for your home can be a daunting task, you want the investment to last for a long time and still be something you love. This is especially true for the siding on the exterior, it’s such a major part of the home.
This is exactly why Ipe siding is a great option for many homes. The material is durable, strong, and long-lasting. But it also gives you a unique design perspective with its eye-catching, natural beauty. You really can’t go wrong with adding it to the exterior of your home.
If you’re interested in learning more about Ipe wood siding and your specific project, contact us today!