Siding isn't merely a cosmetic choice. It's central to a building's integrity, protection, and energy efficiency. Advances in siding technology have transformed how professionals approach building exteriors. From enhanced longevity to improved insulation, these technologies impact both aesthetics and performance.
Historical Perspective: The Evolution of Siding
In ancient times, clay, mud, and straw formed the earliest sidings. Quick fact: Some ancient structures with these sidings still stand today. As societies evolved, so did their siding preferences. Wood, for example, became a beloved choice during medieval times, primarily for its versatility and availability.
But wood had its drawbacks. Fire risks, termite vulnerabilities, and maintenance needs became clear challenges. The 19th century saw brick and stone gain popularity, not just for their robust nature, but for the status they conferred. Intriguingly, the 20th century brought asbestos sidings – a choice now understood as hazardous.
The quest for the ideal siding has always been about balancing durability, aesthetics, and functionality. And as we'll explore, modern innovations have pushed the boundaries in all these domains.
Modern Materials: Beyond Brick and Wood
Composite Materials
Composite siding isn't just a blend of materials; it's the fusion of resilience and design. Did you know? Some composites resist UV rays better than traditional sidings. Brands like HardiePlank and Everlast lead the market, known for their superior weather resistance and vast design options.
Metal Siding
Metal siding, particularly aluminum and steel, is experiencing a renaissance. In the 1950s, aluminum took the residential market by storm, valued for its lightweight nature. Steel, being stronger than its counterparts, offers unmatched protection against dents and damage. Both, however, have evolved to resist corrosion and fading, outperforming older versions in longevity and appearance.
Vinyl and PVC Options
Vinyl siding's transformation is astounding. Once seen as a low-end option, today’s vinyl sidings are premium, boasting increased durability. Here's an eye-opener: Modern vinyl can mimic wood grain convincingly. PVC, on the other hand, brings added rigidity. With advancements, it now resists warping from intense sun, standing firm against weather's test.
Technological Advancements
Insulation Innovations
The evolution in insulation tech isn't just about warmth; it's about energy optimization. Fact: Enhanced insulated siding can reduce thermal bridging by up to 30%. This advancement leads to notable energy savings, directly influencing the appeal of certain siding options. Now, sidings aren’t selected just for their looks. Their insulative properties play a pivotal role in decisions.
Smart Siding
Siding isn't just static decor anymore; it's becoming intelligent. Pioneering this shift is solar-integrated siding, harnessing energy while being aesthetically pleasing. Think of it: Walls that power homes. Tech-integrated siding doesn’t just save energy; it actively contributes, marking a profound shift in building exteriors.
Environmental and Sustainable Advancements
Today’s siding materials make a nod to the planet. Cork siding, for instance, is not only renewable but offers superior insulation. And here's innovation at its best: Some companies now upcycle waste from other industries for siding production, reducing environmental footprints. This transition towards sustainable solutions highlights the industry's commitment to a greener tomorrow.
Installation and Maintenance Innovations
Installation Techniques
Remember the days of labor-intensive siding installation? They're fading fast. Advanced fastening systems have simplified procedures, drastically cutting down installation time. Innovations like interlocking panels ensure not only a quicker fit but also a seamless appearance.
Maintenance Evolution
Maintenance used to be a homeowner's nemesis. Today's coatings and treatments challenge that notion. Many contemporary sidings are now fade-resistant, needing fewer touch-ups. An added bonus? Some modern materials naturally repel pests, nearly eliminating a long-standing adversary: termites.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Siding Technology?
Emerging Materials
If history is any guide, material evolution won’t stop. Expect to see more durable, lightweight, and even self-repairing sidings in the near future. A tantalizing thought: Might we see sidings embedded with nanotechnology that self-cleans?
Integration with Home Tech
Siding will likely deepen its relationship with integrated tech. Beyond solar, anticipate sidings to work in tandem with home automation systems. Picture this: Siding that changes color on demand, adapting to weather or owner preferences.
Sustainability’s Larger Role
Sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s the path forward. Future sidings will probably be more eco-centric, leaning towards 100% recyclability. A future where sidings actively combat air pollution? Given the pace of innovation, it's not so far-fetched.
Siding, traditionally seen as a building's protective skin, has evolved into a tech-infused, sustainable marvel. The strides made, from composite materials to integrated solar tech, reflect a proactive industry constantly pushing boundaries. The golden age of siding is upon us. With sustainability in the vanguard, it's not just about beautifying spaces but responsibly shepherding our planet's resources. Embracing these innovations isn't just wise; it's imperative for the forward-thinking builder. As we stand on this technological precipice, one must ask: Are you ready to redefine your building's exterior?
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).