Have you been thinking of ways to improve the exterior of your home?
Many people plant flowers and put up decorations, only to discover that their home still feels dull.
You might find that one of the best ways to improve your home’s appearance is with protective siding made of Ipe wood.
Continue reading to discover the benefits of using Ipe wood siding and how you can improve the appearance of your home!
What Is Ipe Wood?
Before going into all of the benefits of this impressive material, you must know what Ipe wood is. Ipe is pronounced as “ee-pay,” and comes from parts of South and Central America.
Other names that Ipe goes by are Brazilian Walnut, Lapacho, and its scientific name, Handroanthus spp. Ipe trees can grow up to 300 feet tall and are an impressive view.
Common uses for Ipe wood are home siding, outdoor decking, and flooring.
Many people recommend working with wood on home projects because it is easy to work with and can be found in many places. Nearly any carpenter you go to should have the ability to install Ipe wood. Since wood is also easily accessible, prices tend to be lower.
Ipe wood is biodegradable and perfect for any homeowner that has gone “green.”
Now that you know what it is, here are some of the benefits of Ipe wood that make it a perfect addition to your home.
1. It’s a Durable Material
One of the biggest reasons that people use Ipe wood for siding is that it’s incredibly durable.
When working on the exterior of your home you must consider the elements that will eventually damage your siding. Cheap vinyl options tend to crack and wear down over time, but with Ipe wood, you don’t have to worry!
Ipe wood is so durable that it is often used for decking because it can handle foot traffic with ease. Ipe is a redwood that can handle weather and extreme temperatures. This wood is 3 times harder than cedarwood and is one of the best materials for siding a home.
This wood tends to stay durable for a long time because it isn’t at high risk for insect infestations and rotting. Ipe wood should last a minimum of 25 years and can stay good for half a century if properly taken care of.
2. Fire-Resistant Wood
Yes, you read that correctly — Ipe is fire-resistant, making it a safe option for home siding.
Although Ipe wood siding is not completely fireproof, it can help give you more time to get out of the house and to a safe place. This wood can resist fire far better than a softer wood can.
Ipe wood is in the same fire-risk group as concrete and steel. This means that your home will be much safer with this type of siding. If you want to ensure that your home and family are safe from fires, you can install Ipe decking and siding to decrease the risk of letting flames spread.
3. No Worries About Insects
Getting wooden siding can be a bad idea if it is not treated for insects.
Fortunately, with Ipe woods, you don’t have to worry as much about infestations. Ipe wood is insect resistant which makes it last longer.
Ipe wood has such a high density that insects are not able to infest it. Although this wood is insect resistant, it can become damaged when exposed to certain marine species.
The natural oil in Ipe wood helps keep the bugs away, so you must keep it moisturized. Getting Ipe wood siding can be beneficial to you and your family, especially if you live in a spot that is prone to infestations.
Termites and other insects won’t be able to find a home, making it one less thing that you have to worry about.
4. It Comes in Many Colors
When picking out a siding for your house, you will want to find something that matches the rest of the exterior.
Ipe wood is an excellent choice for siding because it comes in a variety of colors. You can easily match the wood to your home to bring everything together. Some people use unique shades of Ipe on their siding to break up full brick walls that look empty.
Ipe wood is typically brown with hues of red, yellow, and olive. You can also find it in dark brown shades that have hints of black. If you have a darker brown house, you can easily lighten up your home with a golden Ipe siding.
You can also stain Ipe wood to achieve your desired shade of brown.
Many people have a difficult time distinguishing Ipe wood from the dense Cumaru, which is another South African tree. Typically Ipe is darker than Cumaru and has a unique smell that you can’t forget. When working with Ipe wood you may notice a soft scent of cinnamon and vanilla.
5. It Looks Good
One of the best benefits of using Ipe siding is that it looks good!
Wood siding is timeless and adds a rustic feel to any home. If you want a classic look that reminds everyone of comfort and cozy cabins, Ipe makes the perfect siding.
Many people appreciate the grain and cuts of this type of wood. Each piece is unique and has its own story to tell.
Another reason for getting Ipe wood siding is that it can increase the value of your home. Ipe wood will surely catch the eye of potential buyers.
One of the reasons that Ipe wood looks so good is because it ages and creates a beautiful finish with a lot of character. As long as you keep the wood moisturized it will look smooth and detailed.
If you want your siding to look its best you should clean it with a power washer. Over time, the siding will become dull and dirty. Siding typically gets dirt from cutting the lawn, dirt blowing around, and animals. Regularly cleaning your siding will help prevent too much dirt from building up.
6. It’s Reasonably Priced
Although many people are under the impression that Ipe wood tends to cost a lot of money, the truth is that it doesn’t.
Depending on the quantity needed and the style that you choose, you can get less expensive options of Ipe wood. Overtime Ipe can also save you money because you won’t have to spend as much on repairs and maintenance.
As long as you are properly cleaning and sealing your Ipe wood siding, you won’t have to worry about it drying out and cracking. This is important because once siding begins cracking you will have to hire professionals to repair the area or completely replace the siding.
Don’t forget, you’ll also save money on getting the house sprayed for bugs.
You may have to put a bit more money aside for the initial investment in this siding, but it will be worth it in the end.
How to Clean and Maintain Ipe Wood
Getting Ipe wood siding for your home is an excellent idea that doesn’t require an extreme amount of maintenance.
You can pick up Ipe wood siding at our locations to get started on your home project. It is easy to install and clean, especially if you have put a protective sealant over top. Having your siding protected can cut down on cleaning time and make your job easier.
Many people clean Ipe siding with a power washer because it’s efficient. Other ways to maintain the wood are by getting rid of any debris on it and cleaning with soap and water.
The surface of your Ipe siding should be clean and dry. Wet siding can mean that your Ipe wood is in bad condition and needs more care if you want it to last.
When maintaining the quality of your Ipe siding you should be sure to weather seal it with an oil-based product. The oil prevents the wood from drying and splitting. You should also restain the siding periodically to brighten up the color, otherwise, your siding may start to look dull.
This Wood Siding Won’t Let You Down
Finding good wood siding for your home can be a difficult task, but this guide can help!
When deciding which material to use for exterior siding, Ipe is an excellent option to keep in mind. Ipe wood siding has many benefits and is one of the most durable options on the market right now.
There are many things that you don’t have to worry about when you go with Ipe wood. Not only is Ipe wood a strong and reliable material, but it also comes in beautiful brown colors that will complement your home.
Don’t forget to preserve your siding by keeping the wood cleaned and protected.
Be sure to check out all of our Ipe wood options that you can use to enhance your home’s appearance!