Waterproof Bamboo Siding

Composition

• Bamboo siding is composed of aggregate, processed bamboo culms. Because these culms are hollow, the walls of the culms are processed for use in construction applications. The culm walls are composed of densely packed cylinder-shaped vascular bundles, which are covered by a thick skin. Bamboo plant culms have a slick, waterproof coating on exterior and interior portions of the culm. This natural film makes bamboo an attractive choice for siding, though it cannot be painted.

Uses

• Entire buildings are constructed using only bamboo in many parts of the world. Bamboo is a highly elastic and ductile material. Consequently, well-constructed bamboo structures can sway during earthquakes but sustain no long-term damage. Domestically, bamboo siding is sold in easy-to-install interlocking siding panels. Panels are chemically-treated and polyurethane-sealed to ensure reliability and durability. While it is possible to veneer an entire house with bamboo siding, within the United States it is more commonly used as a tropical accent material.

Other Attributes

• Bamboo is a relatively inexpensive siding option. It is strong -- comparable in terms of density and tensile strength to teak, maple and oak. Bamboo products rarely twist, warp, cup or shrink. Bamboo, which grows well in poor, degraded soil, is ready for use in bamboo siding after only two to three years of growth. The fast replacement period means a lower reliance on logging of slow-growing oak tree species. On the other hand, bamboo contains a much higher degree of starch, sugar and protein compared to wood siding. Consequently, it is both more attractive and less resistant to insect infestation.

Maintenance

• Mold and mildew affect all types of siding, including bamboo. If necessary, use an over-the-counter mold and mildew stain remover or oxygen bleach combined with water to fight mold and mildew and to brighten the look of bamboo siding. Exercise caution using high pressure sprays, which can damage bamboo fibers weakened by ultraviolet ray exposure. Insert a 35-degree tip or limit pressurized sprays to high or otherwise inaccessible areas of the siding.