I have exterior wood siding that is starting to rot in places (it isn't siding for the entire house, just around the windows). I don't want to replace it with more wood and have just begun researching alternatives. I've heard there are vinyl products available, but vinyl makes me think it may be cheap looking. Any thoughts on possible alternatives? Thanks.
You are talking about exterior trim work.
Just replace it with new wood. BUT do stuff like prime the wood on all sides before nailing it into place. The odds are that the replacemnet wood will last indefinitely if you paint it as needed.
Even if you don't go to the trouble of priming the new work, if you keep water from getting to bare wood, it should last a LONG time.
I'm replacing all of mine with Hardy board. It is a concrete board that most newer houses use for trim, it holds paint well & won't rot.
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