Alternative Home Siding

Friday, February 22, 2013

Alternative Home Siding

Alternative Home Siding

Your home's exterior siding can have a huge impact on its curb appeal, for better or for worse. Siding is a big investment, so if you're considering a change, it's important to look at all the alternatives and choose the siding that works best for your house, budget and lifestyle.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding's winning combination of good looks, easy maintenance and budget-friendly pricing has made it the most popular siding material for new constructions in the United States. Vinyl siding holds up well against the elements, and requires little more than the occasional hosing-down to keep it looking good for years to come. Some vinyl siding fades over time, and you need to be careful not to put a heat source (such as a grill) directly against vinyl, as the heat could melt the siding.

Aluminum

Aluminum siding is an easy-to-install, low-maintenance option with benefits similar to vinyl's. Aluminum costs more and holds paint a bit better than vinyl, although painting either option is not recommended. Aluminum dents easily, making it a poor choice for climates prone to high winds or hail.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding is a durable, eco-friendly option that provides a more authentic appearance than vinyl or aluminum. Made from the recycled byproducts of industrial plants, it can be cast to look like wood, brick or stone, and is accepted as an alternative home siding material in many historic neighborhoods. You can buy pre-colored fiber cement or paint it to your liking. It usually costs about 25 percent more than vinyl siding, but is far less expensive than authentic wooden siding or masonry.

Wood

The warm patina of real wooden siding makes many homeowners willing to overlook its challenges. Wooden siding requires vigilant maintenance against insect infestation and rot, and is more susceptible to warping, cracking or other damage caused by the climate or weather patterns. Paint or stain is wooden siding's first line of defense against the elements, and should be touched up annually.

Stucco

Traditional stucco made from sand, cement and water has been used for centuries. It is a tough, eco-friendly option that stands up well to all sorts of weather. Synthetic stucco is not as durable and tends to absorb moisture, but has better insulation properties and can be stamped into patterns resembling different finishes, such as brick. Stucco does not need to be painted or stained, but pigments can be mixed into or painted onto the stucco if desired.

Brick

Brick is a durable, low-maintenance option that keeps its classy good looks for generations. It is suitable for every climate and stands firm against nasty weather and marauding critters. Using full bricks is expensive, but thin brick facings give you most of the benefits of real brick siding for less.

Stone

Real stone is the king of all siding materials. It lasts for centuries, provides unparalleled protection from everything Mother Nature (and anyone else) throws at it, and requires next-to-no maintenance. Unfortunately, it is extremely expensive and labor intensive to install. Faux stone veneers or cast concrete "stones" are more within the reach of the average homeowner.

19th century paint colors

Friday, February 22, 2013