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Dressing
Your Home
Shopping for the perfect clothes for a special occasion can
be difficult enough. But imagine that you had to wear that
same outfit, every day, for the next 10 – 20 years…because
it cost several thousand dollars. Not only would it have to
be comfortable, it would have to be very becoming, extremely
durable and completely timeless.
Such is the decision you face when choosing siding for your
new home. In addition to the product’s reputation and
warranty, you’ll want to consider maintenance, product
cost, installation cost, neighborhood covenants, consistency
with the neighborhood and resale values. To aid your difficult
decision, here is a summary of pros and cons of the most popular
materials in today’s housing market.
Wood is one of the oldest and most beautiful
choices, but it is expensive and requires ongoing maintenance.
“With wood, it’s particularly important to get
high grade materials, free of knots, pitch, pockets and even
edges,” says Scott Ragland of Rotella’s Custom
Builders Supply in Omaha, Nebraska. “And then buy the
best paint or stain you can find. It will last longer and
save money in the long run.” Although wood is susceptible
to weather and insects, it has a life span of 30 to 50 years
if it is well maintained, and it can be repaired and partially
replaced more easily than other siding materials.
Vinyl has increased in popularity due to
its low maintenance (occasional washing) and improvements
in durability, color fastness and appearance. Today’s
vinyl is available with insulation attached in a wider range
of colors and in a variety of textures and shapes (including
“cedar shakes,” fish-scale shingles and beaded
panels). Vinyl trim has also expanded to include extra-wide
corner boards, Victorian gingerbread and Craftsman brackets.
Although less expensive initially, vinyl has a shorter estimated
life than some sidings. Often used on starter homes, it can
affect resale value in more expensive homes. Because vinyl
can be damaged by hail, wind or excessive heat, look for thicker
products and long warranties.
Traditional stucco has a long track record
in dry, warm areas such as the Southwest. Installation is
costly and it’s essential to find someone highly skilled
in its application. Properly installed, stucco requires little
maintenance and can last the life of the building. Its biggest
drawback is potential cracking and damage from freezing and
thawing. Cracks can be minimized with expansion joints and
good ventilation. Severely cracked or discolored stucco can
be recoated. Stucco should not be painted; doing so can reduce
its ability to expel moisture.
EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish Systems)
is a plasticized cement stucco product which is applied over
polystyrene foam insulation. Synthetic stucco materials cost
more than traditional stucco, but they are easier and less
expensive to apply. Because of some past problems with water
that got behind the siding, EIFS has been banned in some states.
If you choose EIFS, find the best installer available and
get a good warranty.
Brick gives a home a look of quality and
permanence, requires little maintenance and offers superior
durability. Both full and half-brick are used today; full
brick requires a special ledge in the foundation to support
its weight. Both require installation by a trained mason,
which can be rather expensive. Periodic sealing is recommended
to prevent freeze-thaw damage in cold climates. Deteriorating
mortar joints must be scraped out, with new grout tuck pointed
into the joints.
There are two newer alternatives in the brick category. The
first is cultured brick which is actually made from concrete
and is easier and more economical to install. The second is
mortarless brick which locks together and does not require
a mason for installation. Every fourth row is affixed with
screws, and caulk (which looks like mortar) is applied after
installation. Like true brick, it should be water sealed regularly.
Natural stone is usually limited to exterior
trim or accent because of its time consuming and expensive
installation. Stonework requires a skilled craftsman and a
supportive ledge in the foundation. It demands little maintenance,
but mortar joints may deteriorate with time. Cultured stone,
which is made of cement, light weight aggregates and iron
oxide pigments, replicates real stone. It weighs and costs
a fraction of real stone, does not require special footings
and is installed similar to stucco.
Fiber cement or concrete board siding is
growing in popularity. Comprised of cement, sand and cellulose
fiber, it is environmentally friendly and contains no asbestos,
glass fibers or formaldehyde. Fiber cement siding resists
rain, hail, snow, termite and insect damage. It also prohibits
fungus growth and is non-combustible. Manufacturers’
guarantees extend to 50 years against rotting, splitting,
warping, buckling or swelling. Gaps must be incorporated to
allow for expansion, but when filled with caulk and painted,
they become nearly invisible. Available in a variety of finishes,
including lap, beaded and shingle siding, plus half round
panels, fiber cement looks like wood, but is lower maintenance.
It also is available in vertical siding which looks like stucco.
Other issues. Along with enhancing your
home’s appearance, siding must protect its waterproof
barrier over the sheathing. Unless some form of drainage is
incorporated, care must be taken to prevent water penetration.
This is especially important with EIFS. Some types of siding
may qualify for reduced premiums on homeowner’s insurance.
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