New Options
& Traditional Favorites by Kathy
Scott
You need only look back at the story of The Three
Little Pigs to know that a home’s exterior not
only adds to its’ beauty but is a factor in determining
its’ strength and durability against inclement
winds and storms. In fact, a study released in
2004 by the Wind Science and Engineering Research
Center at Texas Tech University states that “homes
built with brick offer dramatically more protection
from wind-blown debris than homes built with vinyl
or fiber-cement siding.”
Brick exteriors have stood the test of time for
many reasons, not the least of which comes down
to maintenance. Brick is relatively maintenance
free, save for periodic repointing where mortar
joints become cracked. According to Marshall and
Swift's Residential Cost Handbook, brick homes
average a 6% higher resale value over identical
homes with vinyl, wood siding, cedar, or aluminum
exteriors.
While brick may increase a home’s value, wood
exteriors continue to be a conventional favorite
for many homeowners, some even opting to blend
wood siding with brick or stone exteriors, creating
a mix of traditional and contemporary design.
Be aware that all wood is not created equal, and
the maintenance associated with wood siding can
be difficult and expensive. Untreated wood that
is exposed to moisture will rot and decompose.
In addition, without proper maintenance such as
power washing, staining or painting, the elements
will peel away at the surface paint and sealant,
exposing it to mold or mildew over time. If properly
maintained, however, wood can be an attractive
and sought after exterior. Redwoods and Cedars
are naturally resistant to insects, offering innate
beauty and stability. Cedar can be cut into shakes,
and because of its’ strength, resistance to swelling
and splitting, it can be found on some of the
finer homes around the country.
Many builders opt to use pressure-treated Southern
Pine, spruce and fir as more economical alternatives
for siding. These also offer the native beauty
of wood and can be just as durable as stronger
woods if maintained properly, such as sealing
and staining or painting over time in order to
defend against moisture and eventual rotting.
There are alternatives to real wood siding that
have become popular as well. Engineered wood,
or composite wood siding, is made with wood products
but doesn’t have the strength that is available
in the high-grade wood options. Fiber-cement siding,
which goes by the brand name Hardiplank, can be
manufactured to resemble wood grain. Voted one
of 20 most innovative products introduced in the
last two decades by Builder Magazine, Hardiplank
is an attractive alternative to wood that won’t
rot or crack. It’s also fireproof and termite-proof,
and offers a warranty of up to 50 years. Because
of its’ durability and resistance to harsh sun
and cold winds, a good paint job can last up to
10 years on Hardiplank.
Both vinyl and aluminum siding are additional
types of low-cost alternatives to wood with the
advantage of low maintenance; however, neither
have the strength and robustness that wood or
fiber-cement offers. While aluminum won’t crack
or split like some vinyl siding can, it may dent,
and both products fade after just a few years.
Still, the large availability of colors and vinyl’s
ability to resemble architectural design features
has made it one of the most popular siding materials
in the U.S. and Canada.
For people looking for a more ornate, yet simple
wall exterior, look no further than conventional
stucco which has dressed up homes, palaces and
mansions around the world for hundreds of years.
This beautiful wall coating became popular in
America in the 20th Century with the advent of
the Spanish and Italian design trends that continue
today. Most prevalent in California, the Southwest,
and Florida, stucco has initiated trends in architectural
styles including Art Deco, Mission, Pueblo, Spanish
Colonial, and Tudor Revival.
The exterior of a house often creates a setting
for the entire home and offers practical objectives
like insulating the structure and keeping out
the elements. While it is important to choose
the style that is most aesthetically pleasing
to you, it is also important to consider the advantages
and disadvantages of each option.
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