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A
home's exterior design is virtually endless due to myriad of exterior surface material
choices that are available. When you figure the material's type,
texture, shape, and color all into one equation, your choices
could seem endless and confusing.
Therefore,
it is "WISE" to study this topic intensely if you want
your home to look as you have imagined. But, first of all
there are two very
import issues to consider when comparing the different types of
surface materials to use:
Short-term
Cost-the initial cost of having the wall surface
material applied to your exterior wall.
Long-term
Cost-the sum of the initial cost plus maintenance
and repair costs over a specific period of time.
The
cost of maintenance and repairs can eat you up later in just a
few years if you don't "PlanWISELY". You may just find
yourself left with an ugly eyesore that is far too expensive to
repair. Stay out of the hole and get prepared to stay on top of
the situation!
You
don't have to have the most expensive materials on your home,
but you do need to make sure that what ever materials you do
use, that they will be applied properly, plus proper preventive
maintenance is done to help it last as long as possible.
Aluminum-Believe
it or not, some manufacturers are still making aluminum
siding.
In
my research I have seen articles that say this type of siding
no longer exists, but it does. If the region in which you live
is prone to hail, this may not be the siding for you as
aluminum can dent if struck.
http://www.aaof.org/
Brick-Beautiful,
strong, and long lasting, this type of exterior can be well
worth the investment. Brick is virtually maintenance free
which, is a blessing to any home-owner.
There
are all different designs, colors, and textures to choose
from. But, never should a brick wall be built without a brick
ledge that has been properly constructed within the
foundation. In addition, proper wall anchoring and moisture
control methods will determine the durability of your brick
wall. http://www.brickinfo.org/
Cast
Stone-An imitation natural stone product made of
Portland cement, crushed aggregate materials, and coloring
agents that are mixed together, then cast-poured into forms
and allowed to cure.
There
are several different types of building products made using
this method. Cast stone can be made to look just like the real
stone used to build walls, walks, etc..., or it can be made
into beautiful architectural products such as:
arches,
balustrades, mantels, and the list goes on.
http://www.caststone.org/
Galvalume-A
superior product to standard galvanized steel, this material
is to used as exterior siding as well as roofing materials in
contemporary applications.
This
material is rust resistant and never needs painting.
Therefore, it is maintenance free.
If
you tend to favor the new-age style, this is a product you may
want to consider. This type of siding also teams well with
steel wall construction. http://www.steelroofing.com/
Fiber-Cement
Siding-A New product that looks like wood
clap-board siding. This product was designed to out-perform
wood and other "clap-board" type siding
materials-manufacturers claim that it doesn't require the
expense and hassle of re-painting it near as often. However,
as in any product, do your research to find out if it is right
for you and your home.
http://www.concretehomes.com/Default.asp
http://www.jlconline.com/jlc/archive/exteriors/fiber_cement/
http://southface.org/
Hardboard
Siding-There are several different textures
available for this type of siding and comes in either 4x8
panels, or 4"-12" wide x 16' long strips to install
like "clap-boards".
The
initial expense of hardboard siding may be small in comparison
to other types of siding. However, in the long run, you may
not get by so cheaply due to its history of high maintenance,
repairs, and, in extreme cases, total replacement in just a
few short years.
Some
manufacturers have discontinued making this type of product
due to its problems and class-action suits won by unsatisfied
home-owners. Keep your eyes out for new and improved products.
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_tenwolde001.pdf#search='hardboard%20siding%20alternative'
Shake
Siding-Most popular on Cape Cod style homes, this
type of siding can add beauty and texture to any home.
It
can either be stained and sealed with a waterproofing agent,
or primed and painted.
http://www.cedarbureau.org/
Stone
Walls-Just a few decades ago, many exterior walls
were built of authentic solid stone. Today, the cost to build
a stone home has climbed to the elite luxury status.
Rarely,
if ever, is a home's exterior wall built of solid stone.
Generally, a stone face is applied over a "stick"
framed wall.
If
you like the Tuscan look, and your budget affords you to "go
all the way", then solid stone walls is what you may be
looking for.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos201.htm
Stucco-Historically
seen more often on Spanish influenced homes, this type of
surface has become more and more popular on many other home
styles as well.
There
are also several different types of "Stucco"
products used by professionals. Therefore, it is "WISE"
to do your research to find the best product suited for your
home and climate.
It
is also imperative that-if any stucco product will be applied
over a wood structure there be a moisture barrier installed,
and then a good wire lathe material before the stucco is
applied.
Proper
installation will ensure long lasting beauty for both your
stucco and the structure behind it. Consider this article:
http://www.codecheck.com/pdf/building/stuccoQ370-D.pdf
Vinyl-This
material is very popular for those who want a virtually
maintenance free exterior without the expense of brick,
stucco, or stone.
There
are several choices in manufacturers, styles, and colors to
choose from.
Vinyl
siding is easily installed and if you are a do-it-yourselfer,
this is a fairly simple project-just make sure that you learn
how to do it properly to prevent moisture problems.
http://www.vinylsiding.org/vsic/
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Wood
Siding-There are several options available for this
type of siding. It comes in either lap-siding or in sheet
panels with a choice between cedar, redwood, or other quality
solid woods.
